What will King Charles IIIs Royal Cypher look like?

The EIIR royal cypher (Elizabeth II Regina) has become a staple of our everyday lives. Consequently, the nation is asking, ‘what will King Charles III’s Royal Cypher look like?’

The EIIR royal cypher adorned our postboxes, passports, official uniform for over 70 years. It even appeared on coins – including Her Majesty’s 90th and 95th Birthday £5s.

Subsequently, as we welcome our new King, we will also see his royal cypher. During the proclamation ceremony at Buckingham Palace on the 10th September 2022, it’s believed that this cypher was worn on his Majesty’s tie pin.

King Charles addresses nation at the official Proclamation. Seen wearing a pin that could be his royal cypher.
King Charles III wearing his cypher after he was confirmed King (Pictures: PA)

However, the official new royal cypher has now been revealed. As expected, it shows his Majesty’s initials, ‘CR‘ which stand for Charles Rex – the latin word for King.

The letter ‘R’ was also used as the King signed his name on the proclamation, as part of the long-standing tradition which goes back as far as Henry I in the early 12th century.

King Charles III Royal Cypher. Credit: Buckingham Palace

Replacing the EIIR Royal Cypher

The King’s royal cypher will eventually take over the Queen’s EIIR Royal Cypher. Significantly on government buildings, uniforms, and official documents.

The Royal Mail has confirmed “all existing post boxes [or those prepared for installation] will… also retain the insignia of Queen Elizabeth II” (EIIR Royal Cypher).

Thereafter, stamps will be updated once Royal Mail have completed the process of creating new designs with the portrait of the King.

As for coins, circulating coinage featuring Her Majesty’s portrait continue to be legal tender. While new coins featuring the King’s portrait will be very exciting for collectors, expect them to circulate slowly.

Remember, it is tradition for the portrait of the new monarch to face in the opposite direction, so we can expect new coins featuring the King to show his portrait facing left.

Undoubtedly it will be a sought-after issue among collectors looking to preserve this historic moment for generations to come.

So, where do you think Charles III’s royal cypher should appear? What is your favourite use of the EIIR royal cypher? Let us know in the comments below.

If you’d like to find out more about what’s set to happen next to UK coins and banknotes, head over to our FAQ page here >>


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Preparing for change – what happens to UK coins and banknotes

Queen Elizabeth II was our longest reigning monarch – appearing on our UK coinage since 1953.

All 29 billion coins currently in circulation in the UK have Queen Elizabeth II’s effigy on the obverse.

Close up image of British banknotes and coins.
Close-up of British banknotes and coins.

As the nation prepares for a new monarch, questions are being asked about what happens to our UK coins and banknotes.


What happens to UK coins and banknotes with Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait and how long will they remain in circulation?

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What happens to British Isles and Commonwealth coinage with Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait on it?

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What do I need to do with my QEII coins and banknotes?

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When will the King’s coinage start circulating in the UK?

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Which direction will the King’s portrait face on our UK coins?

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Will there be a new obverse designer on the coinage of the King?

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What will King Charles III’s Royal Cypher look like?

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– Collect and track the coins they have
– Swap their spare coins with other Change Checkers

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Code-Cracking Coins Go Global!

Today we’ve heard the news of an Australian 50 cent coin being released featuring a code-cracking design which has got Change Checkers across the globe talking…

That’s because FOUR unique layers of code have been included in the design, each containing special messages about the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) – with the coin issued in celebration of their 75th anniversary.

New Australian 50 cent celebrates 75th Anniversary of the ASD. Credit: Royal Australian Mint

The challenge for Australian collectors really is on to decipher the codes, including modern binary messages alongside coding which dates back thousands of years!

But, for collectors here in the UK, I’m sure this new Australian 50 cent has got you thinking about a recent 50p release with a design just waiting to be deciphered…

This UK 50p was issued to celebrate the life and achievements of famed war hero and cryptologist, Alan Turing.

Now, there’s no surprise this coin was popular with collectors. Not only is the 50p the UK’s most collected coin, but the release of last year’s Turing £50 banknote was the talk of the town! However, what really caught the attention of collectors was the design of the 50p…

You see, The Royal Mint have included not just one, but THREE hidden codes on the reverse of the Alan Turing 50p – can you spot them all?

GEARS GRIN THAN

Can you spot the words ‘GEARS GRIN THAN’ on the design of this coin?


When these words are entered into the ‘What 3 Words‘ navigation database, it shows a location for the University of Cambridge, where Turing studied mathematics!

ONLY A FORETASTE OF WHAT’S TO COME

The next hidden message is one of my favourite features of any UK coin.


Alan Turing’s famous quote ‘Only a foretaste of what is to come’ appears as an inscription.
This quote came from his reflections of his code-breaking machine, Bombe.

CD AND MD

And of course, the designers behind this fantastic design get an honorary feature, with Christian Davies and Matt Dent’s initials featuring as an inscription.

I’m sure you’ll agree that these new coins are quite unlike anything we’ve seen before and the code-breaking elements are an incredibly fun addition to an already stunning design.

I’d love to hear what you think of these designs and whether you can crack the codes! Let me know in the comments below!

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