Cash is king: Charles III banknotes enter circulation

Europe
By AFP | Jun 06, 2024
New notes featuring King Charles III. [Bank of England/PA]

British banknotes bearing the image of King Charles III entered circulation for the first time on Wednesday, nearly two years after he succeeded his mother Queen Elizabeth II.

The four banknotes with the king's portrait on the front carry values of PS5 ($6.4), PS10, PS20 and PS50 and will be used alongside those bearing the image of Elizabeth, who died in September 2022.

Coins bearing Charles's head entered circulation in December 2022.

The updates come as Britons increasingly use physical and online bank cards, rather than cash, to make payments.

But Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey called it "a historic moment", with the late queen having served a record 70 years on the throne.

"We know that cash is important for many people, and we are committed to providing banknotes for as long as the public demand them," he added.

Based on a photograph owned by the royal household and made available in 2013, Charles in late 2022 approved the final designs of the notes featuring his engraved portrait.

The new cash - made from polymer that has already been used to replace paper money in the UK since 2016 -- will gradually replace the older notes.

Share this story
Man City chase Fernandez, Arsenal eye Alvarez on deadline day
Manchester City hope to seal a blockbuster move for Enzo Fernandez, while Arsenal have their sights set on Julian Alvarez in the final hours before the transfer window closes.
Arteta hails Arsenal's 'finishers' after Saka killed off Villa
Mikel Arteta said Arsenal's ability to kill off their Premier League rivals will be key to their title defence after Bukayo Saka sealed a 1-0 win against Aston Villa on Monday.
Six defining moments of Lionel Messi's Argentina career
Messi's international career began as a fresh-faced 18-year-old in 2005. His first cap was unforgettable for the wrong reasons
Little Fish and Seahorses dominate NCSA gala
Little Fish Swim Club and Seahorses Aquatic Center emerged top of the Nairobi County Swimming Association (NCSA) Inter-Clubs Invitational Championship held at the Kiota School over the weekend.
Lionel Messi retires from international football
Lionel Messi, widely considered the greatest footballer in history, has officially drawn the curtain on his legendary 21-year international career.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS