Which way will King Charles III portrait face?

‘Will King Charles III portrait face left or right?’

We don’t know what the King’s coin portrait will look like yet. However, a coin issued in 2018 by the Royal Mint to commemorate his 70th birthday gave us a hint.

A tradition set by James II, each monarch’s portrait faces the opposite direction to the previous. For instance, our currency before Queen Elizabeth II took the throne saw George VI facing left.

The only exception to this long-standing tradition occurred when Edward VIII requested his portrait should face left, like his father’s portrait before him. It’s believed Edward VIII preferred his left profile.

However, due to his abdication, no coins with his left facing portrait were ever issued for circulation.

Consequently, his brother’s George VI followed tradition, as though his brother had faced right as intended.

Whilst details are yet to be confirmed, collectors around the world will be wondering whether King Charles III will face left or right on our coins.

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