King Charles III celebrates his 75th birthday in 2023. To mark the occasion, the Royal Mint pays tribute to him by issuance of a silver coin.

Few British monarchs have had to face comparisons with their predecessor on ascending the throne as Charles III. Queen Elizabeth II, who was 26 years old at the time of her coronation, spent a full seven decades on the throne, becoming the longest living and longest reigning British monarch of all time. Her son, by contrast, took a record time to prepare to take office - practically half a century. He did not become king until he was 73 - the oldest heir to the throne in the history of the British monarchy. Yet initially there were doubts. It was unclear how the new head of state would be received by the islanders and how the controversial former prince would cope with his new role. However, it quickly became clear that Charles III was the man for the job. He explaines it to the UK and the world that the monarchy belongs to the 21st century. He is open, sensitive and tries to be as close to ordinary people as possible. It emphasises environmentalism, charitable activities and social responsibility. His beloved wife, Queen Camilla, who is a firm supporter of the King, has also played an unquestionable part in his success.

Charles III's great passion is the protection of nature, therefore, the reverse side of the birthday coin presents not only the royal emblem and the number 75, but also plant motifs. "While the delphinium is the King's favourite flower, the oak represents strength, morality and education," explains designer Dan Thorne. If you look closely, you'll also see a bee, a dragonfly and a ladybird in relief. You will also find an environmental message on the edge of the coin, which bears the text RESTORING HARMONY WITH NATURE. The obverse side is dominated by the official portrait of the King, which is the work of sculptor Martin Jennings. The profile is surrounded by the text CHARLES III D G REX F D (Charles III, King by the Grace of God, Defender of the Faith), the nominal value of 5 POUNDS (GBP) and the year of issue 2023.

Moreover, the design of the coin, which is placed in an elegant box, is influenced by a tradition that dates back to the 17th century. This tradition states that the profiles of the monarchs alternate - as the Queen on the coins looks to the right, her son looks to the left.