The inaugural Maundy coins featuring the likeness of King Charles III were distributed at a special service held at York Minster, continuing a centuries-old tradition. The historic event took place

in April 2023, with His Majesty personally presenting the coins to 74 men and 74 women, corresponding to his age at the time.

Each recipient received a red purse containing a commemorative £5 coin and a 50p piece, as well as a white purse filled with specially minted coins totaling 74 pence, symbolizing each year of King Charles III's age.

Accompanied by Queen Camilla, King Charles led the ceremony, overseen by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell. The Maundy service, rooted in the biblical Last Supper, historically involved monarchs washing the feet of the poor and distributing alms. While the tradition of feet washing has faded, the custom of giving money endures.

Since the reign of Henry IV in the 15th century, English monarchs have adhered to the tradition of presenting Maundy coins equal in number to their age. The practice of minting special Maundy money was initiated during the reign of King Charles II and continues today.

Rebecca Morgan, Director of Collector Services at The Royal Mint, emphasized the significance of the occasion, noting that King Charles III's portrait would appear on Maundy coins for the first time in history.

Unfortunately, King Charles will be absent from the 2024 Maundy service due to ongoing cancer treatment. Queen Camilla will preside over the ceremony on his behalf at Worcester Cathedral on March 28th, 2024. Photo by Royal mint.