The first 5p coins to feature the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III have entered circulation - and a Post Office in Powys is among a select few places in the UK where members of the public can get their hands on them.

The Royal Mint has released 23.2 million of the new 5p coins, marking the first time this denomination has borne the King’s portrait and the first design change for the coin in 17 years.

Newtown Post Office, run by popular postmistress Trupti Thakur, has been chosen to distribute a special allocation of the coins due to its proximity to The Brimmon Oak - a celebrated veteran tree that inspired part of the new coin’s design.

The 500-year-old oak, which was saved from felling during the construction of the A483 Newtown Bypass in 2015 following a public campaign, has deep local significance. The bypass was eventually re-routed by just over 49 feet to protect the tree and its surroundings.

The Brimmon Oak went on to be named Welsh and British Tree of the Year in 2016, and later finished runner-up in the European Tree of the Year awards - the best result ever achieved by a British tree.

The new 5p features an oak leaf design on the reverse (tails), symbolising the oak’s importance as a rich habitat for wildlife and its historic ties to British monarchy.

Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, said: "We are delighted to see His Majesty's first 5p coins entering circulation following public demand. The oak leaf design beautifully represents the deep connection between our monarchy and the natural world, reflecting King Charles III's lifelong dedication to environmental conservation. These coins offer the public a wonderful opportunity to discover a piece of living history in their everyday change, and for many, finding one of these special coins could be the beginning of a fascinating journey into the world of coin collecting.

“It is rare for the 5p design to change, with the last design, forming part of the shield, entering circulation in 2008. This makes it not only the first time the 5p depicts His Majesty King Charles III's effigy, but also the first design change for one of the smallest coins in circulation in 17 years.”

The Royal Mint has also allocated coins to several Post Office branches with “Oak” in their name, or those close to famous oak trees, including branches in Northern Ireland, Liverpool, and Scotland.

Russell Hancock, Supply Chain Director at Post Office, said: “We are incredibly proud to support the entry and circulation of this first 5p coin to bear His Majesty King Charles III's official portrait.”

This marks the third denomination to feature King Charles III’s portrait, following the introduction of the 50p and £1 coins since 2022.

Members of the public are encouraged to check their change in the coming weeks as the new coins begin appearing in tills and pockets across the country.

All coins featuring Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait will remain legal tender,