The Royal Canadian Mint has unveiled its effigy of King Charles III which will appear on Canadian coins.

A release event was held at the Mint’s facility near Winnipeg, Tuesday afternoon.

Canadian portrait artist, Steve Rosati was the designer and he said it was a privilege.

“I am honoured and humbled to have had my design of his Majesty King Charles III effigy in such a prestigious moment in the history of Canadian coins,” Rosati said.

Rosati’s design was chosen from more than 350 artists and engravers, after a process that took more than a year.

The image of the King, like his predecessor Queen Elizabeth II, will profile the left side of his face, with the initials of Rosati appearing on the coin.

The coins featuring Queen Elizabeth II will stick around for a while, with coins having a life span of more than 20 years.