In efforts to combat counterfeiting and add security measures, in 2016 The Royal Mint issued the last round pounds, including this piedfort silver proof edition. They were replaced the following year with new twelve sided, bimetallic coins inspired by the old threepenny bit. The first coin with the value of one pound was the 1489 gold sovereign during the reign of Henry VII. Three hundred years later, £1 banknotes were issued following runs on the Bank of England and worries about gold shortages. The Pound Note survived decimalisation, replacing the previous ten shilling note, and continued to be printed until 1984, when it was replaced by a coin due to inflation. For the next thirty two years, the round One Pound coin was used and carried a variety of beautiful heraldic and national designs. Bishop Gregory Cameron created a heraldic design for the new bimetallic coin. Unfortunately he was not successful in winning that competition, but his design was so popular with The Royal Mint Advisory Committee, that it was chosen for the final round pound design instead. It features the 'Royal Beasts' of the four nations in a cyclical design with a crown in the centre. The lion of England, dragon of Wales, stag of Northern Ireland, and unicorn of Scotland are rotated around the design in four quarters, with the denomination 'ONE POUND' inscribed on the rim. Cameron described the animals as 'symbolic of our proud and varied history.' The edge inscription reads 'DECUS ET TUTAMEN' or 'an ornament and a safeguard.' Just 2,993 of these double thickness coins were issued, and this one comes in its original packaging with certificate of authenticity. It weighs 19.00 grams and has a diameter of 22.50 milimetres. Struck in .925 sterling silver it is finished to proof standard.

Obverse

Portrait of Her Majesty the Queen by Jody Clark. Fifth official effigy. Legend around: 'ELIZABETH · II · D · G · REG · F · D · 2016'.

Reverse

Four part design by Gregory Cameron featuring the Royal Beasts of the Home Nations. The four quarters depict England's lion, Scotland's unicorn, Northern Ireland's stag, and Wales' dragon. Crown in the centre and denomination at top and bottom.

Edge

Edge inscription: 'DECUS ET TUTAMEN'.

Specification

Proof coin, struck in 19.00 grams of .925 sterling silver. Diameter: 22.50 millimetres. Face value: £1 / One Pound.

Presentation

Just 2,993 £1 coins were issued in this presentation. Comes in its original box with certificate of authenticity.

Product Summary

Product Code: UK16L1PF

Metal: Silver

Precious Metal Content: 17.57 (g)

Material: Silver

Monarch: Elizabeth II (1952-2022)

Denomination: £1 / One Pound

Country: United Kingdom

Finish: Proof

UK Capital Gains Tax Status: Exempt

Weight: 19.00g

Condition: Proof - Boxed with certificate of authenticity

Diameter:22.50mm