Did you know series (12): One Pound coins:
The contribution of the Great British one-pound coins in keeping alive
the historical legends/emblems/heritage of the United kingdom/British Isles:
(1983 – Present day).
I am giving below the
stories/legends/historical significance of the designs on the various one pound
circulating /uncirculated coins from the 1983 to present day. Some of these
coins have been contributed for my coin collection by my friends:
Ajit (3 coins), Dennis (2 image scans) and Jayant (3 coins).
I had collected
several one pound coins during my Christmas/New Year vacations spent with Ajit
in London in December 2006 (during which my cousin who had taken us to visit
the Greenwich International time-line and the famous ship the Cutty Sark,
collected all my one pound coins and dropped them in the car parking meter
before realising that one could park vehicles for 15 minutes only at that
spot. So, the coins were lost and we could not park the car at that spot.
The first time that a one pound coin
(nicknamed the “Round Pound”) was issued by the Royal Mint on 21st
April 1983, replacing the one Pound currency Note which ceased to be issued in
1984 and was completely withdrawn from circulation on 11th March
1988. Nevertheless one pound notes are still issued in Jersey, Guernsey, the
Isle of Man as well as the Royal Bank of Scotland.
An interesting feature of the one pound
coin issues is that the designs on the reverse of the coins are different for
every year from 1983 to 2008 and by rotation, show an emblem/legend/historical
heritage representing the U.K., England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and
Scotland.
On the obverse is placed a bust/portrait
of a young Queen Elizabeth II facing right wearing a coronet. On the left
periphery is the inscription “D.G.REG.F.D.1983” (By the grace of God Queen,
Defender of the Faith). The year of
issue is 1983. On the right periphery is mentioned “Elizabeth II”. This
design was made by Arnold Machin. Notice that the obverse side designer’s
initials do not figure below the Queen’s portrait, as in the later one pound
coins issued from 1998 onwards.
The specifications of this and all other
circulating one Pound coins is Nickel-brass alloy (Copper 70%, Zinc 24.5% and
Nickel 5.5%. Its diameter is 22.50mm and it has a weight of 9.50 gms. The value
of the metal composition placed in each GBP 1 coin is 4.18 UK pennies; hence it
is very cost effective for the Royal Mint to issue these coins.
The reverse was designed by Eric Sewell
and shows the Ornamental Royal Arms.
This
design was repeated in 1993, 1998, 1999, 2003 and then again in 2008. The coins
issued in 1998 and 1999 were commemorative coins only and not issued as
circulating coins.
DECUS ET TUTAMEN (meaning “An Ornament and a Safeguard”): is the Latin edge inscription on the coin with
“decus” meaning shield, virtue, honour/glory and “tutamen” meaning defence or
protection”).
The origin of this phrase seems to be from
Virgil’s poem “The Aeneid, Book V L.262”, where the poet refers to a piece of armour,
(a breast – plate interwoven with gold, awarded as a prize to Mnestheus, of the
House of Asaracus, the hero of Memmii, who is Aeneas’s senior-most lieutenant
and is the runners-up in the boat-race during the funeral games of Anchises),
as “viro decus et tutamen in armis”.
In British coinage, this inscription
refers to as a safeguard against “clipping of precious metal” or “coin
debasement” (by decreasing the amount of precious metal in a coin, while, still
continuing to circulate it at face value, leaving the debaser with a profit) minted
from 1774 onwards and this edge inscription has been carried forward to these
base metal coins being minted in the designated years.
The
phrase “decus et tutamen” is, also, the motto of a British Cavalry Regiment,
presently an Artillery Regiment called the Essex Yeomanry raised in 1794.
Also seen on the edge of this coin as well as all other issues
from the Royal Mint since 1968, is a small
crosslet which is the mint mark of Llantrisant in South Wales where the Royal Mint is now
based.( All my commemorative coins booked from the Royal Mint have been sent to
me from Llantrisant).
The obverse of the one-pound coin issued in 1984 has the same portrait of Queen
Elizabeth II which appeared on the 1983 issue designed by Arnold Machin and has
the same inscriptions on its periphery.
The reverse of this coin has been
depicts a Scottish emblem/legend and shows a Thistle sprig in a coronet,
representing Scotland.
The edge inscription on this coin is “NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT” which
translates from Latin into English as “No
one attacks me with impunity” or “ No one can harm me unpunished” or in
Scottish as “Wha daur meddle wi’me?”. In Scottish Gaelic it is “Cha togar m’fhearg
gun dioladh”.
The
legend goes thus: The ancient land of Scotland was
under attack by the sea – faring Norwegian Vikings. As per fighting traditions,
the battles continued during the day and cease-fire was observed at sun-down to
tend to the wounded and carry the dead for their last rites, only to be resumed
at sun-rise the next day. This practice was observed in the great Mahabharata
War in Indian tradition and the Trojan War in Greek tradition et al. The wily
Viking Generals thought that the best time to attack the Scottish defences was
at night. Unfortunately for the Vikings, one of their soldiers stepped on a
prickly thistle, alerting the Scottish defences and the Viking attack was
repulsed.
Thus, the thistle having saved the day
for the Scots, has been given the honour of being the Floral Emblem of Scotland
and “me” in the phrase originally referred to the Thistle itself, but today it,
inter alia, refers to three Scottish/British Regiments, which have adopted it
viz. Royal Scots, Royal Scots Greys, Royal Highland Fusiliers, the Black Watch (Royal
Highland Regiment of the Canadian Forces – a reserve infantry regiment), the
Royal Company of Archers, Cape town Highlanders Regiment – a reserve mechanised
infantry unit in South Africa etc.
During the reign of Charles II, the
motto appeared on a scroll beneath the shield and overlying the compartment and
was added to the Royal Coat of Arms of Scotland and from 1707 onwards appears
on the Scottish version of the Arms of the British Sovereigns, including in the
present Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom used in Scotland. The motto
appears in conjunction with the collar of the “Order of the Thistle” placed
around the shield.
The motto also finds a mention in Edgar
Allan Poe’s story “The Cask of Amontillado” and in a ballad titled “Little Jock
Elliot”. It can also be seen on 1778 $20 bills issued from Georgia.
This
design was engraved on the 1984 and 1989 Scottish editions of the British
one-pound coin.
The motto,
on the other hand, has been shown as an edge inscription on the 1984 and 1994
Scottish editions of the British one pound coins.
The obverse of this 1985 Welsh edition of the one pound coin has a portrait of
Queen Elizabeth II wearing a crown, designed by Raphael Maklouf. This design
was repeated in 1997. The inscriptions on the periphery of this coin are
essentially the same as the earlier ones. However, notice, that, unlike, in the
earlier two coins issued in 1983 and 1984, the Queen’s name “Elizabeth II” has
moved to the left hand side of the coin and the words “D.G. Reg. F.D. 1985”
have moved to the right hand side of the coin. The edge inscription is “PLEIDIOL WYF I’M GWLAD” (meaning – True am
I to my country) and is taken from the refrain of “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” (English
Translation – “Old Land of my Fathers” - the Welsh National Anthem).
The reverse of this coin shows a Leek in
a coronet, representing Wales. The Leek is one of the National emblems of Wales,
and is worn along with the Daffodil (which in Welsh is also known as “Peter’s
Leek) on St. David’s Day.
Legend has it that King Cadwaladr of
Gwynedd told his troops to wear Leeks on their helmets in a battle against the
Saxons to identify themselves to their comrades, as the battle took place in a
Leek field.
The Leek also finds a mention in
Shakespeare’s Henry V, where Henry wears a Leek, as he is shown as being
of Welsh origins and in keeping with Welsh’ ancient traditions.
The Leek is also placed on a cap badge
of the Welsh Guards, a Regiment of the Household Division of the British army.
The
Leek in a coronet design was carried in both the 1985 and 1990 Welsh editions
of the one pound coin.
The next coin in my collection was issued in 1991 and is a repeat of the Irish
(Northern Ireland) edition of the one pound coin issued in 1986. The
obverse design is the same as was carried in the coin shown above.
The edge
inscription is again “DECUS ET TUTAMEN”
(an Ornament and a Safeguard), as explained under the 1983 one pound coin
discussed above.
The reverse shows “Flax” placed in a
coronet, representing Northern Ireland. Flax is among the oldest fibres crops
in the World and was used to manufacture cloth since the times of the ancient
Egyptians. Later it was cultivated in Northern Europe since Neolithic times.
Flax is the emblem of Northern Ireland
and is used by the Northern Ireland Assembly and is, also found on the badge of
the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom and on various other logos.
The next coin was issued in 1987 and 1992, and is from the England edition of the
one-pound coin.
The obverse design is the same as was carried in the coin
shown above. The edge inscription is again “DECUS ET TUTAMEN” (an Ornament and a Safeguard), as explained under the
1983 one pound coin discussed above.
The reverse shows an Oak tree in a
coronet, representing England. The Oak tree is a symbol of England,
representing strength and endurance.
The term Royal Oak refers to the escape of
King Charles II from the hands of the Parliamentarians after his father’s
execution, because he hid in an oak tree to avoid detection before safely
reaching exile.
This coin was issued in 1994 and is the Scottish edition of the one
pound coin. The obverse design is the same as was carried in the coins
shown immediately above. The edge inscription on this coin is “NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT”, explained in
detail above in this post.
The reverse shows a Lion Rampant within
a double tressure flory counter flory representing Scotland. This image
represents the Royal Standard of Scotland (Scottish Gaelic: “Bratach rioghail
na h-Alba” and in Scots: “Royal Banner o Scotland”) also known as the “Banner
of the King of the Scots” or “the Lion Rampant of Scotland”.
Royal
Standard of Scotland
It is also the Scottish Royal Banner of
Arms. This Royal Banner was adopted as the Royal emblem in 1222, during the
reign of Alexander II. It is different from the Scottish National flag “the
Saltire”, and is used only by officials / royal residences in Scotland as
prescribed by an Act of the Scottish Parliament.
Since 1603, the Lion Rampant of Scotland
has been included in both the Royal Arms and Royal banners of Scottish and
British monarchs to symbolise Scotland. The Royal standard of Scotland is one
of the most popular symbols of Scotland. The design of the banner which has
been represented here is traditionally “Red (Gules) Lion Rampant, with blue
(Azure) claws and tongue, within a red double border having a motif of
alternating heraldic lilies, on a yellow (Or) field.
The obverse of two one–pound coins representing the Welsh editions issued in 1995 and
2000. Notice that the effigy of
Queen Elizabeth II is different in both these coins.
The first coin shows
her portrait as was being engraved in the earlier coins shown above.
However,
since 1998, a new design created by Ian Rank – Broadley is seen on the obverse
of all coins issued by the Royal Mint, hence the second coin shows a different
image of the Queen. Also, notice the initials of the obverse designer “IRB”
below the bust of the Queen which have appeared for the first time since 1998
on the one pound coins.
The edge inscription on this coin is “PLEIDIOL WYF I’M GWLAD” (meaning True am I
to my country).
The reverse shows the Welsh Dragon
Passant representing Wales. In Welsh: “Y
Ddraig Goch” or “the red dragon”) which appears on the National Flag of Wales.
The flag is also called “Y Ddraig Goch”.
Flag
of Wales.
The oldest mention of this flag is found
in the “Historia Brittonum (History of Britain) written in the ninth century
A.D. and is said to have been the battle standard of King Arthur (also referred
to as Arthur Pendragon named after his father “Uther Pendragon” or “Chief Dragon”)
and other Celtic leaders.
The red dragon also finds a mention in the “Mabinogion” story
of “Lludd and LLefelys”, where the Red Dragon fights with the invading white
dragon, till King LLudd takes the help of his brother Llefelys who fills a deep
pit with mead which the dragons drink and go to sleep, thus saving the people
from collateral damage from their fierce fight and are imprisoned in “Dinas
Emrys” in Snowdonia.
It is further mentioned that centuries later
King Vortigen is unsuccessful in building walls for a castle over the land
where the two dragons sleep , till a boy ( said to have been Merlin, the wisest
wizard who ever lived gets Vortigen to free the dragons who continue their
fight till the white dragon is defeated. The Red dragon symbolises the Welsh
people and the white dragon represents the Saxons who could not subdue the
Welsh.
Henry VII showed the red dragon of
“Cadwaladr ap Cadwallon” on his banner which was augmented in 1953.
The augmented badge depicts: “Within a
circular riband Argent fimbriated Or bearing the motto “Y DDRAIG GOCH DDYRY
CYCHWYN” (meaning – the Red dragon inspires action), in letters Vert, and
ensigned with a representation of the Crown proper, an escutcheon per fesse
argent and Vert and thereon the Dragon passant”.
Picture
of red dragon Royal badge
This badge is part of the Arms of the
Welsh capital city of Cardiff and is also found
on a flag of Wales, which was replaced by the current flag of Wales.
A badge used by the Prince of Wales
since 1901 also shows a red dragon which has now been replaced since 2008 by
another badge.
The obverse sides of the two one pound issues in 1996 and 2001 representing the Northern Ireland editions have the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II
engraved differently in both these coins.
The first coin issued in 1996 shows her portrait as was being engraved in the pound
coins prior to 1998.
However, since 1998, a new design created by Ian Rank –
Broadley is seen on the obverse of all coins issued by the Royal Mint, hence
the second coin(given above) shows a different image of the Queen as it has been issued in 2001.
The edge inscription on this coin is
“DECUS ET TUTAMEN”(An ornament and a safeguard).
The reverse shows:
i)
a Celtic Cross (in Irish: cross Cheilteach, in
Welsh: croes Geltaidd, in Cornish: krows Geltek ). Below is an image of a traditional Celtic cross:
ii)
a Broighter collar (The Broighter Gold is a
treasure of gold artefacts from the Iron Age discovered in 1896 in Northern Ireland and
inter alia, includes a gold boat, a gold
torc/collar and bowl. A design from this important gold find has been included
on this one pound coin design. The Treasure/hoard is kept in the National
Museum of Ireland at Dublin after a long drawn court battle regarding the
ownership of the artefacts. Some items in this find are described as the finest
examples of Irish La Tene gold-work. Below is an image of the Broighter collar together with a bowl found in the treasure/hoard:
iii)
A pimpernel in the centre (a flowering plant
from the genus Anagallis; family Myrsinaceae).
(I use this coin while doing a Tarot Card reading using the Celtic Cross deck, because it represents Celtic traditions through the Ages. Please refer my post on the link given at the bottom of this post).
The
next coin in my collection was issued in 1997 and 2002 from the England edition
of the one pound coins.
The obverse of this coin
shows this effigy of Queen Elizabeth II for the last time, as it was replaced
in 1998 by another design.
The edge inscription is “DECUS ET TUTAMEN” (meaning
– An Ornament and a Safeguard).
Reverse of the above coin showing three lions passant representing England.
This coin features the three Lions which are on the Royal Arms of England.
The Arms showing three Lions was originally adopted by Richard the Lion Heart
in 1198. It is blazoned as “gules, three lions passant guardant Or” and is one
of the most prominent symbols of England and is similar to the traditional Arms
of Normandy.
Image of the
Royal Banner of England
The Royal banner of England carries an
image of three Lions and the motto “DIEU ET MON DROIT” (meaning God and my
right).
Forth Bridge,
Scotland:
This coin was issued in 2004 and has the Queen’s bust
designed by Ian Rank-Broadley and engraved on all British coins since 1998.
This coin is from the Scotland edition of British one Pound coins.
The edge inscription on this coin is two overlapping
lines, one curved and one angular.
The reverse of this coin shows the Forth Railway Bridge,
encircled by a Railway Line. The Forth Bridge is a cantilever Railway Bridge
over the Firth of Forth, in the East of Scotland. Also referred to as the Forth
Railway Bridge, it has been in use since 4th March 1890. The Bridge
connects Edinburgh (Capital of Scotland) with Fife and is a major Rail – link between
the North – East and South – East of the country. It is one of the most famous
internationally recognised Scottish landmarks and is in line to get the UNESCO
World Heritage site status. The Forth Bridge till 1917 was the longest single
cantilever bridge span in the world. It currently is the second largest such
Bridge in the World after the Quebec Bridge.
In addition, the 2007 series of Bank – notes issued by
the Bank of Scotland in their Prominent Scottish Bridges series, have featured
this Bridge on the 20 Pound note.
The next coin in my collection is from the Welsh edition and was issued in
2005.
The obverse of this coin shows the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II which
has been engraved on all British coins since 1998. Notice the initials of the
designer, below the queen’s bust “IRB” (for Ian Rank-Broadley).
The edge inscription shows two
overlapping lines, one curved and one angular.
The reverse of this coin shows the Menai Suspension Bridge (Welsh: Pont Grog y
Borth) inside a border of railings and stanchions/encircled by a truss. The
reverse has been designed by Edwina Ellis.
This suspension bridge is found between
the island of Anglesey and the mainland of Wales. Designed by Thomas Telford
and commissioned in 1826, it is the first modern suspension bridge in the
World. On 28th February 2005, the bridge was declared a World
Heritage Site by UNESCO.
This coin in my collection is from the Northern Ireland edition and was issued in
2006. The obverse of this coin shows the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II which
has been engraved on all British coins since 1998.
Notice the initials of the
designer, below the queen’s bust “IRB” (for Ian Rank-Broadley).
The edge inscription shows two
overlapping lines, one curved and one angular.
The reverse shows the MacNeill’s Egyptian Arch at Newry – in
Irish “Airse Eigipteach Mac Neill”. It is found on the Belfast – Dublin
Railway Line in Northern Ireland and the Arch was constructed in 1851 by Sir
John Macneill. The rail bridge passes over the Newry – Camlough Road in the
county Armagh. Interestingly, the bridge is so named because of its resemblance
to an Egyptian Pharoah’s head – piece. This design too has been made by Edwina Ellis.
Millennium Bridge,
Newcastle/Gateshead (England):
This coin was issued in 2007 and has the Queen’s bust
designed by Ian Rank-Broadley and engraved on all British coins since 1998.
This coin is from the England edition of British one
Pound coins.
The edge inscription on this coin is two overlapping
lines, one curved and one angular.
The reverse of the
coin shows the Millennium Bridge encircled by a truss. Designed by Wilkinson
Eyre Architects and engineered by Gifford, it is one of the most distinguished
Bridges on the river Tyne. It is a Pedestrian and Cyclist Tilt Bridge between
Gateshead’s Quays arts quarter on the South Bank and the Quayside of Newcastle
upon Tyne on the North Bank. The Bridge has been in use since 7th
May 2002. An interesting feature of this Bridge is that it has Hydraulic Rams
which rotate the Bridge back on large bearings to allow small ships and crafts
to pass underneath. The Bridge is sometimes referred to as the “Blinking Eye
Bridge” or the Winking Eye Bridge” because of its appearance during this
rotation.
The Gateshead Millennium Bridge has also featured on a
postage stamp.
The obverse shows a bust of Queen
Elizabeth II in the style of the design approved in 1998 made by Ian Rank Broadley with the inscription on the periphery and the year of issue 2012.
The edge inscription on this coin is “DECUS ET TUTAMEN”(An ornament and a
safeguard).(For a detailed reference, please refer my post “65)
The Royal Coat of arms of the United Kingdom: Great British 2012 Coin set
(Uncirculated) issued by Royal Mint, U.K.” - on the link given at the bottom of this post).
The design carried on the
reverse of this coin is the four quarterings of the Royal
shield from the Royal Arms and is the standard design on one pound coins issued from 2008 onwards. (For a detailed reference, please refer my post “65)
The Royal Coat of arms of the United Kingdom: Great British 2012 Coin set
(Uncirculated) issued by Royal Mint, U.K.” - on the link given at the end of this post).
There are, however the following four exceptions, where four coins were issued
commemorating the Capital cities of the United Kingdom:
i) The Coat of Arms of the City of London (one pound commemorative coin
issued in 2010):
The Obverse of this coin has the Queen’s
bust designed by Ian Rank-Broadley together with the inscription “ELIZABETH II
D.G.REG.F.D. 2010”. The edge inscription on this coin is “DOMINE DIRIGE NOS
(LORD GUIDE US), which is the motto of the City of London in Latin.
On the reverse is the circular coat of
Arms of the City of London, with the words “LONDON” on the top and the
denomination of the coin “ONE” and “POUND” on either side of the Shield. The
Coat of Arms of the three other capital cities being commemorated with similar
one-pound coin issues are placed in small engraving on the lower side of the
coin, with the Arms of Cardiff, Belfast and Edinburgh being shown from left to
right.
ii) The Coat of Arms of the City of Belfast (one pound commemorative
coin issued in 2010):
The obverse of this coin is similar to
the above coin. The edge inscription on this coin is “PRO TANTO QUID
RETRIBUAMUS” (FOR SO MUCH, WHAT SHALL WE GIVE IN RETURN), which is the motto of
the City of Belfast in Latin.
On the reverse is the circular Coat of
Arms of Belfast, with the words “BELFAST” on the top and the denomination of
the coin “ONE” and “POUND” on either side of the Shield. The Coat of Arms of
the three other capital cities being commemorated with similar one-pound coin
issues are placed in small engraving on the lower side of the coin, with the
Arms of Edinburgh, London and Cardiff being shown from left to right.
iii) The Coat of Arms of the city of Cardiff ( one pound commemorative
coin issued in 2011):
The obverse of this coin is similar to
the above coin. The edge Inscription is “Y DDRAIG GOCH DDYRY CYCHWYN” (THE RED
DRAGON SHALL LEAD), which is the motto of the City of Cardiff in Latin.
On the reverse is the circular Coat of
Arms of Cardiff, with the words “CARDIFF” on the top and the denomination of
the coin “ONE” and “POUND” on either side of the Shield. The Coat of Arms of
the three other capital cities being commemorated with similar one-pound coin
issues are placed in small engraving on the lower side of the coin, with the
Arms of Belfast, Edinburgh and London
being shown from left to right.
iv) The Coat of Arms of the city of Edinburgh
(one pound commemorative
coin issued in 2011):
The obverse of this coin is similar to
the above coin. The edge Inscription is “NISI DOMINUS FRUSTRA” (It is vain
without the Lord), which is the motto of the City of Edinburgh in Latin.
On the reverse is the circular
Coat of Arms of Edinburgh, with the words “EDINBURGH” on the top and the
denomination of the coin “ONE” and “POUND” on either side of the Shield. The
Coat of Arms of the three other capital cities being commemorated with similar
one-pound coin issues are placed in small engraving on the lower side of the
coin, with the Arms of London, Cardiff and Belfast and Cardiff being shown from
left to right.
Posted on 03.12.12:
For 2013, the Royal Mint has brought out two new one pound coins whose reverse has been designed by Timothy Noad. The reverse of the coin representing England features an oak branch with an acorn which is perfectly balanced with a stem showing a Tudor-inspired rose. The edge inscription is "DECUS ET TUTAMEN"( An ornament and a safeguard).
The reverse of the coin design representing Wales, features the leek with a daffodil, their leaves intertwined. The edge inscription id "PLEIDIOL WYF I'M GWALAD" (True I am to my country).
The obverse of these coins will be the same as before, with the year of issue mentioned as 2013.
The Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) versions in base metal (Nickel Brass) for collectors are already available for booking on the Royal Mint website, while the gold, silver piedfort and silver versions are expected to be released by May 2013.
Two more coins representing Northern Ireland and Scotland will be released in 2014 completing the quartet.
Posted on 09.04.2017:
The new 12-sided One Pound UK coin put into circulation on 28.03.17: Salient features: Demonetisation of the presently circulating “round one pound coin” by 15.10.2017:
Tarot Card post link:
http://tarotmysteries.blogspot.in/2012/06/1-reading-tarot-counsellor-and-guardian.html
Links:
British Crown Dependencies:
1) Specimen Banknotes from the States of Jersey
2) Coinage and Currency from the States of Jersey
3) Currency & Coinage of the Bailiwick of Guernsey
4) Currency & Coinage of Gibraltar : An Overseas Territory of Great Britain
5) Coinage of Gibraltar: (A British Overseas Territory): An Uncirculated Decimal Coin Collection Set minted by the Tower Mint, UK in 2010
6) The Isle of Man: An Uncirculated Decimal Coin Collection Set minted by Pobjoy Mint, UK in 2015
7) The Centenary of the ill-fated Titanic (15.04.1912 - 15.04.2012): An Alderney Five Pound Coin Commemorating the Maritime Legend
8) "Man of Steel": A Superman Movie: A set of stamps brought out in 2013 by Jersey post, the States of Jersey, commemorating Henry William Dalgliesh Cavill who played Superman in the Movie
9) Coins & Currency of Bermuda
10) The Bailiwick of Jersey - Presently circulating coinage - Pounds and Pence
11) St. Helena & Ascension Islands: An Uncirculated Coin Set from 2003
12) The Legend of the "HMAV Bounty" is interwoven with the heritage of the Pitcairn Islands: An uncirculated coin set from Pitcairn Islands in 2009 depicting the icons/relics of the Bounty minted by the New Zealand Mint
Famous Battles:
1) Bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo and Napoleon's Exile to St. Helena: (Part I): A One Crown Commemorative coin issued by the Ascension Island (minted by Pobjoy Mint UK)
2) Bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo and Napoleon's Exile to st. Helena: (Part II) 1) A 5 GBP Coin issued by the Royal Mint UK. 2) A"Drie Landen Zilverset" ( ot the "Three Lands Silver set") containing coins issued by the Royal Dutch Mint including coins of Netherlands, Belgium and UK
3) Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain by issuing a 50 Pence coin by the Royal Mint UK
Gold Coins:
1) Gold Sovereigns issued in 2013 & 2014 by MMTC-PAMP in India under licence from the Royal Mint, UK, carrying the "I" Mint Mark
2) Gold Half-Sovereigns minted by MMTC-PAMP in India in 2014 under licence from the Royal Mint UK bearing the "I" Mint Mark
Silver Coins:
1) A 20 Pound Silver coin minted for the first timr by the royal Mint UK: reverse design carries the famous St. George slaying the dragon design found on Gold Sovereigns
British India Coinage:
1) East India Company Quarter Anna Copper Coin which is one of the first issues under the Coinage Act 1835
2) Victoria Coinage: When she was Queen and afterwards Empress
3) Edward VII: King & Emperor Coinage
4) George V King Emperor Coinage
5) George VI: The last of the British India Emperors Coinage
Other British Royalty:
1) Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations (1952-2012): A Five Pound Commemorative coin issued by the Royal Mint, UK
2) Commemorating Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation in 1953: A Five Pound Coin minted by the Royal Mint UK in 2013, depicting the Imperial State Crown
3) The Royal Coat of Arms of the UK: Great British 2012 Coin Set (Uncirculated) issued by the Royal Mint UK
4) Prince George's Christening Ceremony celebrated with coins issued by the Royal Mint UK in 2013
5) The British Empire: A Case of Numismatic "segregation": (Guest Post by Rahul Kumar)
6) 1) The Portrait Collection: Various Portraits of Queen Elizabeth II on Coinage 2) The Fourth & Final Circulating coinage of the Portrait designed by Ian Rank-Broadley and the First Edition of the portrait of the Queen made by Jody Clark
British Coinage:
1) The contribution of the Great British One-Pound coins in keeping alive the historical legends/emblems/heritage of the UK (1983 onwards)
2) Transformation of a Five shilling Coin (Crown) into the UK Twenty-five Pence & then the Five Pound Coin
3) Transformation of the Two Shilling Coin (Florin) Coin into the UK Ten Pence
4) The 350th Anniversary of the Guinea: A Two Pound Coin issued by the Royal Mint UK celebrating the milestone
Commemorative British Coinage:
1) Commemorating the Bicentenary of Charles Dickens: A Two pound coin celebrating his literary contributions during the Victorian Era
2) Commemorating 50 Years of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) - presently called the World Wide Fund for Nature by issue of a Fifty Pence coin by the Royal Mint, UK
3) Coins commemorating London Olympics & Paralympics (2012)
4) Commemorating 150 Years of the London Underground : Two pound Coins minted by the Royal Mint UK, showing the "Roundel" logo and a train emerging from a tunnel
5) Commemorating the 100th Birth anniversary of Christopher Ironside with his" Royal Arms" design on a 50 Pence coin issued by the Royal Mint, UK
6) 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta - the Universal Guidepost to Liberty and Freedom
Inspirations from Scottish History:
1) The Legend of King Bruce & the Spider on Banknotes
Banknotes from Scotland:
1) Commemorating Sir William Arrol and his creation the Forth Rail Bridge by issues of Britain's first ever 5 Pound Polymer Banknote
Posted on 03.12.12:
For 2013, the Royal Mint has brought out two new one pound coins whose reverse has been designed by Timothy Noad. The reverse of the coin representing England features an oak branch with an acorn which is perfectly balanced with a stem showing a Tudor-inspired rose. The edge inscription is "DECUS ET TUTAMEN"( An ornament and a safeguard).
The reverse of the coin design representing Wales, features the leek with a daffodil, their leaves intertwined. The edge inscription id "PLEIDIOL WYF I'M GWALAD" (True I am to my country).
The obverse of these coins will be the same as before, with the year of issue mentioned as 2013.
The Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) versions in base metal (Nickel Brass) for collectors are already available for booking on the Royal Mint website, while the gold, silver piedfort and silver versions are expected to be released by May 2013.
Two more coins representing Northern Ireland and Scotland will be released in 2014 completing the quartet.
Posted on 09.04.2017:
The new 12-sided One Pound UK coin put into circulation on 28.03.17: Salient features: Demonetisation of the presently circulating “round one pound coin” by 15.10.2017:
The
story since 1983, when the “Round Pound” was introduced for the first time to replace
the One Pound Banknote:
Since 1983 when the
round one Pound coin was introduced it has reflected themes of heraldry,
Royal Arms, floral symbols as well as important regional landmarks representing
England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Throughout its 34 years in
circulation, there have been 24 designs in all, created by 8 different
designers.
The
necessity to go in for a new design with enhanced security features:
There are presently an
estimated 45 million pounds worth of counterfeit round coins in circulation
which have undermined the “prestige” and confidence of the user public in the presently
circulating “round pound”.
Introduction
of the new Design 12-sided one pound coin:
On 28.03.2017, a new
design 1 pound coin, with the Reverse designed by David Pearce, (selected
through a public design competition which commenced in 2014) has been
introduced into circulation, which has
been described by the Royal Mint as the “most secure coin in the world”.
This is the most
innovative coin ever produced by the Royal Mint. A showcase for the latest
technology, as well as engraving skills honed over the Royal Mint’s 1,000 year
history, this coin has been designed to be fit for the future, using security
features that aim to safeguard the denomination for several years ahead.
The 12-sided shape
and bimetallic composition are targeted at combating the challenge of
sophisticated counterfeiting. The Royal Mint’s patented “High Security Feature”
has added to its claims as being the “most
secure coin in the world”.
The
salient features of the new 12-sided one pound coin:
The
new coin exhibits the following interesting features and will be the sole
circulating one pound coin once the “round pound” is withdrawn from circulation:
An image of the Reverse of the new one pound coin. The design is an interpretation of the floral symbols of the UK; the
Welsh Leek, the Scottish Thistle, the Northern Irish Shamrock and the English
Rose. Below the image on the lower periphery is the denomination of the coin "One Pound" (in words)
i) It has 12 sides,
reminiscent of the old three-penny coins.
ii) It is bimetallic –
made of two metals – a nickel brass alloy.
iii) It has alternating
milled and smooth edges.
iv) User testing has shown
that the 12 sides of the new 1 pound coin and the milled edges make it easier
to identify by visually challenged persons.
v) It has a latent image –
a bit like a hologram, the image changes from a “pound symbol” to the number
“1” when the coin is seen from different angles.
vi) It has micro-lettering
on both sides of the coin – the first time that micro-lettering like this has
appeared on a UK coin.
vii) It also has a hidden
high security feature, which replicated Banknote level security for the first
time on a coin minted by the Royal Mint.
Viii) The new 1 pound coin
features the fifth effigy of the Queen made by Royal Mint Designer Jody Clark.
An image of the Obverse of the new one pound coin
showing the portrait of QE II designed by Jody Clark. His initials "JC"
appear below the Queen's neck. Along the periphery are the inscriptions
- "2017. ELIZABETH II. D.G. REG. F.D." (meaning "Elizabeth II, By the
Grace of God Queen, Defender of the Faith")
ix) The new coin is thinner,
lighter and slightly larger than the round pound – it is 2.8 mm thick, has a
diameter of 23.03 mm and weighs 8.75 grams.
x) The new pound coin
although entering into circulation on 28.03.2017 is dated both 2016 and 2017,
as minting of this coin had begun last year in 2016.
xi) On 28.03.2017
itself, 300 million new 1 pound coins have been issued to cash centres across
the country to facilitate easy distribution among users.
xii) More than 1.5 billion new coins will be struck by the end of 2017.
A stack of the new 12-sided one pound coin shows the Reverse of the coin
xiii) The round pounds are being gradually withdrawn from circulation, with
around 50 million pieces having been already removed from circulation so far. The
Round pounds will cease to be legal tender on 15.10.2017.
xiv) Limited editions of
this coin have also been issued in Proof, Silver Proof and Brilliant
Uncirculated Qualities for Collectors/Numismatists.
Commemorative Proof Quality coins
Trial
Pieces:
Interestingly, the Trial
pieces for this coin issue were minted in 2015 and about 200,000 pieces were
distributed among retailers to help them prepare for the new pound coins’
issuance. These coins are not legal
tender. These trial pieces have the same specifications as the regular
issues released now and are marked “TRIAL PIECE”.
The
Obverse and Reverse of a Trial Piece issued with the year as 2015.
Notice that the Trial piece has an image of the Queen which has been
designed by Ian Rank-Broadley, the previous designer of the Queen's
portrait. His initials "IRB" appear below the Queen's neck.
Several listings have gone
up on sites like eBay where these Trial Pieces are being sold for anywhere
between 85 to 220 pounds each by some retailers out to make a quick profit from
these specimen pieces.
REFERENCE LINKS
Tarot Card post link:
http://tarotmysteries.blogspot.in/2012/06/1-reading-tarot-counsellor-and-guardian.html
Links:
British Crown Dependencies:
1) Specimen Banknotes from the States of Jersey
2) Coinage and Currency from the States of Jersey
3) Currency & Coinage of the Bailiwick of Guernsey
4) Currency & Coinage of Gibraltar : An Overseas Territory of Great Britain
5) Coinage of Gibraltar: (A British Overseas Territory): An Uncirculated Decimal Coin Collection Set minted by the Tower Mint, UK in 2010
6) The Isle of Man: An Uncirculated Decimal Coin Collection Set minted by Pobjoy Mint, UK in 2015
7) The Centenary of the ill-fated Titanic (15.04.1912 - 15.04.2012): An Alderney Five Pound Coin Commemorating the Maritime Legend
8) "Man of Steel": A Superman Movie: A set of stamps brought out in 2013 by Jersey post, the States of Jersey, commemorating Henry William Dalgliesh Cavill who played Superman in the Movie
9) Coins & Currency of Bermuda
10) The Bailiwick of Jersey - Presently circulating coinage - Pounds and Pence
11) St. Helena & Ascension Islands: An Uncirculated Coin Set from 2003
12) The Legend of the "HMAV Bounty" is interwoven with the heritage of the Pitcairn Islands: An uncirculated coin set from Pitcairn Islands in 2009 depicting the icons/relics of the Bounty minted by the New Zealand Mint
Famous Battles:
1) Bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo and Napoleon's Exile to St. Helena: (Part I): A One Crown Commemorative coin issued by the Ascension Island (minted by Pobjoy Mint UK)
2) Bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo and Napoleon's Exile to st. Helena: (Part II) 1) A 5 GBP Coin issued by the Royal Mint UK. 2) A"Drie Landen Zilverset" ( ot the "Three Lands Silver set") containing coins issued by the Royal Dutch Mint including coins of Netherlands, Belgium and UK
3) Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain by issuing a 50 Pence coin by the Royal Mint UK
Gold Coins:
1) Gold Sovereigns issued in 2013 & 2014 by MMTC-PAMP in India under licence from the Royal Mint, UK, carrying the "I" Mint Mark
2) Gold Half-Sovereigns minted by MMTC-PAMP in India in 2014 under licence from the Royal Mint UK bearing the "I" Mint Mark
Silver Coins:
1) A 20 Pound Silver coin minted for the first timr by the royal Mint UK: reverse design carries the famous St. George slaying the dragon design found on Gold Sovereigns
British India Coinage:
1) East India Company Quarter Anna Copper Coin which is one of the first issues under the Coinage Act 1835
2) Victoria Coinage: When she was Queen and afterwards Empress
3) Edward VII: King & Emperor Coinage
4) George V King Emperor Coinage
5) George VI: The last of the British India Emperors Coinage
Other British Royalty:
1) Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations (1952-2012): A Five Pound Commemorative coin issued by the Royal Mint, UK
2) Commemorating Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation in 1953: A Five Pound Coin minted by the Royal Mint UK in 2013, depicting the Imperial State Crown
3) The Royal Coat of Arms of the UK: Great British 2012 Coin Set (Uncirculated) issued by the Royal Mint UK
4) Prince George's Christening Ceremony celebrated with coins issued by the Royal Mint UK in 2013
5) The British Empire: A Case of Numismatic "segregation": (Guest Post by Rahul Kumar)
6) 1) The Portrait Collection: Various Portraits of Queen Elizabeth II on Coinage 2) The Fourth & Final Circulating coinage of the Portrait designed by Ian Rank-Broadley and the First Edition of the portrait of the Queen made by Jody Clark
British Coinage:
1) The contribution of the Great British One-Pound coins in keeping alive the historical legends/emblems/heritage of the UK (1983 onwards)
2) Transformation of a Five shilling Coin (Crown) into the UK Twenty-five Pence & then the Five Pound Coin
3) Transformation of the Two Shilling Coin (Florin) Coin into the UK Ten Pence
4) The 350th Anniversary of the Guinea: A Two Pound Coin issued by the Royal Mint UK celebrating the milestone
Commemorative British Coinage:
1) Commemorating the Bicentenary of Charles Dickens: A Two pound coin celebrating his literary contributions during the Victorian Era
2) Commemorating 50 Years of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) - presently called the World Wide Fund for Nature by issue of a Fifty Pence coin by the Royal Mint, UK
3) Coins commemorating London Olympics & Paralympics (2012)
4) Commemorating 150 Years of the London Underground : Two pound Coins minted by the Royal Mint UK, showing the "Roundel" logo and a train emerging from a tunnel
5) Commemorating the 100th Birth anniversary of Christopher Ironside with his" Royal Arms" design on a 50 Pence coin issued by the Royal Mint, UK
6) 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta - the Universal Guidepost to Liberty and Freedom
Inspirations from Scottish History:
1) The Legend of King Bruce & the Spider on Banknotes
Banknotes from Scotland:
1) Commemorating Sir William Arrol and his creation the Forth Rail Bridge by issues of Britain's first ever 5 Pound Polymer Banknote
I have a 1983 pound coin with DD engraved/stamped either side of the queens neck? What is this all about
ReplyDeleteHello Samheron1987, This is very interesting. Normally, it is the practice of mints to include the initials of the designer and engraver of the coin designs on both the obverse and reverse sides of the coins (US Mint , for example). To my mind, the 1983 coin obverse design was made by Arnold Machin therefore DD engraved on either side of the Queen's bust is not clear to me. Could I request you to send me an image on my email address for me to study your coin design further?
ReplyDeleteI have The 1985 One Pound with the inscription “PLEIDIOL WYF I’M GWLAD” on the edge. This coin was given to me by a friend who saw that I started collecting coins and I was wondering how could I find out the coin's worth.
ReplyDeleteHello Anonymous,
DeleteI have come across the following links which may be of some help:
1) http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=1985+one+pound&_sacat=0&_from=R40
2) http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?LH_PrefLoc=2&_nkw=rare+pound+coin+bridge&_rdc=1
3) http://stores.ebay.co.uk/silverworldcoins2012/British-One-Pound-Coin-/_i.html?rt=nc&_fsub=5318617015&_sid=1116923055&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1513&_pgn=1
I have one pound coin Elizabeth 2 1984 ...how much it cost ...
ReplyDeleteI have 1991 pound interested can dm me at +919404794944
ReplyDelete