The British pound coin is a significant part of the United Kingdom’s currency system. As one of the most widely circulated coins in the world, it has a rich history and unique features that set it apart from other currencies. In this article, we will take a closer look at the design and features of the British pound coin.
Design
The design of the British pound coin has evolved over time, reflecting changes in British culture and history. Today’s pound coin features an intricate design with multiple layers and details.
1. Obverse Side:
The obverse side of the coin bears the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, who has been the reigning monarch since 1952. The current design was introduced in 2015 and features a more detailed and realistic depiction of the queen than previous versions.
- The portrait on the obverse side also includes the queen’s name, “Elizabeth II,” along with the Latin phrase “D.G. Reg F.D.” This stands for “Dei Gratia Regina Fidei Defensor,” which translates to “By the grace of God, Queen Defender of the Faith.”
- The portrait is surrounded by a raised rim that includes the inscription “ELIZABETH II” and the year of issue.
2. Reverse Side:
The reverse side of the coin features a design that changes periodically to reflect different aspects of British culture and history. Some notable designs include:
- The Royal Coat of Arms: This design features the shield of the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom, which includes symbols representing England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- The Floral Emblems of the UK: This design features the floral emblems of each of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom: England (rose), Scotland (thistle), Wales (daffodil), and Northern Ireland (shamrock).
- The Commonwealth Games: In 2014, the pound coin featured a design commemorating the Commonwealth Games, which were held in Glasgow that year.
Features
In addition to its design, the British pound coin also includes several unique features that make it difficult to counterfeit and easy to use.
1. Bi-Metallic Construction:
The pound coin is made of two different metals: nickel-brass on the outer ring and nickel-plated alloy on the inner core. This bi-metallic construction makes it more difficult to counterfeit because it requires specialized equipment to produce.
- The outer ring features alternating milled and smooth edges, while the inner core has a plain edge.
2. Hidden Security Features:
The pound coin includes several hidden security features that make it easier to detect counterfeits. For example:
- Micro-lettering: The words “ONE POUND” are engraved on the milled edge of the outer ring and can only be seen with a magnifying glass.
- Hologram: The reverse side of the coin includes a hologram that changes from a “£” symbol to the number “1” when viewed from different angles.
3. Weight and Size:
The pound coin has specific weight and size requirements to ensure that it can be easily recognized and used in vending machines and other automated systems. The coin weighs approximately 9.5 grams and has a diameter of 22.5 millimeters.
The British pound coin is a fascinating and unique currency with a rich history and intricate design. Its bi-metallic construction, hidden security features, and specific weight and size requirements make it difficult to counterfeit and easy to use. Whether you are a collector or simply interested in British culture and history, the pound coin is a must-have for any currency collection.
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