2016-11-02 Wed

The latest 12-sided £1 coin issued by the Royal Mint is the world’s most secure coin. The unique shaped coin can be easily recognised even by touch. The outer ring is gold coloured (nickel-brass) and the inner ring is silver coloured (nickel-plated alloy). The latent image on the hologram changes from a ‘£’ symbol to the number '1' when the coin is tilted. One pound is inscribed in micro-lettering on the obverse and the year of production is inscribed similarly on the reverse. The coin also has Milled edges or grooves on alternate sides. A high-security feature is built into the coin as well.

The coin is minted using the latest technology developed in South Wales. The reverse features an English rose, the Welsh leek, the Scottish thistle and the Northern Irish shamrock flowering from one stem within a royal coronet. The final design was created by 15-year-old David Pearce who won a public design competition. The obverse depicts the portrait of the Queen by Jody Clark.

The coin is 2.8mm thick and is thinner than the round £1 coin. Its weight is 8.75g, lighter than the round £1 coin.

This coin has been introduced after 30 years to tackle the issue of sophisticated counterfeiters. Almost one in thirty £1 coins are fake which is why the introduction of this new coin was very crucial.