1994 Silver Proof PIEDFORT £1

The Royal Mint was authorised to strike a maximum of 12,500 silver Proof Piedfort one pound coins for worldwide distribution.

Piedforts are coins which have been struck on thicker than normal blanks.  As their name suggests, they have close associations with France, where from the twelfth century they were apparently issued by the King as presentation pieces.

During its ten year existence, the reverse of the one pound coin has twice represented the four constituent parts of the United Kingdom with designs bearing floral emblems symbolic of the history and culture of each of those parts.  A new series began in 1994 featuring predominantly heraldic designs to represent Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England.  The first in this new series, modelled by Norman Sillman from a drawing supplied by the College of Arms, honours Sotland and depicts the familiar lion rampant within a double tressure.  Like its counterparts of 1984 and 1989, the coin carries on its edge the Latin motto of the Order of the Thistle, NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT (no one provokes me with impunity).

The obverse bears Raphael Maklouf's exquisite portrait of Her Majesty the Queen.

This one pound coin is struck to the highest Proof quaity in sterling (.925) silver.  It weighs 19.00 grammes and measures 22.50 millimetres in diameter.  Only 12,500 of these superb coins were made available for worldwide distribution.

The 1994 silver proof Piedfort one pound coin is encapsulated and housed in the original Royal Mint box, complete with certificate of authenticity.

An essential addition for the Silver collectors amongst you.