2002 Silver Proof PIEDFORT £1

The 2002 one pound coin, the last in a four-year series of coins representing the four constituent parts of the United Kingdom, displays the three lions of England, passant guardant, modelled by Norman Sillman from a drawing prepared by the College of Arms.

It is thought that the three lions device may have come from Normandy, but it was Richard the Lionheart who, especially during the Crusades, used three golden lions on a scarlet background as a powerful symbol of the English throne.  They appeared later on Richard's second Great Seal and thereafter they have been known heraldically as "England" and, as such, have featured in the Royal Arms of every succeeding monarch.

In 1997, when the three lions first graced the reverse of the one pound coin, they were accompanied by the portrait of Her Majesty the Queen by Raphael Maklouf.  For 2002, however, the obverse carries the portrait by Ian Rank-Broadley.  As with the previous one pound coins for England, the edge inscription reads DECUS ET TUTAMEN, meaning "an ornament and a safeguard".

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.

Struck to the highest Royal Mint Proof standard in sterling .925 silver, this one pound coin weighs 19.00 grammes and measures 22.50 millimetres in diameter.  Only 10,000 of these superb coins were made available for worldwide distribution.

The 2002 silver proof Piedfort one pound coin is encapsulated and housed in the original box, complete with certificate of authenticity.

An essential addition for the Silver collectors amongst you.