2008 Silver Proof PIEDFORT One Pound Coin

The idea for a new reverse design for the £1 coin grew out a competition to find new reverses for the lower denominations.  A bold idea the new reverses on the 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2pp and 1p combine to reveal a single design - The Royal Arms.

Initially, new designs were sought only for these six coins and the idea to have the £1 coin as the unifying coin only emerged towards the end of the selection process.

The current Royal Arms are a symbol of the Queen's authority over the whole of the United Kingdom and they have been used to powerful effect by numismatic artists over the course of her long reign.  In the latest rendition, Matthew Dent has drawn the heraldic beasts and emblems which make up the Royal Arms with great vigour and on the £1 coin, has allowed the shield of the Royal Arms to stand alone, unadorned yet elegant and compelling.

Coin Specifications

Denomination - £1

Alloy - 0.925 sterling silver

Weight - 19.00g

Diameter - 22.50mm

Edge Inscription - DECUS ET TUTAMEN (An ornament and a safeguard)

Quality - Proof

Maximum Coin Mintage - 5,000

The 2008 silver proof PIEDFORT one pound coin is encapsulated and housed in the original Royal Mint box, complete with certificate of authenticity.

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

An essential addition for the Silver collectors amongst you.