1996 Silver Proof £1

The 1996 one pound, the third in the new four-year series representing the four constituent parts of the United Kingdom, honours Northern Ireland.  It features on its reverse an intricate design, created by Norman Sillman, which reaches deep into the history of Northern Ireland.

A richly decorated ornate Irish-style cross provides the background to a representation of the famous Celtic collar founded in 1896 by a ploughman at Broighter, Co. Londonderry.  At the centre of the design lies a pimpernel, the lovely yellow flower which flourishes around Lough Neagh.  Like its counterparts of 1986 and 1991, the coin carries the edge inscription DECUS ET TUTAMEN meaning "an ornament and a safeguard".

The obverse bears Raphael Maklouf's exquisite portrait of Her Majesty the Queen, approved for use on United Kingdom coins from 1985.

Specifications

This one pound coin has been struck to the higest Proof quality in sterling .925 silver, weighs 9.50 grammes and measure 22.50 millimetres in diameter.  Only 40,000 of these superb one pound coins will be available for world-wide distribution.

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

An essential addition for the Silver collectors amongst you.