Product Information

The traditional portrait of Her Majesty The Queen, by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS, graces the obverse of this spectacular coin and first appeared on United Kingdom coins in 1998.

The reverse features Eric Sewell’s traditional design of the Royal Arms, which included lion and unicorn supporters along with the famous motto of the Order of the Garter HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE (‘evil to him who evil thinks’) and, in a decorative banner, the words DIEU ET MON DROIT (‘my God and my right’), the motto of English monarchs since Henry V. The Royal Arms is the heraldic representation of the United Kingdom. England is represented by the three lions ‘passant guardant’, first attributed to King Richard I. The Scottish lion rampant and the harp of Ireland were added in 1603 when James VI of Scotland inherited the English throne. The present heraldic crown is based on St Edward’s Crown, adopted by Queen Elizabeth II following her accession in 1952.

The following complimentary gifts will be sent with your coin:

• Your coin will be housed in a black display case with a black lined display tray


• A Certificate of Authenticity attesting to the issue limit of the coin.

Background & History

The pound sterling has been a unit of account for centuries. On 28 October 1489 Henry VII instructed officers of the Mint in the Tower to strike a new gold coin. It was spectacular � the largest gold coin yet issued in England and arguably the most beautiful. Bearing elaborate yet commanding designs, and named a sovereign, it was deliberately intended as a statement of power and dignity. The sovereign remained in everyday use until the First World War.

Gradually, £1 coins were replaced by banknotes. In 1980 it became apparent that, due to increases in prices and the relatively short life span of a £1 note in circulation, the £1 unit of currency would be more appropriate as a coin. The new £1 coin made its appearance in 1983 and on its reverse bore an intricate depiction of the Royal Arms, designed by Eric Sewell.