National pride in glorious gold

The 1 coin for 2014 representing Northern Ireland

The £1 coin is one of our most popular issues - particularly when it celebrates one of the United Kingdom's home nations. In 2013 a new series featuring combined floral emblems - a first on UK coins - started with coins for England and Wales. Those who began collecting the series will be keen to secure this beautiful 22 carat Gold Proof coin for Northern Ireland with the shamrock and the flax. You can order now to receive your coin in minimal packaging, ready to add to your sumptuous four-coin case.

About the coin

Inspired by nature and by national heritage, Timothy Noad – a Fellow of the Society of Scribes and Illuminators – has created a perfectly balanced design for his £1 coin that combines the cheery shamrock, well known as a symbol of Northern Ireland, with the flax plant. Struck in 22 carat gold, his design is both simple and beautiful, the Proof finish highlighting every delicate detail of each flower. The coin is finished with the edge inscription DECUS ET TUTAMEN or ‘An ornament and a safeguard’

Your coin is presented in minimal packaging so you can add it to your four-coin case and complete the series. A booklet tells the story of the shamrock and flax as symbols of Northern Ireland, while a Certificate of Authenticity confirms the low issue of just 200. The £1 coin is a favourite with collectors of all things British and with visitors to the United Kingdom. As this coin completes a series it will be sought after – an early order for your gold coin is highly recommended.

British coins have long followed the age-old tradition of carrying a portrait of the monarch, the effigy itself a representation of a nation. But other symbols have also come to stand for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.  Since the £1 coin was introduced symbols from heraldry, architecture and public life have featured on its reverse. Floral symbols have appeared on Britain’s coins before, even combined to embody the United Kingdom – the Coronation Crown of 1953 featured the rose, leek, thistle and shamrock for example. But in creating his designs Timothy Noad has also created a United Kingdom first, with a pair of floral symbols for one nation combined on a UK coin for the very first time.

The shamrock is well known as a symbol for Northern Ireland, but the flax – the staple of Irish linen – was chosen as so many people of different backgrounds have played their part in the linen industry. This floral pairing represents a modern Northern Ireland, and when struck in 22 carat gold, they make a stirring tribute to the nation, and a worthy finish to any collection.