United Kingdom Bi-Metallic One Pound Coin
Circulation Currency Coin · Nickel-brass outer ring and Nickel-plated alloy inner core
Purity: 0% Gold Content (Gold-Colored Alloy)
Type
Circulation Currency Coin
Purity
0% Gold Content (Gold-Colored Alloy)
Gold Type
Nickel-brass outer ring and Nickel-plated alloy inner core
Weight
8.75 grams
Description
A standard British one pound coin introduced in 2017 to replace the round pound. It features a distinctive 12-sided shape and bi-metallic composition designed to be the most secure coin in the world. The reverse depicts the English rose, Welsh leek, Scottish thistle, and Northern Irish shamrock emerging from a coronet.
Key Features
12-sided shape, bi-metallic visual, latent holographic security image, and micro-lettering on the rim
Color & Finish
Dual-tone featuring a golden-yellow outer ring and a silvery-white inner core; satin circulation finish
Hallmarks & Stamps
Inscribed 'ONE POUND' with micro-lettering and latent security image; no gold purity hallmarks
Dimensions Estimate
23.03 mm diameter and 2.8 mm thickness
Gemstones & Inlays
None; features alternating milled and smooth edges with high-security micro-engraving
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable (reeded edge with alternate smooth sections)
Chain & Links
12-sided (dodecagon) shape with milled edges on alternate sides
Craftsmanship Details
Advanced industrial minting involving high-pressure striking of two separate alloy components to join them permanently
Authentication Indicators
Authenticity can be verified via the latent image (shifting from '£' to '1') and the precision of the bi-metallic join; this is not a gold item
Origin & Maker
United Kingdom; The Royal Mint (Llantrisant, Wales)
Era & Period
Contemporary (Post-2017 design)
Age Estimate
Produced between 2016 and 2024
Cultural Significance
Represents the primary unit of currency in the UK; the design symbolizes the unity of the four nations of the United Kingdom
Condition Notes
Circulated condition with visible edge wear and surface abrasions; appears to be standard pocket change
Value Estimate
Face value of £1.00 GBP; approximately $1.27 USD. Zero precious metal/melt value
Care & Maintenance
No special care required for circulation coins; avoid harsh cleaners which can strip the nickel plating
Similar Items
The older 'Round Pound' (copper-nickel-zinc) and the Two Pound coin (larger bi-metallic); often mistaken for gold-plated commemorative tokens by laypeople
Interesting Facts
The 'New' One Pound coin contains a hidden 'High Security Feature' within the metal itself to allow for rapid detection of counterfeits by scanning machines