2009 Silver Proof £1 Coin - Shield of the Royal Arms

Inspirational new designs for the United Kingdom coinage made thier debut in 2008.  In a bold concept unprecedented in British coinage, the designs of six coins, the 50p, 20p,10p, 5p, 2p and 1p, unite to reveal a single image - the Royal Arms. Initially there had been no plans for a new reverse for the £1 coin, but in their final deliberations during the selection process, the Royal Mint Advisory Committee felt that the coin should be part of the new series and so the £1 coin, bearing the complete shield, became the key coin uniting the designs.

On the £1 coin, a shield of the Royal Arms stands unadorned, elegant and compelling while, like the majority of £1 coins struck since the coin's introduction in 1983, the Latin words DECUS ET TUTAMEN features as an edge inscription.  The words are translated as "An ornament and a safeguard" and first appeared on coins of Charles II as a deterrent against clipping.

Coin Specifications

Denomination - £1

Alloy - 0.925 Ag

Weight - 9.50g

Diameter - 22.50mm

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

Quality - Proof

Maximum Coin Mintage - 20,000

The 2009 silver proof one pound coin is encapsulated and housed in the original box, complete with certificate of authenticity.

An essential addition for the Silver collectors amongst you.