1999 BU £1 Coin Pack - Scottish Rampant Lion

The "ruddy lion ramping in his field of treasured gold" has been part of the Royal Arms of Scotland since at least the days of Alexander II (1214-49).  Such a highly potent symbol of national identity naturally featured extensively on Scotland's coinage and, having first appeared on the gold noble of David II, can be found on Scottish coins struck right up to the Union of Kingdoms in 1707.

It is particularly gratifying, therefore, that in the year when the new Scottish Parliament took up its duties, the Scottish lion rampant should appear on the reverse of the £1 coin.  Surrounded by its familiar double tressure, flowered and counter-flowered, it begins an annual series of heraldic designs, honouring in turn the four constituent parts of the United Kingdom.

The coin in housed in the original Royal Mint packaging.