1987 Silver Proof £1

On 22nd June 1983, a Royal Proclamation was signed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II authorising four new design variants for the reverse of the one pound coin.  The new designs represent each of the four constituent parts of the United Kingdom.

1987 sees the appearance of the fourth and final coin in the series.  Struck to honour England, it shows an oak tree in its entirety.  Although the oak is no stranger to the United Kingdom coinage, it has not previously been shown as a complete tree.

The first coin, representating Scotland in 1984, shows a Scottish thistle; the second in 1985 for Wales bears a leek and the third, in 1986 representing Northern Ireland, depicts aflax plant.

As with the other coins in the series, the reverse of the English one pound coin has been designed by the silversmith Leslie Durbin.  Ths proclamation desribes the design as "an oak tree enfiling a representation of the Royal Diadem".  The latin edge inscription reads, DECUS ET TUTAMEN, which may be translated as "an ornament and a safeguard".

The obverse shows the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Specifications

This coin is struck in sterling (.925) silver Proof quality.  It weighs 9.50 grammes and measures 22.50mm in diameter.  A maximum of 50,000 pieces will be struck for worldwide distribution.

The 1987 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.