1994 One Pound Coin

Introducing the 1994 1 Pound Coin

Starting in 1983, the Royal Mint began issuing round one-pound coins, removing one pound notes from circulation. It was discovered that the notes typically lasted only about nine months while the coins could last at least 40 years. Each year after until 2002, the 1 pound coin had an obverse image that featured a design that celebrated the United Kingdom or one of its constituent countries. The 1994 1 pound coin was the first in a second series of 1 pound coins that would feature the national emblems of the four countries making up the United Kingdom. Eventually, to combat the high incidences of counterfeiting, the round 1 pound coins was pulled out of circulation, in favour of the current dodecagon design.  

1994 One Pound Coin 

The 1994 1 pound coin features Scotland’s heraldic lion from the country’s Royal Arms. Designed by Norman Sillman, the lion’s designs inspiration was taken specifically from a drawing by the College of Arms. The lion is in the ‘rampant’ stance, meaning that it’s standing on one hind foot, forefeet in the air. The edge inscription is the Latin phrase, ’Nemo me immune lacessit,’ or Nobody provokes me with impunity. It’s the motto of Scotland’s Order of the Thistle, the order of chivalry for Scotland. The reverse features the third crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II by Raphael David Maklouf. 

(Caption: The Royal Arms of Scotland)

How Much is the 1994 One Pound Coin Worth?

The 1994 1 pound coin was minted 29,752,525 times. Since it’s been removed from circulation though, finding this coin in your change is very difficult. The highest price for a circulated 1994 1 pound coin is £5.99 as of May 2019. 

Other Versions of the 1994 One Pound Coin

There are other versions of the 1994 1 pound coin beyond the ones that were in circulation. The Royal Mint also released a Brilliant Uncirculated, Silver Proof (mintage 25,000), and Silver Proof Piedfort (mintage 11,722). 

The 1994 1 pound coin was also reissued in 1999 with a change in the design of the obverse side. The 1999 1 pound coin has the fourth crowned portrait of the Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley. 

Other One Pound Coins

If you’re interested in other 1 pound coins, Chancery Collection has some others. There’s the 1995 1 pound coin with the Welsh dragon, the 2010 1 pound coin featuring Belfast, the very first round 1 pound coin in 1983, and the 2011 Edinburgh 1 pound coin.