Lion and Unicorn Pound Coin

Introducing the Lion and Unicorn 1 Pound Coin

After the discovery that one pound notes wore down in nine months, much too quickly for circulation, the Royal Mint in 1983 started minting the round one pound coins. These new coins could now last at least 40 years in circulation. From 1983 on the reverse design of every 1 pound coin honoured the UK or one of its member countries. Eventually, it was revealed that these round pound coins were also easier to counterfeit and so at the end of 2015, the Royal Mint initiated the phasing out of the round design in favour of the current 12-sided one.  

2015 Lion and Unicorn 1 Pound Coin

The Royal Arms 1 pound coin is also known to collectors as the ‘Lion and Unicorn pound coin.’ This is simply referencing the design of the reverse side by Timothy Noad. It features an updated interpretation of the Royal Arms, flanked by a lion and unicorn on either side of the shield. Underneath are the floral emblems of the four countries of the UK, the rose, thistle, leek, and shamrock. 

The edge of the coin has the Latin inscription, ‘Decus et Tutamen,’ which means ‘an ornament and a safeguard.’ This phrase was used on some of the earliest coins minted in Britain to prevent the coin from being ‘clipped’, or saving some of the precious metal off the coin for profit. 

The obverse features the fifth crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark. This is the first 1 pound coin to have the new portrait. 

(Caption: Image of first round pound minted in 1983)

How Much is the 2015 Royal Arms 1 Pound Coin Worth?

This coin was minted 129,616,985 times, making it a very common coin. As of 2019, the highest price paid for the Lion and Unicorn pound coin was £24.99 for a Brilliant Uncirculated version, still in its original packaging. 

Other Versions of the Royal Arms 1 Pound Coin

As mentioned earlier, other than the circulation quality coin, there is also the Brilliant Uncirculated version. 

Other One Pound Coins

If you’re interested in other 1 pound coins, feel free to explore these other historic ones. Chancery Collection has the 1995 Dragon pound coin and the 1994 Lion pound coin. We also have the 2010 Belfast and 2011 Edinburgh coins. There’s also the first round pound coin in 1983.