The most secure coin in the world

The new coin has a number of features that make it much more difficult to counterfeit.

12-sided – its distinctive shape makes it instantly recognisable, even by touch.

Bimetallic – it is made of two metals. The outer ring is gold coloured (nickel-brass) and the inner ring is silver coloured (nickel-plated alloy).

Latent image – it has an image like a hologram that changes from a ‘£’ symbol to the number '1' when the coin is seen from different angles.

Micro-lettering – it has very small lettering on the lower inside rim on both sides of the coin - 'ONE POUND' on the obverse “heads” side and the year of production on the reverse “tails” side, for example 2017.

Milled edges – it has grooves on alternate sides.

Hidden high security feature – a high security feature is built into the coin to protect it from counterfeiting in the future.

State-of-the-art

The coin’s design reflects the United Kingdom’s heritage and superb craftsmanship.

Made by The Royal Mint – the coin is produced by The Royal Mint using cutting-edge technology developed on its site in South Wales.

Bold new design – it also features a new design that shows the English rose, the Welsh leek, the Scottish thistle and the Northern Irish shamrock emerging from one stem within a royal coronet. This was created by David Pearce who won a public design competition at the age of 15.

The fifth coinage portrait – the fifth coin portrait of Her Late Majesty the Queen, designed by Royal Mint coin designer Jody Clark, is featured on the coin.

Changing dimensions

The new 12-sided £1 coin’s dimensions are different from the round £1 coin.

Thickness: 2.8mm – it is thinner than the round £1 coin.

Weight: 8.75g – it is lighter than the round £1 coin.

Diameter: 23.43mm – it is slightly larger than the round £1 coin, the maximum diameter (point to point) is 23.43mm.

Why replace the £1 coin?

The round £1 coin has been replaced for the first time in over thirty years because of its vulnerability to sophisticated counterfeiters. Approximately one in thirty round £1 coins in circulation was a counterfeit. We introduced a new, highly secure coin on 28 March 2017 to reduce the costs of counterfeits to businesses and the taxpayer.

How will it affect me?

The new 12-sided £1 coin was introduced into circulation on 28 March 2017. Businesses across the UK have upgraded their machines to accept the new £1 coin. Some businesses waited until July 2017 when there were more new £1 coins in circulation than round £1 coins. Please talk to the equipment owner if you have any questions. The legal tender status of the round £1 coin was withdrawn at 23.59 on Sunday 15 October 2017. From this date shops and businesses should no longer accept these coins, but you can still take them to your bank or donate them.