2017 United Kingdom One Pound Sterling Bi-Metallic Coin
Coin/Bullion · The Royal Mint (Llantrisant, Wales). The Royal Mint is the United Kingdom's government-owned mint with over 1,100 years of historical significance.
Pattern: Modern 12-sided One Pound, Obverse: Fifth Portrait of Elizabeth II by Jody Clark
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
The Royal Mint (Llantrisant, Wales). The Royal Mint is the United Kingdom's government-owned mint with over 1,100 years of historical significance.
Material
Bimetallic construction: Outer ring of Nickel-brass (Gold-colored) and inner core of Nickel-plated alloy (Silver-colored). This contains no actual silver precious metal.
Dimensions
Diameter: 23.43 mm; Thickness: 2.8 mm; Weight: 8.75 grams. Standard 12-sided currency specifications.
Description
A standard circulation 12-sided one pound coin. The obverse features the fifth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing the George IV State Diadem. The visual impact is defined by its distinct bi-metallic gold and silver tones, designed for high security and modern aesthetics.
Key Features
12-pointed shape, bimetallic color scheme, Jody Clark's royal portrait, and the '2017' minting date.
Material & Composition
Bimetallic construction: Outer ring of Nickel-brass (Gold-colored) and inner core of Nickel-plated alloy (Silver-colored). This contains no actual silver precious metal.
Finish & Decoration
High-relief die-struck finish. Features a latent image (holographic effect) changing from a '£' symbol to a '1' when tilted, and micro-lettering on the lower inside rim.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped with 'ELIZABETH II D G REG F D' (Dei Gratia Regina Fidei Defensor) and the year '2017'. No silver hallmarks as it is base metal currency.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured through a high-speed minting process. Two separate metal blanks are joined and struck simultaneously to fuse the ring and core.
Functional Features
12-sided shape for tactile identification, milled edges on alternate sides, and a latent security image to prevent counterfeiting.
Handle & Grip Details
No handle; features a milled edge for grip and identification by the visually impaired.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision industrial minting. Consistent die strikes and alignment indicate standard government-grade mass production rather than hand-wrought silver work.
Authentication Indicators
The latent image security feature at the bottom of the portrait, micro-lettering consistency, and the precise 12-sided geometry characteristic of genuine Royal Mint strikes.
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom; produced at the Royal Mint's facility in Llantrisant, South Wales.
Era & Period
Modern Era (21st Century); introduced in 2017 to replace the round pound due to high counterfeit rates.
Age Estimate
Issued in 2017; approximately 7 years old.
Cultural Significance
Represents the standard unit of currency in the UK; symbolizes the transition from traditional round coinage to high-tech, anti-counterfeit modern currency.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition. Visible surface scratches, minor edge nicks, and typical tarnish/oxidation on the nickel-brass outer ring. Grade: Fine to Very Fine.
Value Estimate
Face value (£1.00). In circulated condition, it has no additional numismatic premium beyond its spending power.
Care & Maintenance
As a base-metal circulation coin, special care is not required, though collectors of 'uncirculated' versions should avoid handling with bare hands to prevent skin oil corrosion.
Similar Pieces
The 'Round Pound' (1983-2016) which is now demonetized; also silver-proof versions minted specifically for collectors (which do contain .925 silver).
Interesting Facts
This 12-sided design was modeled after the old brass threepence coin. It is considered one of the most secure coins in the world due to its 'i-bi' (Integrated Bi-metal) technology.