United Kingdom 2016 One Pound Coin, Jody Clark Fifth Portrait
Coin/Bullion · The Royal Mint (United Kingdom). The Royal Mint is the government-owned mint that produces coins for the United Kingdom. It has over 1,100 years of history and is one of the world's leading export mints.
Pattern: Elizabeth II Fifth Portrait (Obverse); Nations of the Crown (Reverse - not visible in image but standard for 2016 dated 12-sided coins).
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
The Royal Mint (United Kingdom). The Royal Mint is the government-owned mint that produces coins for the United Kingdom. It has over 1,100 years of history and is one of the world's leading export mints.
Material
Bimetallic: Outer ring is Gold-colored Nickel-brass; Inner circle is Silver-colored Nickel-plated alloy. Note: This is currency and not actual Sterling Silver (unless it is a specific Silver Proof version which would be hallmarked/boxed).
Dimensions
Diameter: 23.43mm; Weight: 8.75g; Thickness: 2.8mm.
Description
This is the 'New' 12-sided British One Pound coin. It was introduced to replace the old round pound due to its vulnerability to counterfeiting. The obverse shows the fifth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. While it appears bimetallic (gold and silver colors), it is composed of base metal alloys for durability in circulation.
Key Features
12-sided shape, bimetallic appearance, Jody Clark portrait, micro-lettering on the lower outer rim, and high-security hologram element.
Material & Composition
Bimetallic: Outer ring is Gold-colored Nickel-brass; Inner circle is Silver-colored Nickel-plated alloy. Note: This is currency and not actual Sterling Silver (unless it is a specific Silver Proof version which would be hallmarked/boxed).
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck finish with micro-lettering and latent images. Features the Jody Clark effigy of Queen Elizabeth II wearing the George IV State Diadem. The edge is milled on alternate edges.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silver hallmarks as this is circulating currency. Stamped with ELIZABETH II DEI GRA REG FID DEF (By the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith) and the year 2016.
Construction Details
Machine-made, die-struck bimetallic construction. Two separate metal pieces are joined during the striking process at the Royal Mint.
Functional Features
12-sided (dodecagon) shape for high security against counterfeiting; latent image changes from a '£' symbol to the number '1' when seen from different angles.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage).
Craftsmanship Details
Precision-engineered industrial minting. The alignment of the inner and outer cores is consistent with Royal Mint mass-production standards.
Authentication Indicators
Correct 12-sided geometry, sharp strike on the portrait, presence of the '£/1' latent image security feature, and distinctive bimetallic seam.
Origin & Manufacturing
Llantrisant, Wales, United Kingdom; manufactured by The Royal Mint using high-security industrial coining presses.
Era & Period
Modern British (Late Elizabeth II Era). Stylistically reflective of contemporary security-focused currency design.
Age Estimate
Dated 2016. In circulation since March 2017.
Cultural Significance
A fundamental shift in British currency, marking the end of the 'round pound' era (1983-2016) and a milestone in the fight against counterfeit currency.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition. Shows significant surface scratches, minor dings on the rims, and typical pocket wear. Tarnish/toning is present on the nickel-brass outer ring. Grade: Fine (Circulated).
Value Estimate
Face value: £1 GBP. For collectors, a 2016 dated coin in circulated condition is common and typically worth only its face value or a very slight premium (under £2) if particularly clean.
Care & Maintenance
For circulating currency, no specific cleaning is recommended as it can damage the surface. Keep in a dry environment to prevent further oxidation of the brass ring.
Similar Pieces
2017-current One Pound coins (virtually identical); 1983-2015 'Round Pound' coins (different shape and material); Silver Proof versions (contains actual silver, usually sold in cases).
Interesting Facts
When introduced, it was described as the most secure coin in the world due to its unique shape and 'iMINT' technology embedded within the metal.