United Kingdom One Pound Coin, Welsh Leek Design (1985/1990)
Coin/Currency (Numismatic) · The Royal Mint, Llantrisant, Wales. The official government-owned mint of the United Kingdom with over 1,100 years of history.
Pattern: British Regional Floral Series (Wales), featuring the Leek and a Diadem (Crown).
Type
Coin/Currency (Numismatic)
Maker
The Royal Mint, Llantrisant, Wales. The official government-owned mint of the United Kingdom with over 1,100 years of history.
Material
Nickel-brass (70% Copper, 5.5% Nickel, 24.5% Zinc). Note: This is not a silver item; it has a gold-colored appearance when new but acquires a dull brown or green patina over time.
Dimensions
Diameter: 22.5mm; Thickness: 3.15mm; Weight: 9.5 grams. This is the 'round pound' specification replaced in 2017.
Description
This is a United Kingdom One Pound coin, commonly known as a 'Round Pound'. The reverse side shown features the Welsh Leek encircled by a royal coronet, a design by Leslie Durbin. The coin is thick, yellowish in hue due to its nickel-brass composition, and has been heavily circulated.
Key Features
Welsh Leek reverse design, 'One Pound' denomination text, beaded rim, and the specific nickel-brass gold-like color.
Material & Composition
Nickel-brass (70% Copper, 5.5% Nickel, 24.5% Zinc). Note: This is not a silver item; it has a gold-colored appearance when new but acquires a dull brown or green patina over time.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated finish with relief die-striking. Features a beaded border (pearling), the Welsh leek emerging from a royal diadem, and the denomination 'ONE POUND'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No hallmarks (hallmarks are for bullion/jewelry). It features edge lettering: 'PLEIDIOL WYF I'M GWLAD' (True am I to my country).
Construction Details
Machine-struck using high-pressure coinage presses at the Royal Mint. The edge lettering was applied during the striking process using a segmented collar.
Functional Features
Legal tender (formerly); features a milled edge with incuse lettering as a security measure to prevent counterfeiting and clipping.
Handle & Grip Details
None; standard coin edges for tactile identification.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial mass production. The die-sinking shows high relief characteristic of 1980s British coinage compared to modern flat strikes.
Authentication Indicators
Weight and thickness are unique to this denomination. Edge lettering consistency and the sharply defined beaded rim are standard Royal Mint markers.
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom, specifically manufactured at the Royal Mint's facility in Llantrisant, Wales.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century UK Coinage (Elizabeth II era). This specific design reflects the heraldic symbols of the four home nations.
Age Estimate
Dated 1985 or 1990 (based on the Leslie Durbin reverse design used only in those two years for the round pound).
Cultural Significance
Represented the first time a Welsh national emblem (the leek) was featured so prominently on a base-metal circulating pound coin.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair. The coin shows heavy circulation wear, significant surface scratching (bag marks), and green oxidation (verdigris) near the crown petals.
Value Estimate
Face value (1 GBP) in bank deposits only; numismatic value is negligible (approx. $1.25-$2.00 USD) due to heavy wear.
Care & Maintenance
As a base-metal coin of no significant numismatic value in this condition, no special care is needed. Avoid acid cleaning which could damage the nickel-brass surface.
Similar Pieces
The 1984 Scottish Thistle pound, the 1986 Northern Irish Flax pound, and the 1987 English Oak pound.
Interesting Facts
The 'Round Pound' was demonetized on October 15, 2017, and replaced by the 12-sided bimetallic coin to combat the high rate of counterfeiting (estimated at 3% of all coins in circulation).