1 Pound – 1998 Elizabeth II Royal Arms Silver Proof
The United Kingdom 1 Pound coin, part of the Heraldic Emblems series, features the Royal Arms design in a Silver Proof edition minted from 1998 to 2013. On the obverse, it displays the fourth crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara, with the Latin inscription “ELIZABETH·II·D·G REG·F·D·1998 IRB” (Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith, 1998). The reverse side showcases the Royal Arms with supporters above the denomination “ONE POUND.” Designed by Ian Rank-Broadley (obverse) and Eric Sewell (reverse), this non-circulating coin is made of silver (.925), weighs 9.5 grams, and has a diameter of 22.5 mm, with a thickness of 3.15 mm. It follows a round shape with a milled edge and a medal alignment. The edge of the coin is milled with incuse lettering that reads “DECUS ET TUTAMEN,” translating to “An ornament and a safeguard.” Issued by the United Kingdom, this coin was demonetized on October 15, 2017, making it a valuable addition to any collector’s set.
