1988 Pound Coins

Third Portrait of Elizabeth II on Obverse of 1988 Pound Coin

New Reverse Design Featuring the Royal Coat of Arms

Decus Et Tutamen on Edge of 1988 English Pound Coins

The Royal Arms
The Royal Arms, with their long history, are the heraldic representation of the United Kingdom.

The English Lion
The first Royal Arms of England were attributed to King Richard I whose great seal depicted three gold lions on a red background.
These arms were used by succeeding monarchs until about 1340.

The Fleur-de-Lys
When Edward III laid claim to the French throne he quartered the arms of France with the English arms.
The number of fleurs-de-lys in the French quarters was reduced to three by Henry IV

The Welsh Dragon
Wales has not been represented in the Royal Arms as it is a Principality, and has never been a separate kingdom ruled by an English King.

The Scottish Lion
When James VI of Scotland inherited the English throne, the Tudor dragon supporter was replaced by one of the unicorns from the Scottish Royal Arms. The shield was also amended, as the French and English quartered arms were repositioned to the first and fourth quarters, to allow for the inclusion of the red Scottish Lion and the harp of Ireland.

The Irish Harp
With the introduction of the harp the elements of the present Royal Coat of Arms were united.
The arms of France were omitted in 1801.
With the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837 the arms of Hanover were removed from the coat, leaving the Royal Arms as borne today by Queen Elizabeth II.

Obverse
The obverse bears the new, third portrait of The Queen introduced in 1985.

Reverse
The Royal Coat of Arms reverse was designed by Derek Gorringe, deputy chief engraver at the Royal Mint.

Edge
The edge is not only milled but also inscribed. The inscription in Latin reads:-
DECUS ET TUTAMEN
Which may be translated as "an ornament and a safeguard". This inscription dates back to the first machine-struck coins minted in 1662 and was a device to prevent "clipping", and was used on the first pound coin in 1983.

Technical Specifications

Alloy	Nickel-Brass
Copper	70%
Zinc	24.5%
Nickel	5.5%
Diameter	22.5 mm
Weight	9.5 grams
Qty Issued	29,550

Version	Grade	Qty Issued	Available	Price £	Price $
Normal Circulation	Brilliant Uncirculated		Yes	£5	$8
Specimen in Folder	Brilliant Uncirculated	29,550	Ask	£6	$10
Silver Proof	FDC	50,000	Yes	£25	$41
Silver Piedfort Proof	FDC	10,000	Yes	£45	$74

Postage & Packing:
UK: At buyer's Risk £2.50 or
Fully Insured £6 (Usually by Royal Mail Special Delivery)
USA: Airmail at buyer's risk $10 or
Fully Insured $20
For further details, please see our Postage & Packing page.

Order Form - UK
Order Form - USA
Order Form - EU
Order Form - Rest of World 1987 Pound Coins

1988 Coin Sets

Silver Proof Pounds & Silver Piedfort Pounds

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