2008 One Pound Coin 25th Anniversary Gold Proof Collection

On 21 April 1983, the very first decimal £1 coin entered circulation. By this time, the purchasing power of our money had diminished significantly and the average life of a paper £1 note was no more than 9 months and the £1 coin was introduced to solve this.

On 11 March 1988 the decimal £1 note finally ceased to be legal tender.

In 2008, to celebrate 25 years of the modern £1 coin, The Royal Mint issued this 25th Anniversary Gold Proof Collection, featuring all 14 reverse designs of the One Pound coin.

All 14 coins are struck to proof quality in 22 carat gold and are dated 2008. The obverse carries the portrait of The Queen by Ian Rank Broadley.

The 25th Anniversay Gold Proof Collection features the following designs:

The Royal Arms

• The Royal Arms with supporters by Eric Sewell
• The Crowned Shield of the Royal Arms by Derek Gorringe

Floral Series by Leslie Durbin

• Scotland: The thisle, floral emblem of Scotland encircled by the Royal Diadem
• Wales: The leek as a floral emblem of Wales encircled by the Royal Diadem
• Northern Ireland: The flax plant encircled by the Royal Diadem
• England: The oak tree as a symbol of England encircled by the Royal Diadem

Heraldic Series by Norman Sillman

• Scotland: The Scottish Lion Rampant, from a drawing by the College of Arms
• Wales: The Welsh dragon, from a drawing by the College of Arms
• Northern Ireland: The Broighter Collar superimposed upon a Celtic Cross
• England: The three lions of England, from a drawing by the College of Arms

Bridge Series by Edwina Ellis

• Scotland: The Forth Rail Bridge
• Wales: The Menai Stait Suspension Bridge
• Northern Ireland: The Egyptian Arch Bridge
• England: The Gateshead Millennium Bridge