Royal Mint:
These are examples of the current coins that are distributed currently in the UK.
Background
The United Kingdom coinage is kept under constant review. By 1980 it had become apparent that with the general decline in purchasing power, the £1 unit of currency was more appropriate to a coin than a banknote. The note was in constant use on average lasting only nine months, whereas a coin can last as long as forty years or more and with the growth in the vending industry it was felt that a coin would be more useful.
After consultation with many groups including retailers and special interest groups, the Government announced on 31 July 1981 that a new £1 coin that was to be issued on 21 April 1983.
To make it easy to identify, the £1 coin is thicker than other coins while the 'yellow' colour allowed it to stand out from the cupro-nickel 'silver' coins already in circulation. The weight of the coin was decided largely on the grounds of cost and the need to allow for higher denomination coins in due course.
The reverse designs represent the United Kingdom and its four constituent parts - Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England. The first series of designs took floral emblems as its theme, while the second series was heraldic in approach
I found this research fairly useful because it let me have an insight into previous 1 pound designs and how effective they can be. I want my design to make an impact and have more of a conceptual meaning that just to be atheistically pleasing. Looking back on the previous designs for the pound coins its clear each design has a historic British feel either featuring a famous landmark or the use of different plants that are found in each part of Britain. This is something I should consider when creating my own design as it needs something that reflects Britain in a unique and effective way.
