THE MOST SECURE COIN IN THE WORLD
The new coin has a number of features that make it much more difficult to counterfeit.

12-sided - its distinctive shape makes it instantly recognisable, even by touch.

Bimetallic - it is made of two metals. The outer ring is gold coloured (nickel-brass) and the inner ring is silver coloured (nickel-plated alloy).

Latent image - it has an image like a hologram that changes from a '£' symbol to the number '1' when the coin is seen from different angles.

Micro-lettering - it has very small lettering on the lower inside rim on both sides of the coin. One pound on the obverse "heads" side and the year of production on the reverse "tails" side, for example 2016 or 2017.

Milled edges - it has grooves on alternate sides.

Hidden high security feature - a high security feature is built into the coin to protect it from counterfeiting in the future.

STATE-OF-THE-ART
The coin's design reflects the United Kingdom's heritage and superb craftsmanship.

Made by The Royal Mint - the coin is produced by The Royal Mint using cutting-edge technology developed on its site in South Wales.

Bold new design - it also features a new design that shows the English rose, the Welsh leek, the Scottish thistle and the Northern Irish shamrock emerging from one stem within a royal coronet. This was created by David Pearce who won a public design competition at the age of 15.

The fifth coinage portrait - the fifth coin portrait of Her Majesty the Queen, designed by Royal Mint coin designer Jody Clark, is featured on the coin.

CHANGING DIMENSIONS
The new 12-sided £1 coin's dimensions are different from the current round £1 coin.

Thickness: 2.8mm - it is thinner than the round £1 coin.

Weight: 8.75 - it is lighter than the round £1 coin.

Diameter: 23.43mm - it is slightly larger than the round £1 coin, the maximum diameter (point to point) is 23.43mm.

WHY REPLACE THE £1 COIN?

The current £1 coin is being replaced for the first time in over thirty years because of its vulnerability to sophisticated counterfeiters.

Approximately one in thirty £1 coins in circulation is a counterfeit.

That is why we are introducing a new, highly secure coin in March 2017 to reduce the costs of counterfeits to businesses and the taxpayer.

To visit the new pound web site, see:
www.thenewpoundcoin.com