United Kingdom 1983 One Pound Coin

United Kingdom, Royal Mint · 1983

A thick, gold-colored circular coin featuring the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Coat of Arms.

Country: United Kingdom, Royal Mint
Year: 1983
Denomination: 1 Pound Sterling
Metal: Nickel-Brass (70% Copper, 24.5% Zinc, 5.5% Nickel)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified May 28, 2026More united kingdom, royal mint coins →

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Overview

A thick, gold-colored circular coin featuring the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Coat of Arms.

Historical significance

1983 was the first year the one-pound coin was introduced to replace the Bank of England one-pound note. This specific 'Royal Coat of Arms' design by Eric Sewell was the first in a rotating series representing the UK.

Obverse (front)

Second crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. Legend: ELIZABETH II D·G·REG·F·D·1983

Reverse (back)

The Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom, featuring a shield supported by a crowned English lion and a Scottish unicorn. 'ONE POUND' below.

Estimated value

$1.25 - $2.00 in circulated condition; $5 - $10 in Uncirculated/Mint State.

What drives this coin's value

Condition and the presence of any rare edge lettering errors. For this specific date, nearly all value is determined by the grade.

Grade assessment

Fine to Very Fine (VF); showing significant surface wear, loss of detail in the Queen's hair and the shield symbols, and minor environmental toning.

Mintage & rarity

443,053,510; very common.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check the edge lettering 'DECUS ET TUTAMEN' (An ornament and a safeguard). Counterfeit 1983 pounds were very common in circulation; check for poor detail/mushy striking and incorrect weight.

Notable varieties & errors

Medallic alignment errors (where the reverse is upside down relative to the obverse) and 'upside-down' edge lettering (though orientation of edge lettering varies by manufacture and is generally not a premium variety).

Similar coins

Often confused with newer 12-sided bi-metallic pound coins or other years of the round pound (1983-2016). Distinguished by its thickness and the specific 1983 date.

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges to avoid finger oils. Do not clean with chemicals or abrasives, as this destroys the numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free flip or capsule.