United Kingdom 1983 One Pound Coin

Country of Origin: United Kingdom, Royal Mint

Year of Issue: 1983

Denomination: 1 Pound Sterling

Composition: Nickel-Brass (70% Copper, 24.5% Zinc, 5.5% Nickel)

United Kingdom 1983 One Pound Coin

Brief Description

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.

Estimated Value

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

Care Instructions

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.

Mint Mark

None (Llantrisant, Wales)

Mintage & Rarity

443,053,510; very common.

Weight & Diameter

9.50g weight, 22.50mm diameter

Edge

Lettered (milled with incuse lettering): 'DECUS ET TUTAMEN'

Apparent Grade

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Created At: 2026-05-28T22:24:18.077056