The one pound coin has been a staple of British currency for decades, but it hasn’t always existed in the form we recognise today. If you’re wondering when did the pound coin come out, or when did the new £1 coin come out, this guide will walk you through its fascinating history and evolution.
The First Pound Coin: A Modern Milestone
The United Kingdom introduced the first pound coin on 21 April 1983. It replaced the Bank of England’s £1 banknote, which had gradually worn out over time. Coins, being more durable than paper notes, were deemed more practical for everyday use.
So to answer the common question, when did £1 coins come out?—they officially entered circulation in 1983.
What Are Pound Coins Made Of?
The Royal Mint introduced the £1 coin in 1983, making it from nickel-brass, which gave it a golden appearance. However, over time, concerns around counterfeiting grew, and the need for a more secure version became evident.
The current version, introduced in 2017, is made of two metals:
- The outer ring is nickel-brass (gold-coloured),
- The inner disc is nickel-plated alloy (silver-coloured).
This bimetallic composition makes counterfeiting more difficult and gives the one-pound coin its distinctive appearance.
When Did the Pound Coin Change?
The original £1 coin remained in circulation for over three decades, but by the mid-2010s, it was estimated that one in thirty £1 coins was fake. To combat this, the Royal Mint introduced a new, more secure coin.
So, when did the pound coin change? The new 12-sided £1 coin was released on 28 March 2017, replacing the older round version.
The change also marked a move toward high-tech coinage, featuring:
- Holographic imagery
- Micro-lettering
- Hidden security features
All designed to make the new pound coins the most secure coin in the world.
When Did the New Pound Coin Come Out?
To recap clearly for those asking, when did the new £1 coin come out? It entered circulation on 28 March 2017. The round pound ceased to be legal tender on 15 October 2017, giving the public several months to exchange their old coins.
The Significance of the Pound Coin Today
The £1 coin is now an everyday part of life in the UK, used in everything from parking meters to shopping trolleys. With its distinctive 12-sided shape and dual-metal design, it’s both a functional currency and a symbol of modern British identity.
Its design has also varied over time, with special editions commemorating various aspects of British culture, heritage, and the nations that make up the UK.
From the first pound coin in 1983 to the high-security coin of today, the £1 coin has come a long way. Whether you’re a coin collector, a trivia buff, or just curious, knowing the evolution of the pound coin gives insight into how currency adapts over time.
