The 1988 Shield of Royal Arms silver proof one pound coin was designed by Derek Gorringe, deputy chief engraver at The Royal Mint. This proof coin is struck in 0.925 silver fineness and comes in a Royal Mint presentation box.

The first Royal Arms of England were attributed to King Richard I whose great seal depicted three gold lions on a red background. These arms were used by succeeding monarchs until about 1340.

When Edward III laid claim to the French throne he quartered the arms of France with the English arms.
The number of fleurs-de-lys in the French quarters was reduced to three by Henry IV

Wales has not been represented in the Royal Arms as it is a Principality, and has never been a separate kingdom ruled by an English King.

When James VI of Scotland inherited the English throne, the Tudor dragon supporter was replaced by one of the unicorns from the Scottish Royal Arms. The shield was also amended, as the French and English quartered arms were repositioned to the first and fourth quarters, to allow for the inclusion of the red Scottish Lion and the harp of Ireland.

With the introduction of the harp the elements of the present Royal Coat of Arms were united.
The arms of France were omitted in 1801. With the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837 the arms of Hanover were removed from the coat, leaving the Royal Arms as borne today by Queen Elizabeth II.

The edge is not only milled but also inscribed. The inscription in Latin reads:

DECUS ET TUTAMEN

Which may be translated as "an ornament and a safeguard". This inscription dates back to the first machine-struck coins minted in 1662 and was a device to prevent "clipping", and was used on the first pound coin in 1983.

On 28 March 2017, the circulated round pound was replaced by the 12 sided £1 coin. On the 15 October the round £1 coin will cease to be legal tender.

Obverse

The obverse bears the new third portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Raphael David Maklouf which was introduced in 1985.

Reverse

The reverse of the quartered Royal Shield of Arms, surmounted by the Imperial Crown was designed by Derek Gorringe, deputy chief engraver at the Royal Mint.

Key Information

Product ID	2077
Stock Status	Out of Stock

Product Spec

Metal	Silver
Silver Weight Troy Ounces	0.2825
Fineness/Carat	0.925 Sterling
Date	1988
Obverse Designer	Raphael Maklouf
Reverse Designer	Derek Gorringe
Mint/Brand	The Royal Mint
Country	United Kingdom

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1988 UK Coin £1 Silver Proof Royal Arms

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