UK COIN CATALOGUE OF ONE POUND COINS

Where can I find a full list of £1 coin designs for my collection?

If you are looking for a complete UK £1 coin catalogue, Numara's £1 Coin Guide provides a detailed overview covering every One Pound (£1) coin released for circulation in the United Kingdom. From the original round pound introduced in 1983 to the modern 12-sided bi-metallic £1 coin introduced in 2017, our guide includes circulating commemorative and definitive designs, helping collectors identify coins found in everyday change and build a complete collection of British £1 coins.

How many different £1 coins are there in circulation?

A total of 50 different £1 coins have been released into general circulation in the United Kingdom between 1983 and 2025. This figure includes every circulating One Pound coin issued by The Royal Mint, from the first 1983 round £1 coin through to the 2025 Bee £1 coin. While some designs were repeated across multiple years, each dated circulating issue is counted separately. Numara's complete £1 Coin Guide includes a full list of every £1 coin released into circulation, helping collectors identify and track all circulating One Pound coins issued since the denomination was introduced. 

What is the difference between the round £1 coin and the new £1 coin?

The original round £1 coin circulated from 1983 until 2017 and featured a wide variety of annual reverse designs. Due to growing counterfeiting concerns, it was replaced by the current 12-sided bi-metallic £1 coin, which incorporates advanced security features. The modern £1 coin is often referred to as the most secure circulating coin in the world and remains the current £1 denomination used throughout the United Kingdom.

What was the first £1 coin?

The first modern British £1 coin entered circulation in 1983, replacing the £1 banknote. The original design featured the Royal Arms on the reverse and began a series that would become one of the most collected denominations in British coinage. Today, collectors continue to search for older round pound designs alongside the newer 12-sided £1 coins.

What is the rarest £1 coin in circulation?

Several £1 coin designs are considered scarce due to lower mintages and limited circulation numbers. The 2011 Edinburgh City £1 coin is widely regarded as one of the rarest circulating round pound designs, making it highly sought after by collectors. Checking official mintage figures is one of the best ways to identify potentially valuable £1 coins.

Are all £1 coins round?

No. The original £1 coin issued between 1983 and 2017 was round, while the current £1 coin features a distinctive 12-sided shape and bi-metallic construction. This redesign was introduced to improve security and make the coin easier to identify in circulation.

What designs have appeared on circulating £1 coins?

Circulating £1 coins have featured a wide range of themes including the Royal Arms, national floral emblems, bridges, cities, heraldry, national symbols and representations of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. These changing designs have helped make the £1 coin one of the most popular modern British coins to collect.

Can I still find valuable £1 coins in my change?

Yes. Although many older round pound coins were withdrawn from circulation, certain £1 designs remain highly collectible due to their lower mintages and popularity among collectors. Rare £1 coins, error coins and coins in exceptional condition may be worth significantly more than face value, making it worthwhile to check any £1 coins you come across.