2001 UK Coin £1 Silver Proof Piedfort Celtic Cross

This 2001 Northern Ireland Silver Proof Piedfort One Pound Coin features the Celtic Cross and Broighter Collar. These symbols represent Northern Ireland and are part of a four-design series by Norman Sillman, representing the four countries of the United Kingdom.

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

The coin comes in a presentation box with a certificate of authenticity.

Edge

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 used as a device to prevent clipping. It was also used on the first pound coin in 1983.

Llantrisant Mint Mark

On the milled edge of the coin is the Llantrisant mint mark, a cross crosslet. The shape of the cross alludes to Llantrisant, which translated from Welsh means “Church or Parish of the Three Saints.”

Obverse

The obverse bears the third UK coin portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Raphael Maklouf, introduced in 1998.