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The new 12-sided £1 coin has entered circulation today, said to be the most secure circulating coin in the world.

The new coin, issued by The Royal Mint, contains several new features making it difficult to counterfeit. Previously, the one pound coin had become vulnerable to counterfeiters, with one in 30 pound coins in circulation being counterfeit.

Security features of the new one pound coin

Notably, the new coin is the shape of a dodecagon, having 12 sides that make it easy to identify by both sight and touch. The last time such a shape was used for a coin design was the UK’s three pence coin, known as the threepenny bit, a pre-decimal coin available in the UK until 1970.

A confidential high security feature is covertly contained in each coin, protecting it from future counterfeiting.

The coin is made using two metals providing a bimetallic design. A gold coloured metal is used for the outer ring whilst the core contains a silver coloured metal.

Another feature included in the coin’s design is a latent image, normally associated with banknotes, that can be seen from different angles as the coin is tilted.

Micro lettering is seen at the edge of each side of the coin displaying “One pound” on the obverse of the coin and the production year on the reverse, and milled edges are seen on alternative edges of the 12-sided coin.

The new pound coin is now thinner and lighter, being 2.8mm think and 8.75g in weight.

Out with the old

The previous round £1 coin will cease to be legal tender on 15 October 2017, though they can be exchanged at a bank from this time onwards.

From The Royal Mint

The Royal Mint has issued numerous education materials to assist the public and businesses with the changeover, including the film below available on the Royal Mint’s YouTube channel. Further information can also be viewed at www.thenewpoundcoin.com