12 things you probably didn't know about the new £1 coin
It entered circulation in March
The round £1 coin has been around since the early 80s, so it's no surprise that these days one in 30 are counterfeit, that's 45 million coins!
The new £1 coin was released on the 28th March 2017 - it is said to be the most secure yet, here are 12 things you might not know about it.
1. 12 sides
The new £1 coin will have 12 sides, similar to the old threepenny bit which was used for many years before decimalisation in 1971.
Threepenny bit | © **Flickr/Dave HowesFlickr/Dave Howes
2. Milled edges
Every other side of the coin will have grooves.
3. Hidden security feature
There is a hidden security feature in the coin which will help prevent it from being copied and will also allow for automatic recognition as to whether it is genuine or counterfeit.
4. Bimetallic
The coin will be made of two metals, a gold coloured nickel-brass and an inner ring which is a silver coloured nickel-plated alloy.
5. Latent image
At the bottom of the coin is an image which is similar to a hologram. Depending on the angle you view it from it will either display a '£' symbol or a '1'.
6. Micro-lettering
There will be very small lettering on both sides of the coin near the rim. On the 'heads' side there will be a 'one pound' and on the other side there will be the date of production.
7. Size and weight
Although the coin is lighter than the current coin it is also larger.
8. Visually impaired
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) was consulted during the process and user testing showed that the 12 sides and grooved edges made it easier to identify.
9. Design
The coin was designed by 15-year-old David Pearce who won a competition. It includes the English rose, Welsh leek, Scottish thistle and Northern Irish shamrock.
David Pearce | © PA Images
10. Queen's portrait
The coin will feature the fifth coinage portrait of the Queen designed by Royal Mint coin designer Jody Clark.
11. Circulation
It comes into circulation in March 2017 and in October the old £1 coin will no longer be legal tender.
12. Production
1.5 billion new £1 coins will be made at the Royal Mint in South Wales.