New £1 coin will be here very soon
It is the most secure in the world.
Last updated 1st May 2025
Royal Mint has started manufacturing the new 12-sided £1 coin ahead of general circulation early next year.
The design was created by 16-year-old David Pearce, a pupil at Queen Mary’s Grammar School in Walsall, who beat over 6,000 other entrants to win a competition last year.
© PA Images
The new coin is said to be the most secure in the world, featuring two metals, hidden messages and secret images to make it harder to counterfeit.
WATCH: The New £1 Coin »
Retailers are fearing confusion as the new £1 goes into circulation in March 2017, and will be mixed with the old coins still being in circulation for six months after.
Speaking to The Telegraph, a spokesperson for the Association of Convenience Stores said,
"Co-circulation of the coins could lead to consumer confusion when using coin operated machines, depending on when retailers are able to upgrade any machines they have that use £1 coins."
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