Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 1 Pound 1985-1990, KM# 941, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Royal Diadem, Welsh Leek
  • 1 Pound 1985-1990, KM# 941, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Royal Diadem, Welsh Leek
Obverse

Third crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem.

The George IV State Diadem, officially the Diamond Diadem, is a type of crown that was made in 1820 for King George IV. The diadem is worn by queens and queens consort in procession to coronations and State Openings of Parliament. The piece of jewellery has been featured in paintings and on stamps and currency. It can be seen in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FIDEI DEFENSATRIX means Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen and Defender of the Faith.

From 1985 to 1991 the head of Queen Elizabeth II was a slightly smaller size. From 1993 to 1997 the head was a slightly larger size. The change over was made part way through 1992 so there are two versions in this year. 1997 has small varieties in design of the portrait.

Engraver: Raphael David Maklouf

ELIZABETH II D·G·REG·F·D·1985
RDM

Reverse

A leek encircled by the Diamond Diadem.

The leek is one of the national emblems of Wales, worn along with the daffodil (in Welsh, the daffodil is known as "Peter's leek", Cenhinen Bedr) on St. David’s Day. According to one legend, King Cadwaladr of Gwynedd ordered his soldiers to identify themselves by wearing the vegetable on their helmets in an ancient battle against the Saxons that took place in a leek field. The Elizabethan poet Michael Drayton stated, in contrast, that the tradition was a tribute to Saint David, who ate only leeks when he was fasting. Whatever the case, the leek has been known to be a symbol of Wales for a long time; Shakespeare, for example, refers to the custom of wearing a leek as an “ancient tradition” in Henry V. In the play, Henry tells the Welsh officer Fluellen that he, too, is wearing a leek “for I am Welsh, you know, good countryman.”

Engraver: Leslie Durbin

ONE POUND

Edge

Milled and inscribed with Welsh translating as "True am I to my country". Some have an error where the ' in I'M is missing.

PLEIDIOL WYF I'M GWLAD

Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Nickel Brass
Weight 9.5 g
Diameter 22.5 mm
Thickness 3.15 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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