Does having 12 sides mean it’s a dodecahedron?
We’re not sure either (apparently,
that’s a 3D polyhedron…) but what we do know is that the new £1 coin will have
12 edges.
So, ahead of its introduction later
this month, here are 12 facts about the UK’s latest unit of currency:
1. The current, round £1 coin is to be replaced after more than 30 years in
circulation.
2. It’s to combat the excess of 440 million counterfeits that are currently
in daily usage (that’s 1 in 30) and – with ‘hidden high security features’ – is
lauded as the ‘most secure coin in the world’. That’s all well and good but will
all the parking meters, supermarket trollies and changing room lockers have
been upgraded in time?
3. The big day is 28th March. Which is a Tuesday. And completely
intentional.
4. It’s going to look like a 20 pence piece. And could well be worth that
amount in just a few years’ time…
5. Unless you want to invest in a commemorative £1 coin now. Probably for more
than 10 times
the price.
6. Notable event from history on 28th March: 845 AD – Paris was
sacked by Viking raiders, who then left. Hence the Gallic shrug was born.
7. The existing £1 coin will become demonetised on 15th October
and cease to be legal
tender. Which means a bonanza for Pound Shops all around
the country before then. (However,
banks should still be accepting them after
that for a fixed period.)
8. It features a special hologram-like image that changes from a ‘£’ symbol
to the number ‘1’ when
viewed from different angles. Originally, it was going
to be the other way around.
9. Notable event from history on 28th March: 1794 – The Louvre
opened to the public for the first
time. No Viking exhibits though.
10. Although slightly larger than the round £1 coin, it
will be lighter and thinner. This is in recognition
of people with weak pockets
and whose job involves carrying lots of change.
11. According to Baroness Rolfe, The Commercial
Secretary to the Treasury (and no relation to the
pianist or veterinary surgeon from
The Muppets): “The
fact this coin is made in Wales makes it
even more special as it underlines the
importance of the Union.” And also coincides with The
Royal Mint being
located there since 1968.
12. Notable event from history on 28th
March: 1964 – the first pirate radio station, Radio Caroline,
was launched off
the UK coast. The first song played was ‘Not Fade Away’ by The Rolling Stones.
Let’s hope
the new £1 coin benefits from a similar sentiment. For another 30 years, at
least.
