The Two Rarest £1 Coins

Collect • Denominations

 

30.855 million new £1 coins are entering circulation across the UK, including the final £1 coins featuring Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's portrait and 170,000 2025-dated new £1 coins bearing the official portrait of His Majesty King Charles III. Once the coins enter circulation, the 2022-dated coins will become the rarest £1s in active circulation. The rarest modern £1 coin ever struck for circulation remains the round 2011 Edinburgh City coin.

 

 

The Rarest Coin in Active Circulation

The final £1 coins bearing Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait were struck in 2022. Designed by David Pearce, their design symbolizes the United Kingdom and its four nations: Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and England. The obverse bears the fifth and final portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, created by Jody Clark. It is now the rarest £1 coin in active circulation which you could find in your pocket.

2022 £1 Coin

The First 2025-dated Circulating £1 Coins

Since the introduction of His Majesty's portrait on UK coinage in 2023, the 50p and £1 are the only denominations that have entered circulation bearing His Majesty’s effigy. With 170,000 2025-dated £1 coins entering ciruclation, collectors have an even greater chance of finding one of King Charles III's coins in their change.

2025 £1 Coin

The Rarest £1 Coin

Designed by Stuart Devlin, the 2011 Edinburgh City round coin is the rarest modern £1 ever struck for active circulation. Part of the Capital Cities series, its design prominently features the badge of Edinburgh with the edge inscription NISI DOMINUS FRUSTRA. The round £1 coins were withdrawn from circulation in 2017 and replaced by the more secure 12-sided version.​

Rarest £1 Coin

A Final Portrait and A New Era

Following Her Majesty’s passing on 8 September 2022, a new series of circulating coins was introduced for the reign of King Charles III, featuring native endangered British flora and fauna.

King Charles III Definitive Coins

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