Description
The Celtic Cross is a cross with a circle of light, or halo intersecting it. It is a Christian symbol primarily, but it has strong links with paganism. The Broighter collar was found by a ploughman in Londonderry in 1896. It is just one of numerous discoveries from the Iron Age in Ireland. The beautiful pimpernel is a yellow flower which grows around the banks of Lough Neagh. The Royal Mint released this Northern Irish Celtic cross One Pound in 2001 in a variety of formats, including this silver proof.
The design, by Norman Sillman, brings together the Celtic Cross, Broighter collar, and pimpernel in a stylish design representing the nation. This design was first used in 1996 as part of a four part series of heraldic designs representing the four Home Nations – with a lion rampant for Scotland and a dragon for Wales. In 1999, the series was begun again with the new Royal effigy. The design features the Celtic Cross intersected by the Broighter collar, with a pimpernel in the centre. The denomination, ‘ONE POUND’ is inscribed below while around the edge an inscription reads ‘DECUS ET TUTAMEN’ which translates to ‘an ornament and a safeguard.’
On the obverse is Ian Rank Broadley’s fourth official portrait of The Queen. Prior to the current bimetallic One Pound coin, this denomination were round and of one colour. Standard coins have a diameter of 22.50 milimetres and a weight of 9.50 grams. This silver proof version is struck in .925 sterling silver and is one of 11,697 issued in this presentation. It comes in its original presentation from The Royal Mint with its certificate of authenticity.
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