1997 Three Lions Of England One Pound Silver Proof Coin
The three lions representing England have taken on a modern importance in football and cricket, coming to represent the English teams and inspire songs and chants. They were first adopted in the twelfth century by Richard III, or Richard the Lionheart. In 1340, Edward III continued to use the emblem when he quartered the Royal Arms to include the national emblem of France alongside the lions of England. In 1994, The Royal Mint began a new series of One Pound coin designs, using the heraldic emblems of each of the four Home Nations in turn, beginning with Scotland and ending with this English design by Norman Sillman. This silver proof coin features the three lions passant guardant with the denomination of 'ONE POUND' below. The edge inscription reads 'DECUS ET TUTAMEN' which translates to 'an ornament and a safeguard.' This £1 features Raphael Maklouf's elegant portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse. In 1999, the series of heraldic designs was begun again, this time featuring the new royal effigy by Ian Rank-Broadley. 20,137 of these 1997 silver proof coins were issued by The Royal Mint in this presentation, and this one comes in its original packaging with the certificate of authenticity. It is struck from .925 of sterling silver with a weight of 9.50 grams and a diameter of 22.50 milimetres. This coin makes a fantastic gift for an English sporting fan. System.Threading.Tasks.Task`1[System.String] System.Threading.Tasks.Task`1[System.String]