UK round pound series, 1984-7: competition entries

[<k>]

These entries were by silversmith and Royal Mint engraver Leslie Durbin.

Some of his floral designs were eventually chosen.

[quaziright]

to be honest, none of these were good choices, I never thought I'd get nausea from looking at coin designs (and you have been posting so many otherwise interesting ones!). Even on my recent trip to the UK, I came across several of these that eventually got issued. They are absolutely butt ugly especially with a little bit of circulation wear. On the other hand, the bridges series look rather crude, but more pleasing to the eyes nonetheless

[<k>]

Yes, I do like the bridge series: the first modern thematic designs to appear on the pound coin. The round pound was small and thick, and the colour was ugly indeed. The new 12-sided coin is much better looking. I too am growing very tired of heraldry and the same old plants. What's interesting is how some designs are very neatly presented, but they are not always the ones that win. Some of the messy entries get tidied up and then win!

[<k>]

A rather predictable and boring set from Norman Sillman.

He was capable of better than this.

[<k>]

More from Norman Sillman.

Much better, but he didn't include a similar animal design for Northern Ireland.

[<k>]

More from Norman Sillman.

[<k>]

Entries from Barry Stanton. More heraldry, but stylishly done.

[<k>]

Entries from Michael Hibbit. 

[<k>]

Entries from Lynne Broberg. I have never heard the name before.

At least the familiar plants are arranged in a more interesting way.

[<k>]

This series by David McFall is much more interesting.

But why does he label the English design "Britannia"?


Also, the term "Ulster", to refer to Northern Ireland, is not liked by many Catholics there.

The province of Ulster extends beyond Northern Ireland and includes nine counties.

By contrast, Northern Ireland has only six counties.