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What does the writing 'decus et tutamen' on a one pound coin mean?
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Edge inscription: DECUS ET TUTAMEN ("An ornament and a safeguard" - originally on 17th century coins, this refers to the inscribed edge as a protection against the clipping of precious metal. The original appearance of the phrase is attributed to an epic poem by Virgil - "viro decus et tutamen in armis" (Aeneid, Book V, L. 262), describing a piece of armour, a breast-plate interwoven with gold, which was awarded as a prize to Mnestheus.) Designed byEric Sewell.[6]
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
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What is a decus et tutamen coin worth in America?
"DECUS ET TUTAMEN" is a Latin inscription used on the edge of current British One Pound coin and many older British coins. It translates to "An ornament and a safeguard". These coins are still potentially in circulation so, unless they are part of a Proof or Uncirculated mint set or are individual Proof or Uncirculated coins and in absolute mint condition, they are worth 1 Pound. When precious metals were used to make coins, it was the practice of many to shave or clip the gold or silver from the edge of the coin from where it would be least noticeable. Milling or reeding the edge of a coin or placing an inscription on the edge made the practice more difficult with the added advantage of making a "clipped" coin more readily identifiable. This was a very big deal in the old days since the value of the coin was determined by its weight in the metal it was made from. A One Guinea gold coin weighing a few grams less than it should, was no longer worth One Guinea and vigilant traders would not accept them.
What is the value of a 1983 British One Pound coin?
These coins are still potentially in circulation so, unless they are part of a Proof or uncirculated mint set or are individual Proof or uncirculated coins and in absolute mint condition, they are worth One Pound. A British 1983 nickel-brass One Pound coin (Elizabeth II)(Royal Arms design - edge = "DECUS ET TUTAMEN"), uncirculated and in absolute mint condition could fetch up to £5 GBP. A British 1983 nickel-brass One Pound coin (Elizabeth II)(Royal Arms design - edge = "DECUS ET TUTAMEN")(specimen in presentation folder), in absolute mint condition could fetch up to £5 GBP. A British 1983 nickel-brass One Pound coin (Elizabeth II)(Royal Arms design - edge = "DECUS ET TUTAMEN")(Proof FDC), could fetch up to £5 GBP. A British 1983 One Pound coin (Elizabeth II)(Royal Arms design - edge = "DECUS ET TUTAMEN")(Proof in silver FDC), could fetch up to £35 GBP. A British 1983 One Pound coin (Elizabeth II)(Royal Arms design - edge = "DECUS ET TUTAMEN")(Proof piedfort in silver FDC), could fetch up to £125 GBP. A reputable coin dealer will be able to give a more accurate valuation.
What year was the British gold One Pound coin having the Royal Arms with one pound under it minted?
The British nickel-brass One Pound coin featuring the Royal Arms design on the reverse was minted for general circulation in 1983, 1993, 1998 and 2003. All issues of these coins have "DECUS ET TUTAMEN" inscribed on the edge. The only "gold" coin struck with this design was in 2008 as "Proof in gold FDC". Only 3,000 were minted.
What is the value of a 1994 British One Pound coin?
These coins are still potentially in circulation so, unless they are part of a Proof or uncirculated mint set or are individual Proof or uncirculated coins and in absolute mint condition, they are worth One Pound. A British 1993 nickel-brass One Pound coin (QE II)(Royal Arms design - edge "DECUS ET TUTAMEN"), uncirculated and in absolute mint condition could fetch up to £5 GBP. A British 1993 nickel-brass One Pound coin (QE II)(Royal Arms design - edge "DECUS ET TUTAMEN")(Proof FDC), uncirculated and in absolute mint condition could fetch up to £6 GBP. A British 1993 One Pound coin (QE II)(Royal Arms design - edge "DECUS ET TUTAMEN")(Proof in silver FDC), uncirculated and in absolute mint condition could fetch up to £30 GBP. A British 1993 One Pound coin (QE II)(Royal Arms design - edge "DECUS ET TUTAMEN")(Proof piedfort in silver FDC), uncirculated and in absolute mint condition could fetch up to £45 GBP. A reputable coin dealer will be able to give a more accurate valuation.
Why do Pound coins have writing on the side?
The most common incuse lettering around the edge of a British Pound coin is "DECUS ET TUTAMEN", meaning "An ornament and a safeguard". It refers to safeguarding the coin from having "precious" metal shaved from the edge.
What is written on the edge of a Welsh pound coin?
There is a variety of different inscriptions around the edge of British One Pound coins. The most common seems to be "DECUS ET TUTAMEN" which translates as "An ornament and a safeguard".
What is the value of a silver coin measuring 1.5 inches in fair condition dated 1821 that says britanniar rex f d georgius iiii d g on the edge says secundo decus tutamen anno regni?
In circulated condition, it's worth about $15
What is the value of a 2003 British One Pound coin?
These coins are still in circulation so, unless they are part of a Proof or uncirculated mint set or are individual Proof or uncirculated coins and in absolute mint condition, they are worth One Pound. A British 2003 nickel-brass One Pound coin (Elizabeth II), uncirculated and in absolute mint condition could fetch up to £3 GBP. A British 2003 nickel-brass One Pound coin (Elizabeth II)(specimen in presentation folder), uncirculated and in absolute mint condition could fetch up to £5 GBP. A British 2003 One Pound coin (Elizabeth II)(Proof in silver FDC), uncirculated and in absolute mint condition could fetch up to £30 GBP. A British 2003 One Pound coin (Elizabeth II)(Proof piedfort in silver FDC), uncirculated and in absolute mint condition could fetch up to £45 GBP. The values quoted are the best possible for the best specimens in their grades, but may be significantly lower due to varying demand for the coin and the prevailing economic climate. A reputable coin dealer will be able to give a more accurate valuation based on inspection of the coin.
How much is a queen elizabeth 2 decus et tutamen coin worth?
To identify a coin for valuing you really need to supply its date, its denomination, and the name of the country that issued it. However in this case the motto is enough of a clue to get started. It's found on the edge of £1 coins issued since 1983. Unless it's uncirculated it's only worth face value.
What is this coin worth it has Arabic writing and looks like a two pound coin?
I suggest you get a good coin book and search for your coin in there.
What is the value of a 1995 British One Pound coin?
All years of issue of the British One Pound coin are still potentially in circulation so, unless they are part of a Proof or Uncirculated mint set or are individual Proof or Uncirculated coins and in absolute mint condition, they are worth One Pound.
What is the value of a 1994 British bi-metallic Two Pound coin with the word trial on it?
Bi-metallic Two Pound coins were not issued into circulation until 1997. The was a very limited production run in 1994 as a test of the production process and for assessment purposes. The "centre" is made from 25% nickel and 75% copper, the "outer" ring is made from 76% copper, 20% zinc and 4% nickel. The reverse inscription reads "ROYAL MINT TRIAL 1994". The edge inscription reads similarly to the One Pound coin "DECUS ET TUTAMEN ANNO REGNI XLVI", meaning "An ornament and a safeguard - in the 46th year of her reign". These coins should never have made it outside the Royal Mint. If you have one, you possibly have a coin of some collector value. Coin catalogues make no mention of it. A reputable coin dealer may be able to give a valuation. The mono-metallic Two Pound was produced as usual.
