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"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.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoDECUS ET TUTAMEN is the inscription on the edge of a British One Pound coin. It is Latin and means "A Safeguard and an Ornament".
All years of issue of the British One Pound coin are still potentially in circulation, so the One Pound coin is worth One Pound in Britain.
At current exchange rates (04-Jun-2012) it is worth $1.54 USD.
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What does the writing 'decus et tutamen' on a one pound coin mean?
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]
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
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 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 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.
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 1998 British 1 Penny coin?
A British 2008 Penny (Proof FDC), uncirculated and in absolute mint condition could fetch up to £3 GBP. A reputable coin dealer will be able to give a more accurate valuation. These coins are still in circulation so, unless they are part of a proof set or are uncirculated and in absolute mint condition, they are worth 1 Penny.
How much is belciqve 20f coin worth in America?
No
What is the value of a 2001 British penny?
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 Penny. A British 2000 copper plated steel Penny (Elizabeth II)(Proof FDC), could fetch up to £3 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.
How much is a french nickel worth in America?
The value or worth of a French nickel in America will depend on its age and condition. It is always best to assume that the coin would only be worth face value. It is best to have the specific coin appraised.
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".
