We all know the £1 coin’s got 12 sides, and many of us have heard the pound referred to as a “quid.” But here’s something you may not know: UK coins between 1p and 50p can be arranged to reveal a hidden design—a shield!
In a recent Instagram Reel, Jordon Cox, known as the Coupon King, revealed this clever trick. “I didn’t know coins did this,” he said, laying a few coins on a table to show off the motif.
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So, What’s the Big Secret?
If you find the right UK coins—from 1p to 50p—and arrange them correctly, they form a pattern resembling a shield. Pretty cool, right? Even Jordon, who’s been a “money expert” for over a decade, was surprised.
The Royal Mint Confirmed It!
Yes, this design was intentional. The Royal Mint Advisory Committee wanted the coins to work both individually and as a set. The winning design, created by Matthew Dent, brought this idea to life. He came up with the idea of a heraldic shield that only appears when the coins are placed together.
Dent shared his process, saying, “I felt that the solution lay in a united design—united in theme, execution, and coverage.”
Initially, he thought of using birds, buildings, plants, or beaches, but then he had a better idea: why not have the coins form a shield, symbolizing unity in Britain?
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What About the £1 Coin?
Jordon’s video didn’t mention the £1 coin, and for a good reason—it wasn’t part of the original plan. The Royal Mint initially only included the 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, and 50p coins in the design.
However, as the committee discussed Dent’s design, they realized something was missing. The £1 coin was added later to complete the set, featuring a shield that matches the one formed by the other coins.
So, there you have it. Next time you’re sorting through your change, try laying those coins out—you might just see the Royal Shield appear!
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.