The phrase “Decus et Tutamen” was originally coined by the English author, John Evelyn on 10th January 1662, more than 350 years ago. It is reported that this proposal was made by John Evelyn in person to King Charles II. At the time, a new coinage was being designed for the reign of the new King.
Evelyn suggested that this system of protection could be incorporated on the new valuable coins, like the five Guinea gold coin, being minted for the Kings new reign. However, this inscription was discontinued following the death of King Charles II. But it reappeared in later years, during the reigns of different British monarchs and can be found on commemorative coins, which were intended to be valuable. In recent years, the inscription can be found on the milled edge of many British 1 pound coins, popularly known as the “round pound”, which replaced the Bank of England pound note in 1983.
FAQs
The old round pounds had the Latin phrase 'decus et tutamen' round their edges. This translates as 'an ornament and a safeguard' or, decoration and protection.
What is tutamen? ›
The dedication “ Decus et Tutamen ” simply means – an decoration and a safeguard. Another interpretation is ' glory and defense '. so, the inscription was created to enhance the design of the coin and protect it. But protect the coin against clippers.
What language is decus et tutamen? ›
Around the rim of that coin was the Latin inscription “Decus et Tutamen”, which translates as “An ornament and a safeguard” and I really liked that.
Is a 1983 one pound coin worth anything? ›
Is it worth much more than face value? No. Unless it's in uncirculated condition and it's a rare edition, then it's only worth £1, and that's only if you can get to a British bank to pay it into your bank account as the old round pound coins are no longer legal tender.
What is the meaning of decus? ›
Decus is a Latin word meaning "ornament". It may refer to. Decus et tutamen, "an ornament and a safeguard", motto on the one-pound sterling coin. DECUS, the Digital Equipment Computer Users' Society.
Are any one pound coins rare? ›
The rarest of these is the Edinburgh City design, which came into circulation in 2011, and gets the highest score possible on the index. According to The Sun, the Edinburgh design is the only £1 coin with a mintage below one million - with 935,000 coins in circulation.
What is a 1 pound coin called? ›
Coins and units of money
| Coin | Amount |
|---|
| 5s | Crown |
| 10s | Ten shillings, or 'half sovereign' |
| £1 | One pound, or 'sovereign', commonly called a 'quid' |
| £1 1s | One pound and one shilling (21 shillings), or 'guinea' |
11 more rowsIts obverse bears the Latin engraving ELIZABETH II D G REG (Dei Gratia Regina) F D (Fidei defensor) meaning, 'Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith'.
How many coins make 1 pound? ›
There are 100 pence (p) to the pound (£).
What is the symbol of England coin? ›
Decimalisation. Since decimalisation on 15 February 1971 the pound (symbol "£") has been divided into 100 pence.
According to a press release about the coin issued by the Mint, the words refer to Newton's work on gravity, and indicate the modest way in which he described his success as being based on the work of his predecessors.
What does Scientia Imperii Decus et Tutamen mean? ›
The College's motto, coined in 1908, is 'Scientia imperii decus et tutamen' which can be translated as 'Scientific knowledge, the crowning glory and the safeguard of the empire'.
How can you tell if a 1983 penny is rare? ›
This is what's known as a “doubled die reverse” coin. It's when the stamping machine hits the coin at a slightly different spot. These coins are almost always worth more than regular coins, so anytime you see a 'double die' effect on a coin, take a closer look.
How much is a quarter dollar worth from 1983? ›
Even in raw circulated grades, buyers are willing to pay $3 to $5 per coin, although one might need to list their coin on sites like eBay to see such results. Most coin collectors interested in the future profit potential of the 1983-P Washington quarter seek out certified coins in Mint State.
How much is a 1983 $200 coin worth? ›
Browse our catalog of Gold Coins below:
| Coin Name | Price | Status |
|---|
| 1983 Two Hundred Dollar Gold Proof Coin Koala | $950.00 Last sold for this price on 18/10/2023 | Sold |
| 1980 Two Hundred Dollar Gold Proof Coin Koala | $1,100.00 | Available Now |
| 1980 Two Hundred Dollar Gold Unc Coin Koala | $1,075.00 Last sold for this price on 12/4/2024 | Sold |
70 more rowsThe pound sign (£) is the symbol for the pound unit of sterling – the currency of the United Kingdom and its associated Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories and previously of Great Britain and of the Kingdom of England.
What do the letters on British coins mean? ›
On the edge of our coins, the letters D.G.REG.F.D. always appear after the Queen's name. The letters stand for the Latin words Dei Gratia Regina Fidei Defensor, which means 'By the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith'.
