Q. Why does the pound coin have a different reverse every year?
A. The reverse designs go in a cycle and represent the national
flowers or symbols of each of the UK members. There are at least
ten designs:
-
The Royal Coat of Arms (UK - 1983, 1993)
-
Thistle (Scotland - 1984, 1989)
-
Leek (Wales - 1985, 1990)
-
Flax (Northern Ireland - 1986, 1991)
-
Oak Tree (England - 1987, 1992)
-
Arms within Shield (UK - 1988)
-
Lion Rampant (Scotland - 1994)
-
Dragon (Wales - 1995)
-
Ring (? - 1996)
-
Three Lions Puissant (Wales? - 1997)
Q. What does the lettering on the edge of the pound coins say?
A. There are three letterings:
-
Decus Et Tutamen (Latin: An ornament and a safeguard) - 1983, '86, '87,
'88, '91', '92, '93, '96, '97
-
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit (Latin: No one provokes me with impunity) - 1984,
'89, '94
-
Pleidoil Wyf I'm Gwlad (Gaelic: I am true to my country) - 1985, '90, '95
This information taken from Sean's
British FAQ.
A better, more complete and up-to-date page with this information is
available at UK Decimal
Coins. Also I've cribbed that page here,
just in case it gets deleted from Tony's server! Also at British
Coins, backed up here.