Dolphin writes: I have three different British Pounds. What is the significance of the different backs? One has a type of plants, no blossoms, going through a crown and on the edge it has PLEIDOIL WYF I’M GWLAD. The second is the same except is has blossoms, and on the edge, NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT. And the third is a Crest of somesort and says, DECUS ET TUTAMEN.
Great Britain is made up of England, Scotland and Wales. Your £1 coins have three different reverses and three edge legends that represent the following:
- England – DECUS ET TUTAMEN (Latin)- An ornament and safeguard (referring to the purpose of the edge design)
- Scotland – NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT (Latin) -“No one will provoke me with impunity”
- Wales – PLEIDIOL WYF I’M GWLAD (Welsh)- “True I am to my country”
