Overview
A vintage 'round pound' featuring the second portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin and the Northern Irish flax plant reverse. This specific design was part of a series representing the four constituent nations of the UK.
Preliminary identification
United Kingdom One Pound Coin, Flax Design, 1986
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Story
In 1986, this coin was released to honor Northern Ireland using the flax plant, a symbol of the region's historic linen industry. It belongs to the now-demonetized 'round pound' era, replaced in 2017 by the 12-sided version.
Maker / Origin
The Royal Mint is one of the world's oldest institutions, with over 1,100 years of history. This coin features the work of Leslie Durbin, a highly respected silversmith who designed the floral reverse series to celebrate British heritage.
Condition & Value
The coin shows heavy circulation wear, with significant smoothing of the Queen's hair and the flax petals. The lack of original mint luster and presence of surface scratches keep this in 'Fine' to 'Very Fine' grade, which is common for pocket change.
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Market Analysis
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.