Since 1983, when the new pound coin was issued, the designs on the reverses of the coins have been changed in cycles of five years, one 'British' version, and four other designs each representing the four constituent parts of the United Kingdom. The next series of four national designs is based on bridges.

Four Coin Gold Proof Pattern Collection
We have never had an explanation from the Royal Mint as to why this set was issued as "patterns", and also why they are all dated 2003 when we expected them to be dated 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007. We can only conjecture that they are not permitted to produce or release legal tender coins bearing a future date, and there may have been some complex legal reason why permission could not be obtained to release them as legal tender coins. Whatever the reasons, the coins bear the inscription "PATTERN" where they would normally say "ONE POUND". They also have a plain edge rather than a reeded and inscribed edge, and the coins are hallmarked on their edge, the first time this has been done on British coins, although we note this has also been done on the new 2004 pattern issue.

The Designs
It seems strange that the Forth design is the first design, but the 2004 pound will be the "Scottish" version, therefore will have a representation of the Forth Railway Bridge as its reverse design.
The next design, that for 2005, is the Welsh version featuring the Menai Straits Bridge in Wales.
The 2006 design is the Northern Irish version with the Egyptian Arch Railway Bridge, which is on the main Dublin to Belfast railway line.
The last of the four designs 2007, is the English one, which has the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

Limited Issue
The issue limit was 3,000 sets.

Specifications

Version	Diameter	Weight	Alloy	AGW Grams	AGW Ounces	Issue Limit
English	22.50 mms	19.61 grams	.9166	17.9758	0.5779	3,000
Scottish	22.50 mms	19.61 grams	.9166	17.9758	0.5779	3,000
Welsh	22.50 mms	19.61 grams	.9166	17.9758	0.5779	3,000
Irish	22.50 mms	19.61 grams	.9166	17.9758	0.5779	3,000
Complete Set		78.44 grams	.9166	71.9033	2.3112	3,000

Prices & Availability

Quantity	Premium %	Surcharge	Rate	Buy
1	20.00	£0.00	£2,744.00

2004 Pound Pattern Proof Set

2003 & 2004 Combined Pattern Sets

More Information
More information about British gold sets is available on our British Gold Sets Information page.

You may wish to use our order form.

Postage & Packing
UK Registered Post (Special Delivery) £8 per order, plus £1 per £1,000
EU Insured Post £10 per order, plus £1 per £1,000
USA Airmail $10,
Insured Shipping $20, plus $1 per $1,000
Canada Airmail $15,
Insured Shipping via Fedex $30, plus $1 per $1,000

Coins Wanted
We make an active market in almost all coins, including gold proofs and patterns. If you have any of these coins to sell, please contact us, or post them to us for appraisal and offer.