2016: the last round pound coin - silver proof.

The last "round pound" coin was released by the Royal Mint in 2016 as a commemorative farewell to the original circular design that had been in use since 1983. Unlike its standard nickel-brass predecessors, the last silver version was struck in solid .925 sterling silver to a high-quality proof finish specifically for collectors. It was never intended for general circulation, making it a distinct numismatic piece that marked the transition to the ultra-secure 12-sided coin in 2017.

The design of the 2016 coin features a symbolic reverse created by Gregory Cameron, the Bishop of St Asaph and a dedicated coin enthusiast. His artwork depicts the four heraldic beasts—the Lion of England, the Unicorn of Scotland, the Dragon of Wales, and the Stag of Northern Ireland—all gathered around a central crown to represent the unity of the United Kingdom. The obverse features the fifth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark.

The transition from the round pound to the dodecagonal shape was primarily driven by security; the circular design had become one of the most counterfeited coins in the world, with an estimated one in thirty in circulation being fake. By issuing the silver proof "Last Round Pound," the Royal Mint offered collectors a way to preserve the legacy of a denomination that had been a staple of British pockets for over three decades, but in a precious metal format that would never suffer the wear and tear of daily trade.

Today, this coin serves as a nostalgic bridge between two eras of British currency. Its popularity remains high among numismatists not just for its heraldic beauty, but for its status as a "bookend" piece. As the final chapter of the round pound's history, it represents the end of a design lineage that began in 1983, making it an essential acquisition for anyone documenting the evolution of the United Kingdom's coinage.