Expert: PAPAJACK - 12/14/2008

Question
Hi Pappajack! I recently found a gold 2005 1 pound coin. It has the Menai Bridge on one side. I've found the sets on the net, but I'd really like to know what the one coin is worth. Thanks!

Answer
Hello Mitzi,              

I cannot answer accurately foreign coins and currency it is not my field. Many of the circulating cooins are common and contain little value over face in any country other than that in which it was issued.

Here is what I can tell you though about the one you describe.

There were three versions of this coin made all have a gold color but only one used gold in it. The two made from base metals were produced in proof and in Uncirculated finishes but a 22KGold proof was produced as well.

The gold colored circulating coin has these specifications as do the common proofs;
Diameter 22.5mm Weight 9.5 g Thickness 3.15mm Composition Nickel-Brass (70% copper, 5.5% nickel, 24.5% zinc). This alloy is a pale yellow color and is distinctive from the straw yellow of most other brass alloys.
The Proof Nickel-Brass sold recently for about $25 on eBay and the circulation sold for about $5.

The Gold version released only in proof finish has these specifications;
Version 2005 welsh bridge Diameter 22.5 mm but the weight is 19.61 grams (this more than twice as heavy as the Nickel/Brass version).
The alloy contains 91.66 % gold (17.9758 Grams or.5779 Ounces Troy)
The gold proof is listed from $450 to $600 at different online sites.

The 2005 Gold Proof Pound issue limit was 3000 and I believe only 2,390 were made
Half were to be available in a presentation case and half without a box or certification were available as well to collectors.

The 2005 obverse used the Portrait of Her Majesty the Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley
The 2005 reverse design is a representation of the Menai Bridge and has on the inside a border of railings and stanchions designed by Edwina Ellis.
And the coin edge inscription is incuse decorative feature symbolizing bridges and pathways.

Hope this information helps,

PapaJack