The British Royal Mint marked its 25 years of the decimal one pound coin with two exclusive and amazing 14-coin proof collector sets. One set features 22-carat gold proof coins and the other includes .925 sterling silver proof coins. Each of the sets features reverse designs that were applied to pound coins for the duration of the last 25 years.

The two sets of coins include extremely rare pieces. The British Royal Mint only issued 150 sets worldwide, so only a few people will be able to see them in person.

In order to provide contrast to the silver proof coins, the British Royal Mint added 24-carat gold plating to each coin from the set, thus enriching them with extra detail.

Sets include 14 different one pound coin designs made by five artists

The design of the reverse is changed yearly during a 5 year cycle of designs that characterize England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The table shown below shows the coin design that was active during a particular period and features the images of the brand new silver and gold proof coins that mark the 25^th anniversary. The table also includes the artists or designer who worked on a specific coin and description of each coin design. (Images and descriptions courtesy of Royal Mint.)

Year of Issue	Artist or Designer	Coin Design Theme	Commemorative Silver £1	Commemorative Gold £1
1983 1993 1998 2003	Eric Sewell	Royal Arms representing the United Kingdom
1988	Derek Gorringe	Royal Shield representing the United Kingdom
1984 1989	Leslie Durbin	Thistle and royal diadem representing Scotland
1985 1990	Leslie Durbin	Leek and royal diadem representing Wales
1986 1991	Leslie Durbin	Flax Plant and royal diadem representing Northern Ireland
1987 1992	Leslie Durbin	Oak Tree and royal diadem representing England
1994 1999	Norman Sillman	Lion Rampant representing Scotland
1995 2000	Norman Sillman	Dragon passant representing Wales
1996 2001	Norman Sillman	A Celtic Cross with a Pimpernel Flower in the centre surrounded by an ancient Torc representing Northern Ireland
1997 2002	Norman Sillman	Three Lions passant guardant representing England
2004	Edwina Ellis	A representation of the Forth Railway Bridge inside a border of railway tracks
2005	Edwina Ellis	A representation of the Menai Bridge inside a border of railings and stanchions
2006	Edwina Ellis	A representation of the Egyptian Arch Railway Bridge inside a border of railway station canopy dags
2007	Edwina Ellis	A representation of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge with a border of struts