So, the new pound coin looks totally different

RIP, round pound coins

new pound coin

RIP, round pound coins

The new pound coin is officially coming into circulation next year, and it's going to be completely different. No longer a round, but a twelve sided shape.

Our currency is being completely changed up at the moment, with the new five pound notes having come into circulation just six weeks ago and the new ten pound bank note launching next summer. The current pound coin design, which is over 30 years old, is set to be taken out of circulation after the new coin's launch in March 2017.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury David Gauke said: 'The pound as we know it will not be round for much longer' The Metro reports.

new pound coin

A prototype of the new pound coin design, featuring 12 sides

'The introduction of this new £1 coin will be a highly significant event and we are working with the Royal Mint to ensure key industries are ready and to ensure a smooth transition' he said.

Some equipment used by the public on a daily to day basis, such as shopping trolleys and parking meters, will need to be completely changed or replaced in order to handle the new coin. Businesses are also being advised to train their staff on the features of the new coin and to make arrangements with the bank to return the current and new coins in separate packaging.

The government claims that this new coin will be the 'most secure of its kind in the world'. It is estimated that there are currently around 45 million counterfeit pound coins in circulation, something which the new design will combat.

The new coin will also feature a hologram effect that switches between a pound sign and the number 1 when held at different angles, making it difficult to copy.

Not long now until we say goodbye to the beloved round pound coin forever.

Lucy Abbersteen
Beauty Contributor

Lucy is a freelance beauty editor and contributor at Marie Claire, and has written for titles including Glamour, Refinery29, Popsugar, woman&home and more. She was previously Marie Claire’s junior beauty editor. During her career, she’s covered everything from backstage beauty at fashion week to interviews with famous faces like Drag Race royalty and Little Mix. As for her beauty ethos, she’s a big advocate for not having to spend a fortune on beauty products to get good results, and when she’s not got beauty on the brain you’ll find her reading or hanging out with dogs.