New Pound Coin's iSIS Security System Explained (Partially)

The new £1 coin is not only a pretty little (not everyone agrees, see below) thing but it’s also incredibly hi-tech.

Three years and £2 million in the the making, it uses technology already used in banknotes that allow its authenticity to be established incredibly quickly with a simple scan.

In May 2015, a survey by the Royal Mint found that one in 40 (2.55%) of all pound coins were actually fake.

The coin’s 12-sided shape is its first line of defence as to replicate this is much harder that a simple circle.

Additionally, the Royal Mint, who developed the coin, use a process called aRMour full-plate technology in their production process.

This process applies a single layer that is electroplated directly onto a steel core which results in a very strong bond between the plated material and the steel core.

What the coin’s makers will tell us is the myriad of benefits the system can achieve...

• It will reduce costs by replacing expensive clad and homogeneous coins with a more affordable full-plated option.
• It will generate lifetime cost savings through unmatched durability, lasting up to 30 times longer than an equivalent value banknote.
• It will have considerably lower replacement frequency than other plated coin types.
• Both robust and secure, its issuance protects the reputation of a country, projecting a positive image of the nation and its economy.

Here’s some public feedback.