The Pound Sterling or simply Pound (informally pound and formally Pound Sterling) is the official currency of the United Kingdom . King Athelstan, the first King of England, was the one who established the pound as the country's official currency in 928. It is the oldest currency in the world in circulation .

Over the years, the real value of the pound sterling has fluctuated. Because it is so ancient, it has experienced significant inflation over the centuries. A study by the House of Commons in England indicated that between 1750 and 1998, prices increased 118-fold .

Among the currencies with wide international circulation, the British pound (due to the gold standard) is considered the most valued , surpassing even the euro and the dollar. Its market value varies depending on its weight and the gold price , which fluctuates daily on international exchanges. Its condition and date also influence the coin's total value .

Pounds bearing the coat of arms are more valuable than those representing Saint George due to their antiquity. There is also a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II seated on her throne, bearing an imposing crown and two scepters, produced in 1989 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the first pound coin minted under the reign of Henry VII in 1489. On its reverse, the coat of arms and crown of England were originally minted .

The condition of coins is crucial. If the effigy or edges are damaged, even slightly, the coin may lose some of its value. However, it will never be worth less than its weight in gold.