Money for old rope

An estimated £45M of our cash type moolah is counterfeit. About 3.03% of the £1 coins in circulation. Add to the list below - The Council car park ticket machine mutters "Sod Offski" when you insert a duff coin.

Here's how to check if you have been "seen off." (Old Bootneck expression, as in "Ripped off")

It may not always be easy to spot a counterfeit £1 coin without close inspection. Features of counterfeit coins to look out for are set out below.

The date and design on the reverse do not match (the reverse design is changed each year). A list of designs and dates is available here.
The lettering or inscription on the edge of the coin does not correspond to the right year.
The milled edge is poorly defined and the lettering is uneven in depth, spacing or is poorly formed. The obverse and reverse designs are not as sharp or well defined.
Where the coin should have been in circulation for some time, the colouring appears more shiny and golden and the coin shows no sign of age.
The colour of the coin does not match genuine coins.
The orientation of the obverse and reverse designs is not in line.