Overseas British territories given the go-ahead to mint personal versions

The new pound coin is “going global” as British overseas nations are given the go-ahead to mint their own versions.

Treasury ministers have announced that a range of territories — including Gibraltar, Bermuda, the Falkland and Channel Islands — will be able to feature their own culture and heritage on the reverse side.

The 12-sided coin, introduced in 2017, is said to be the most secure of its kind in the world and is being rolled out to help our close allies and dependencies thwart criminals themselves.

The move means those living overseas may soon be able to spend the bespoke versions of the new pound coin, replacing the older coins currently in use.

Many territories and dependencies have coins based on older versions of UK currency and they will now have the choice to use this cutting-edge technology and design to protect their cash, the Government said.

Treasury Minister Robert Jenrick believes the move will also send a clear message of Britain’s “unshakeable commitment” to our territories around the world.

He said: “The Great British pound is internationally recognised and as we extend the new £1 coin to our territories and dependencies, we will see new designs emerge that together symbolise our shared history.

“In the same way that the rose, leek, thistle and shamrock are used on our coin to represent the four nations of the UK, these new designs will reflect the rich and varying British communities across the world.”

The Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey are Crown dependencies of the UK.

The UK overseas territories include Akrotiri and Dhekelia; Anguilla; British Antarctic Territory; Bermuda; British Indian Ocean Territory; British Virgin Islands; Cayman Islands; Falkland Islands; Gibraltar; Montserrat; St Helena and Dependencies (Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha); Turk and Caicos Islands; Pitcairn Island; and South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands.

Overseas Territories Minister Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon said: “This is an exciting opportunity for our currency to reflect the breadth and variety of the British Territories.

“Each will be able to create a design that reflects their own distinctive heritage as part of the British family.

“As well as helping to boost their identity, these new coins will also bring increased security to each of these economies.”