As we mark St. Patrick’s Day, let’s not forget—he was actually Welsh! To celebrate the Celtic connection, we explore the 2010 Belfast £1 coin, a numismatic nod to Northern Ireland’s capital and its rich maritime heritage.
A Coin Rooted in History
Belfast, officially established in 1613 by Sir Arthur Chichester, grew into an industrial powerhouse, famed for shipbuilding and linen production. The city's resilience through World War II and The Troubles underscores its historical significance.
The Belfast Coat of Arms
The reverse, designed by Stuart Devlin, features the Belfast Coat of Arms:
- A ship at sea, symbolising its shipbuilding legacy, including the construction of the RMS Titanic.
- A triangular pattern, taken from the Chichester family arms, reflecting their influence in Belfast’s early development.
- A bell in the canton, referencing the city's name, though ‘Belfast’ actually derives from the Gaelic 'Béal Feirste' (‘mouth of the sandbars’).
‘BELFAST’ and ‘ONE POUND’ encircle the design, with three small circles representing London, Edinburgh, and Cardiff.
Edge Inscription & Obverse
The coin’s edge bears the Latin inscription: PRO TANTO QUID RETRIBUAMUS (‘What shall we give in return for so much?’), Belfast’s official motto. The obverse features Ian Rank-Broadley’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, the fourth official effigy used on British coinage.
A Collectible Gem
Struck in .925 sterling silver to proof standard, this coin weighs 9.50 grams with a 22.50mm diameter. With just 4,564 minted, it’s a prized collectible, capturing Belfast’s history in a timeless design.
Whether you collect coins or appreciate history, the 2010 Belfast £1 is a remarkable piece—a fitting tribute to a city as strong as the ships it built.
