UK 1 pound coins

Hi
I would like to know why most 1 pound coind look very worn, even the more recent ones (2004 - 2005)
It's very hard to find them in XF condition.
Is the alloy to soft, or is there an other reason ?
Thanks for any reply !
Tony

A good question. It may just be that they are so circulated. Everyone in the UK uses pound coins daily, so we probably just wear them down through daily use.

Matt

Matt,
I agree that these coins are used daily, but in comparison to e.g. euro coins, the wear is a lot worse : some 1 euro coins from 1999 are in far better condition than 1 pound coins dated 2006 .
That's why I think the alloy is weaker.
tony

Quote: tony.cMatt,
I agree that these coins are used daily, but in comparison to e.g. euro coins, the wear is a lot worse : some 1 euro coins from 1999 are in far better condition than 1 pound coins dated 2006 .
That's why I think the alloy is weaker.
tony

Maybe the alloy is weaker, but the currency is stronger   

Matt

The alloy probably became weaker when the Iron Lady left...

Quote: tony.cThe alloy probably became weaker when the Iron Lady left...

She didn't leave, we kicked her out.  

 whos the iron lady???

Interesting conversation...

Nickel-brass is a very weak alloy, and, because the coin is widely used, it is usually hard to find in an EF condition.

Euro coins are made of Nordic gold, which is a much stronger brass alloy.

Thank you, SmartOne. But if it is well known that this alloy is weak, why do they keep on using it ?
Tony

Good question, Tony.

I think they use it because it prevents counterfeiting. Usually counterfeiters use really crummy metals that are significantly cheaper than the genuine pounds, and do not look like nickel-brass.

Again, because it is the most used British coin, it is most likely to feature scratches and nicks. Other British territories and Commonwealth nations also issue nickel-brass coins, but do not feature as much damage from circulation.