english pound coin queeries

[gingerflaps]

can anyone tell me what the words on the side of the pound coin mean plz. i think its latin???

[HGKinsey]

Decus et tutamen means 'an ornament and a safeguard'.It is latin. If it starts with 'Nemo ..." it means 'No one provokes me with impunity.' If it starts "Pleidiol ... it's Welsh and is a line from the Welsh natinal anthem - 'True am I to my country'.

[marmaduke]

"Decus et tutamen", because the pilling (the lines) around the side of the coin are both for decoration, and to stop people cutting off tiny bits off the edge of the coin and melting them into a new coin. Same with the "Nemo me impune lacessit" - no one can damage me and get away with it, because you will be able to see if the lines aren't there any more.