The type LA counterfeits

This group of counterfeit one-pound coins has been described in the page on coin types. The main characteristic is the DECUS LACESS [sometimes, LACESSIT] TUTAMEN edge. Note there is no cross in the edge lettering. The secondary identifier is the circular turning marks on the faces of the counterfeit. The prominence of these circular marks can vary. All the design elements including the lettering have rounded sides with none of the sharpness expected in a genuine coin.

COIN P7

Counterfeit coin P7 is a typical counterfeit of this type. It has a 1994 obverse with a Scottish thistle reverse. The reverse should be the Scottish lion rampant, the counterfeit is a mule. It should also be noted this counterfeit was light, being below the weight tolerance for a one-pound coin.

The obverse face of the P7 counterfeit one-pound coin. This illustrates the circular turning present in the type LA counterfeits. Click image to view enlargement.

The reverse face of the P7 counterfeit one-pound coin.

Obverse	Reverse	Edge	Weight	Diameter	Edge Thickness	Alignment
1994	Thistle	DECUS LACESS TUTAMEN	8.934g	not recorded	not recorded	11.0 o'clock

Coin P7, photograph of the counterfeit edge showing DECUS

The DECUS of the counterfeit's edge lettering.

Coin P7, showing LACESS in the edge lettering

The LACESS in the edge lettering.

Coin P7, part of the TUTAMEN in the edge lettering

Part of the TUTAMEN in the counterfeit's edge lettering.

COIN P5

This example of a type LA counterfeit had a 1989 obverse and the correct Scottish thistle reverse. It had the characteristic edge lettering and circular turning marks. Its weight was exactly the nominal weight of a genuine one-pound coin.

Obverse	Reverse	Edge	Weight	Diameter	Edge Thickness	Alignment
1989	Thistle	DECUS LACESSIT TUTAMEN	9.500g	not recorded	not recorded	2.0 o'clock

Coin P5, photograph of the counterfeit edge showing DECUS

The DECUS of the counterfeit's edge lettering.

Coin P5, showing LACESSIT in the edge lettering

The LACESSIT in the edge lettering.

Coin P5, part of the TUTAMEN in the edge lettering

Part of the TUTAMEN in the counterfeit's edge lettering.

Coin P5, part of the edge were the cross would be expected to be

Part of the edge were the cross would be expected to be.

Coin P5, the bottom left hand side of the obverse

The bottom left hand side of the obverse.

There is a variation in the number letters in the edge lettering between P5 and P7. One possible explanation could be that the letters have been added individually. This would be very labour intensive.