Letter - Issue of a Coin without a Royal Proclamation [1988-08-02]

Treasury Chambers
Parliament Street
London SW1P 3AG

Telex 9413704
Telephone Direct Line 01-270   Switchboard 01-270 3000

Date 2 August 1988

Dear Mr Williams

£1 SILVER COIN: ROYAL PROCLAMATION

As you may know, we have run into a problem with the 1988 £1 silver coin: the coin has been issued without a Royal Proclamation.

Before any new UK coin is issued a Proclamation needs to be signed by the Queen (or her representative); once signed the Proclamation is reproduced in the London, Edinburgh and Belfast Gazettes. While the Treasury is willing to assist in the executive side of this work (essentially consulting Treasury Solicitor and liaising with the Privy Council Office) the responsibility for ensuring a Proclamation has been made, before coins are issued, rests with the Royal Mint.

I understand that the 1988 £1 silver coin was first issued on 21 April 1988. Yet it was not until the last week in May that the Royal Mint made us aware of its existence. A Proclamation is required for this coin (I have sent a draft to Linda Viner). This will be presented to the next Privy Council meeting in October. But we are clearly in an awkward position. We will have to explain the background to the Privy Council in such a way as to ensure that there was no question of us deliberately misleading them. And there is the awkwardness of appearing to present the Queen with a fait accompli.

There are legal aspects too. Legally the coins which have so far been issued bearing the new design are not legal tender. Treasury Solicitor inform us that there is no question of the Proclamation having retrospective effect. It would be wise therefore to issue no more of these particular coins until after the Proclamation is signed in October.