2016 £1 one pound Trial coin 12 sided Bi Mettalic NGC AU 50 Rare very few minted

A Trial Piece is a coin that has been issued as a specimen or sample for new or revised coinage. Coins may be released to show a new portrait, pattern design or shape. The trial piece can be made for a variety of reasons, e. To test the structure of the coin, to test the metal composition of the coin, to ensure that the components of a coin fit securely, to test coin dies, to demonstrate the details of a new portrait or coin design, to be approved by officials such as The Queen, the Chancellor and other important executives, or for commercial or industrial testing and familiarity.

Often, trial pieces are struck in lead or a similar soft metal so that minor alterations may be made before the dies are completed. There may be several stages to a trial piece as further changes may be made.

This enables the mint to make alterations & get approval before commencing the production run of the new coin or coins. Several variations of the trial piece coin may be produced until it is ready for approval.

Once the trial piece has been approved, they will be struck and distributed, ending up if you're lucky, or you have deep enough pockets, in your Collection.