Britannia coins are British bullion coins made by the Royal Mint. They have been issued in gold since 1987, silver since 1997, and platinum since 2018. Each coin features Britannia, a symbol of the United Kingdom, on one side and a monarch’s image on the other.
Gold Britannia coins contain one troy ounce of gold and have a face value of £100. They are also available in smaller sizes, such as half, quarter, and tenth of a troy ounce, with face values of £50, £25, and £10. In 2013, two new sizes were introduced: a five-ounce coin with a face value of £500 and a one-twentieth ounce coin with a face value of £5.
Silver Britannia coins contain one troy ounce of silver and have a face value of £2. They also come in smaller sizes: half, quarter, and tenth of a troy ounce, with face values of £1, 50p, and 20p. Like the gold coins, in 2013, two additional sizes were introduced: a five-ounce coin with a face value of £10 and a one-twentieth ounce coin with a face value of 10p.
In 2023, King Charles III appeared on the obverse of the coins for the first time. Previously, Queen Elizabeth II was featured.
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Gold Britannia Coins
- Since 2013, these coins are made of 24-carat gold with a fineness of 0.9999. Before 2013, they were 22-carat gold with a fineness of 0.917.
- The specifications vary by year, but common sizes include one-ounce coins and fractional sizes.
Silver Britannia Coins
- Since 2013, these coins are made of 99.9% silver. Before 2013, they were 95.8% silver.
- They are released annually with different designs, including proof and bullion versions. The bullion versions have unlimited mintage since 2013.
In 2014, some silver Britannia coins were struck with the wrong obverse design due to a mix-up, creating the “Mule Britannia,” which is now valuable.
Coin Designs The design of Britannia coins has changed over the years, featuring various depictions of Britannia. Some designs show her with a lion, helmet, or trident, while others include elements like waves, flags, and classical symbols.
Conclusion
Britannia coins are a celebrated part of British numismatics, showcasing the figure of Britannia in various designs across gold, silver, and platinum. Since their introduction, these coins have evolved in both design and composition, reflecting changes in the Royal Mint’s approach and the nation’s history. From their detailed artistry to the distinct features of each year’s release, Britannia coins continue to honor British heritage while appealing to collectors and investors alike.
