The Britannia coins, representing the Royal Mint’s premier bullion series, were launched in 1987 with the debut of the Gold Britannia. These coins feature Lady Britannia, a figure symbolizing British heritage and strength.
Today, Britannia coins are available in gold, silver, and platinum, each of the highest purity standards. This guide covers their history, specifications, purity, and design elements, providing a complete overview of these distinguished coins.
The History of Britannia in British Coinage
Lady Britannia has long been an emblem of Britain’s strength and seafaring legacy, first depicted on British coins centuries ago.
Roman Empire Era
Britannia’s imagery on coins dates to the Roman Empire, specifically around 119 AD, under Emperor Hadrian. She symbolized Britain’s resilience, armed with a spear and shield, representing military conquest and power. Later Roman depictions emphasized Britain’s resistance to invasions, with Britannia depicted in traditional war attire. Her image then disappeared from British coinage for more than 1,500 years.
Revival During the Age of Sail
In 1672, during King Charles II’s reign, Britannia returned to British currency. As Britain sought to strengthen its naval dominance, Britannia was depicted on copper coins holding a spear and an olive branch, symbolizing strength and peace. Her shield bore the Union flag, reinforcing her association with British sovereignty over the seas.
Cartwheel Pennies
In 1797, under King George III, Britannia appeared on the substantial “cartwheel pennies” and two-penny coins minted in Birmingham. These coins, known for their size and distinctive design, portrayed Britannia with a trident seated beside a ship to emphasize Britain’s maritime influence during a time of economic growth.
Ongoing Legacy of Britannia
From 1672 onward, Britannia appeared on British coins across various reigns. By 1825, the penny showed her facing the opposite way, wearing a Roman helmet—a nod to her original image on Roman coins. Britannia graced various denominations until decimalization in 1971, after which she continued to appear on the 50-pence coin until 2008. Public demand later led to her reappearance on the £2 coin in 2015.
Today, Britannia adorns the Royal Mint’s gold, silver, and platinum bullion coins. Gold Britannias debuted in 1987, Silver Britannias in 1997, and Platinum Britannias in 2008.
Gold Britannia Coins
First minted in 1987, Gold Britannia coins quickly gained renown as one of the most recognized bullion coins worldwide. With a face value of £100, these coins are struck annually in unlimited quantities. Crafted for the global market, they serve as a British counterpart to coins like the American Eagle and Canadian Maple Leaf.
Gold Content and Purity
The original Gold Britannias were 22-carat (91.7%) with one troy ounce of pure gold. In 2013, their purity was increased to 24-carat gold (99.99%), aligning them with other top-tier bullion coins. This change also resulted in minor adjustments to the coin’s dimensions.
Gold Britannia Coin Design
Gold Britannia coins feature Philip Nathan’s iconic design of Britannia standing by the sea, holding a trident. The coin initially bore a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, which changed until King Charles III was introduced on the obverse in 2024. The reverse has showcased Britannia in various depictions, from seated to helmeted, each capturing the British spirit.
Size Options for Gold Britannia
Gold Britannia coins come in different sizes, from 1/20 oz to 5 oz, catering to investors with various preferences.
Silver Britannia Coins
Introduced in 1997, Silver Britannia coins have a face value of £2 and have been minted without limits since 2013.
Silver Content and Purity
The original Silver Britannia coins were crafted from a unique alloy, “Britannia silver” (.958 silver), making them distinct among bullion coins. Since 2013, Silver Britannias have been made from .999 pure silver.
Design and Features
Like the Gold Britannia, the Silver Britannia’s reverse displays Lady Britannia in Nathan’s classic depiction. The obverse previously featured Queen Elizabeth II until her portrayal was replaced by King Charles III in 2024. Some early Silver Britannias also became collector’s items due to a 2014 mis-strike with the incorrect obverse.
Size Options for Silver Britannia
Silver Britannia coins are available in various sizes, with 1 oz being the most popular, weighing 31.1 grams and measuring 38.61 mm.
Platinum Britannia Coins
First minted in 2018, Platinum Britannia offers another precious metal option for investors.
Purity of Platinum Britannia
These coins are made from .9995 platinum, marking them among the purest platinum bullion options.
Design of Platinum Britannia
Platinum Britannia coins mirror the design of their gold and silver counterparts. While Queen Elizabeth II previously graced the obverse, King Charles III’s image was added in 2024.
Size Options for Platinum Britannia
Platinum Britannia comes in various sizes, starting from 1/10 oz up to 1 oz.
