BRITANNIA

Britannia (coin)  Britannia (One ounce silver)  United Kingdom Value  2 pounds sterling Britannia coins are British bullion coins issued by the Royal Mint in gold since 1987 and in silver since 1997  Britannia gold coins contain one troy ounce of gold and have a face value of £100. Gold Britannias also are issued in fractional sizes of one-half, one-quarter, and one-tenth of a troy ounce and with face values of £50, £25, and £10 respectively. In 2013 two additional sizes were introduced, a five-ounce coin of face value £500, and a fractional size of one-twentieth of face value £5   Britannia silver coins contain one troy ounce of silver and have a face value of £2. Silver Britannias also are issued in fractional sizes of one-half, one-quarter, and one-tenth of a troy ounce and with face values of £1, 50p, and 20p respectively. Like the gold coins in 2013 two additional sizes were introduced, a five-ounce coin of face value £10, and a fractional size of one-twentieth of face value 10p  Gold Britannia  Silver Britannia   Gold Britannia  From 2013 the gold coins have a millesimal fineness of .9999 (or 24 carat gold). Until 2012 the gold coins have a millesimal fineness of .917 (91.7% or 22 carat gold) with the non-gold component being copper until 1989 and silver from 1990.   2013– Gold Britannia specifications (gold content, and approx total weight)  Five ounces: diameter 65 mm, (156.295 g)   One ounce (2013) : diameter 38.61 mm, (31.104 g) 'larger thinner coin' just for 2013   One ounce (2014–) : diameter 32.69 mm, (31.104 g)  Half ounce: diameter 27 mm, (15.60 g)  One quarter ounce: diameter 22 mm, (7.86 g)   One tenth ounce: diameter 16.50 mm, (3.13 g)    One twentieth ounce: diameter 12 mm, (1.58 g)   1987–2012 Gold Britannia specifications (gold content, not total weight)   One ounce: diameter 32.69 mm, (31.104 g) (total wt 34.050 g)  Half ounce: diameter 27.00 mm, (15.552 g)  Quarter ounce: diameter 22.00 mm,(7.776 g)   Tenth ounce: diameter 16.50 mm, (3.110 g)  Silver Britannia Since 2013 the silver coins have been produced with a millesimal fineness of .999 (99.9% silver)  Mass 31.21 g and Diameter 38.61 mm  From 1997 to 2012 the silver coins had a millesimal fineness of 958 (95.8% or Britannia silver). Total mass 32.45g, Diameter 40.00mm Silver Britannias have been released each year beginning in 1997, when a silver proof set was offered. In 1998 and in all subsequent even-numbered years the reverse design has depicted a standing Britannia figure. Beginning in 1999 and continuing in odd-numbered years, a series of alternate, non-repeating depictions of Britannia have replaced the standing figure on the reverse. Starting in 2013, the proof versions of the coin will feature a different design each year, while the bullion version of the coin will always feature the classic standing Britannia. While mintage was limited prior to 2013, in 2013 and after mintage of the bullion version of the coin is unlimited based on demand  Some 2014 silver Britannia coins were struck with the incorrect obverse as there was a mix up during the manufacturing process with the 'Lunar' Year of the Horse coins from The Royal Mint, as both coins were to the same fineness and specification and similar but not identical obverse sides. It is thought that there are around 17,000 examples with the mis-strike, which have been dubbed the 'Mule Britannia' These coins have fetched substantial premiums on online auction sites  Silver Britannia. The Britannia. The Most British Coin on the Market. Upon its introduction in 1987, the Britannia was the first European investment coin. Following the success of its predecessors, such as the Maple Leaf, the Krugerrand and the American Eagle, the introduction of a British coin was an obvious choice. And what symbol could be more suitable for such a coin than a portrait of the British Isles' goddess of protection? With her wind-swept robe, protected by her trident and shield bearing the Union Jack, Britannia is a truly heroic sight. Even as far back as Roman Britain, Britannia was venerated as a godess of protection and has since become the personification of the United Kingdom. In the course of the development of British national identity in the 16th century, Britannia also went through a change. While the trident and combat helmet already belonged to the ancient model, the modern Britannia also bears the British national colours on her protective shield. In accordance with the fundamental role of its namesake, the Britannia coin also enjoys great popularity in the United Kingdom. In the 17th century, the personification of UK independence was minted for the first time on copper coins. As an investment coin, the gold Britannia is minted in denominations of 1/10, 1/4, 1/2 and 1 ounce; in 2013 a silver coin was added, minted at a fine weight of one ounce. Initially, a fine content of 916.66/1000 was used and has been increased to 999.9/1000 since 2013. Due to this change, the copper content of the coin has been reduced and the colour has changed from a reddish to a purely yellow gold. In the last few years, the design of the coin has changed again and again. But the most important change was the introduction of the fifth official portrait of the Queen.  The Britannia 2016 Six-Coin Set includes each coin from the largest one ounce Britannia to the fortieth-ounce coin, the smallest of the United Kingdom’s coins. It also includes the half-ounce, quarter-ounce, tenth-ounce and twentieth-ounce coins. In this design by sculptor Suzie Zamit Britannia is a strong figure, proud and patriotic, a warrior but in a protective, peace-keeping way. She represents British liberty and democracy, especially potent in times of national insecurity.   Britannia is the female personification of Britain, embodying the changing ideals and values of our country throughout history. She has often been said to reflect powerful women through the ages, and, in the case of certain British queens, the events and attitudes of their reigns.   The practice of portraying nations as idealised women dates back to the Roman era and, over the centuries, Britannia has developed into a ‘warrior queen,’ wearing a helmet and carrying a shield. During the eighteenth century her image was used to reinforce Britain’s mastery of the seas, and she was seen with her trident for the first time in a design by Conrad Heinrich Kuchler. Throughout the nineteenth century she embodied the might of the British Empire, a firm and assured figure leading Britain on the world stage, like Queen Victoria herself.  Armed and vigilant, modern Britannia continues to symbolise defence and control in a peaceful Britain. Britannia remains an enduring symbol of British pride, and coins bearing her image are coveted for their quality and beauty. The Brilliant Uncirculated Britannia coin for 2016, struck in one ounce of fine silver, bears Philip Nathan’s interpretation of Britannia – a constant classic.  About the Coin   It was the Romans who first created Britannia to represent Britain; the nation in female form. Coins featuring this icon are recognised for their beauty, quality and Britannia’s unrivalled history, and this one ounce coin struck in 999 fine silver is always popular. Philip Nathan’s Britannia has endured for almost 30 years, a tribute to the excellence of the sculptor and his work. Now, each year, a Britannia coin bearing this modern classic is struck in one ounce of silver, finished to crisp Brilliant Uncirculated standard.  This year’s edition is the first Brilliant Uncirculated one ounce silver Britannia coin to pair Philip Nathan’s design with the fifth definitive coinage portrait of Her Majesty The Queen by Royal Mint engraver Jody Clark. Each one ounce 999 fine silver coin has been finished to crisp Brilliant Uncirculated standard, and comes with a booklet on Philip Nathan’s inspiration for his design and a certificate confirming this limited release of just 10,000 editions.  2016 Britannia 1 oz Gold Bullion Coin   The 2016 Britannia 1 oz Gold Bullion Coin contains one troy ounce of 999.9 fine gold (24 carat). Britannia is one of the world’s oldest coin icons and this classic design is recognised and respected across the world as a symbol of beauty, reliability and strength. In a new development for 2016, this coin now features the fifth definitive coinage portrait of Her Majesty The Queen.  2016 Britannia 1 oz Silver Bullion Coin  The 2016 Britannia 1 oz Silver Bullion Coin contains one troy ounce of 999 fine silver - the purest of silver offered by The Royal Mint. Britannia coins are renowned for their beauty and reliability, with their weight and quality verified at the centuries-old annual Trial of the Pyx. In a new development for 2016, this coin now features the fifth definitive coinage portrait of Her Majesty The Queen.