The Britannia - A Symbol of Great Britain

The Britannia was launched in 1987 in two finishes, uncirculated and proof, in four weights: one ounce, half ounce, quarter ounce and a tenth ounce. This gold coin was struck in 22 carat gold, 0.9167 fineness.

As with most fractional sizes, the one ounce coin is the most cost effective way to buy gold as the premiums on the smaller weights are considerably higher. The Britannia coin collection was seen as an alternative to the British gold sovereign and an easy way to purchase convenient small quantities of bullion.

The 1987 Britannia coin was well received by both investors and collectors all over the world.

The standing Britannia design by sculptor, Philip Nathan, was based on an engraving by George William De Saulles that first featured on the British Trade Dollars in the late nineteenth century. Her presence with her trident and shield on these coins epitomised the power and might of the British Empire.

Philip Nathan's Standing Britannia engraving is instantly recognisable and is still a popular design more than thirty years after its initial launch.

Whilst we feel that some of the earlier Britannia proof finishes are not always the highest quality*, the early issues of the uncirculated coins rarely fail to delight. We think that it is not unreasonable to claim that the Britannia is the world's most beautiful bullion coin. 

* Some of the early proof issues have tiny marks on the field (background surface) of the coin. There is also the appearance of red or black spots on some proof coins. This is a natural occurrence which we do not feel detracts from the value of the coin.

The Charioteer

The 1997 issue of Britannias was marked by a change to a figure of Britannia standing whilst driving a two horse chariot in the manner of Boudicca (Boadicea) by Philip Nathan. This engraving was re-used on the 1999 and the 2009 silver and gold coins. 

'Una & The Lion' Britannia

In the style of Queen Victoria's Una & The Lion, the 2001 Britannia coins show Britannia standing facing left with her back to the viewer holding her trident and shield with a lion at her side by Philip Nathan.

The Britannia Helmet

In 2003, a new modernised engraving shows a close up helmeted head of Britannia with superimposed tessellated waves by Philip Nathan.

The Seated Britannia

Philip Nathan designed the 2005 left facing seated Britannia wearing a helmet and a gown which has an ornately embroidered hem. The engraving features a large olive branch to the left of the design.

The Wreath Britannia

In 2007, this seated Britannia engraving by Christopher Le Brun shows Britannia facing right holding an olive branch in her left hand and her trident in her right whilst resting against a tree. The watchful lion lies at her feet. A wreath encompasses half the design.

The Seaside Britannia

The 2008 Britannia was designed by engraver John Bergdahl. The left facing Britannia stands holding the trident in her right hand with the large shield held in front of her. The hem of her dress has been transformed into waves.

The Profile Britannia

The 2010 Profile Britannia engraving by Suzie Zamit is reminiscent of the head of Marianne as Ceres on the early twentieth French 20 Franc gold coins. Facing right, Britannia looks rather more gaunt than on previous reverses.

The Union Jack Britannia

David Mach designed this stylish right facing, seated Britannia against a rippling Union Jack flag for the 2011 Britannia.   

Britannia and the Owl

Only available in proof finishes, the 2013 Britannia engraving by Robert Hunt features a seated Britannia looking to the right. The stylish rendition has an ancient Greek feel which is further endorsed by the addition of the owl. The owl symbolises wisdom, status, and wealth. 

2013 Proof Sets

The 2013 Britannia gold proof set contains 5 coins with the inclusion of a twentieth of an ounce £1 coin for the first time.

We have a dedicated page if you wish to buy 4 coin proof Britannia sets, 5 coin proof Britannia sets and 6 coin proof Britannia sets. 

The Globe Britannia

Jody Clark's engraving for the 2014 proof Britannia range is a rather more glamourous design than any of the Britannia designs so far. This left facing Britannia is portrayed in a highly stylised pose with the trident in her left hand, the lion laid down at her feet against a backdrop of the globe. The uncirculated bullion coin features the classic standing Britannia.

The Lighthouse Britannia

Antony Dufort's engraving for the 2015 Britannia proof coins display a left facing bust of Britannia wearing a plumed helmet holding the trident against her shoulder and the shield aloft. In the background stands a lighthouse in the distance and a sailing ship. Describing it as the Lighthouse Britannia might be a touch too much artistic licence, let us know if you have another suggestion.

The Warrior Britannia

Suzie Zamit's 2016 Britannia engraving for the proof series features a right facing standing Britannia holding the trident in her left hand and resting the shield against her right side. The lion is lying at her far side. There is a considerable amount of detail in this design with an ornate helmet and many pleats and drapes in her gown.

2017 - Proof 30th Anniversary Design

The design  for the 2017 Britannia Proof Coins by British artist, Louis Tamlyn has caused a great deal of debate. The artist has cleverly combined the figure of Britannia with the outline of Great Britain. The design encroaches into the inscription band as does the Union Jack background. The 30th anniversary trident privy mark and the artist's initials LWT are positioned to the right. 

2017 - Bullion 30th Anniversary Design

In 2017, in addition to the uncirculated bullion coin, The Royal Mint issued an additional bullion coin featuring a trident privy mark on the reverse and a new guilloche design on the obverse. Even though it is only the silver Britannia that celebrates its 30th anniversary, both the gold and silver coins feature the same trident privy mark.

The guilloche is an ornamental feature used in the background behind the standing Britannia. It adds an extra layer of security against counterfeit coins.

Typically, the bullion Britannia coins are issued to an unlimited mintage, however, the 2017 30th Anniversary bullion coins were issued to limited mintages of 7,030 for the one ounce gold coin and 120,000 for the one ounce silver coin.

The Dimpled Britannias - Uncirculated Bullion Coins

Introduced in 2015, in 2015 and 2016 the uncirculated bullion Britannia coins in both gold and silver featured a dimpled background. This improvement was popular with collectors who were concerned at the amount of small scuffs and scratches which were visible on the 2014 and 2014 bullion coins, even when brand new.

The 2017 Britannia Uncirculated Bullion Coin - The Radiant Britannia

The 2017 Britannia uncirculated coin featured the classic Britannia standing in front of a radiant sun. We had a little giggle when we first saw this, we'll leave you to decide whether it warranted a laugh or two.

The sunbeam design in the background helped to protect the field from scratching and also acted as a security feature as a deterrent to counterfeiters. We are pleased to say, there has been an improvement in the quality of the striking and hope that this continues.

In 2014 the Royal Mint released the first lunar coin from their Shēngxiào Collection. The 2014 Year of the Horse coin featured a plain edge with an engraving of a horse which combined British and Chinese culture on the reverse. Unfortunately, a number of dies became mixed up and two types of mules were struck: the Britannia mule and the Lunar mule. The Britannia mule combined the plain edge obverse from the lunar coin with the denticle reverse from the Britannia. The Lunar mule combined the denticle obverse from the Britannia with the Lunar horse plain edge reverse. It is estimated that 17,000 Britannia mules exist. They are highly sought after by coin collectors who will pay a considerable amount to add them to their collection.