The Complete Timeline of the 2023 Britannia Coin

A 2023 Britannia Coin Guide

September 2022

In September 2022, the Royal Mint was preparing to release the 2023 Britannia coins, featuring a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The sudden passing of the Queen, on September 8th, caused the Royal Mint to pause production of the coins. This event, along with other factors such as the UK's economic struggles, would go on to impact the timeline of the 2023 Britannia coins and their significance for collectors and investors.

Queen Elizabeth II Passes Away

September 8th, 2022

In the afternoon of September 8th, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II passed away as the UK's longest-serving monarch. She died at Balmoral Castle, aged 96, after reigning for 70 years on the throne.

Her passing had a profound impact on the Royal Mint's plans for the release of the 2023 Britannia coins, with the demand for coins featuring her image having surged in the days following her passing. As a mark of respect, the mint postponed any future product launches. 

Continuing to produce coins during the period of respectful mourning, the mint was now faced with a decision - should they continue with the planned release of the 2023 Britannia coins featuring the Queen's portrait, or delay the release and wait for a new design featuring King Charles III?

Prince Charles Ascends to The Throne

September 10th, 2022

Royal succession in the United Kingdom occurs immediately upon the death of the reigning monarch, however Charles III's formal proclamation did not occur until the 10th September 2022, when the Accession Council gathered at St James's Palace in London. The line of succession is identical in all the Commonwealth realms, but the royal title as proclaimed is not.

Mini Budget Revealed

September 23rd, 2022

The UK government released a mini budget on September 23rd, 2022, acknowledging the country's economic challenges. The value of the UK's economy had declined in comparison to the USD, and investors searching for safe-haven assets had driven up the prices of gold and silver bullion, resulting in increased demand.

King Charles III First Coinage Portrait Revealed

September 29th, 2022

On September 29th, 2022, The Royal Mint presented the official coin portrait of His Majesty King Charles III, designed by Martin Jennings. The effigy would be featured on all UK coins starting from January 1st. This announcement marked a significant moment in British history, as it was the first time in over 70 years that a new monarch's portrait was introduced onto UK coins. 

2023-Dated Queen Elizabeth II Britannias

October 6th, 2022

As The Royal Mint works many months in advance, any upcoming coin ranges had already been struck with Her Late Majesty’s effigy. To remain sustainable and reduce waste, these coins were still released and made available for collectors to purchase. 2023-dated Britannias featuring the Queen's effigy were released on 6th October.  These coins were produced until 1st January 2023. 

2023 King Charles III Britannias Released

January 17th, 2023

In January 2023, the Royal Mint announced the release of a new version of the 2023 Britannia coins, featuring the portrait of King Charles III. These coins went on pre-sale on January 17th, 2023, with collectors and investors able to purchase the coins before their official release on January 24th, 2023.

Significant Events Impact the Release of 2023 Britannia Coins

The release of the 2023 Britannia coins was impacted by several significant events that took place in September 2022, including the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the subsequent ascension of King Charles III to the throne. These events had a profound impact on the Royal Mint's plans for the release of the coins, with the mint having to decide whether to release coins featuring the late Queen's portrait or to wait for a new design featuring the new king. Ultimately, the decision was made to release the coins featuring the Queen's effigy, followed by the release of coins featuring King Charles III. Despite the challenges faced, the release of these coins marked a significant moment for collectors and investors, and they continue to be highly sought after by those looking to add to their collections or invest in precious metals.