The term "Britannia" originates from the ancient Greek phrase "Pretannia," denoting the people of Britain. Seen as a goddess by the Romans, Britannia has adorned coins for hundreds of years, with the British farthing being the first coin to feature her since Roman times. Depicted as a youthful warrior, Britannia wears a Corinthian helmet and brandishes a trident and a shield bearing the Union flag, symbolising the nation's proud heritage. Over time, Britannia's portrayal on coins has evolved, mirroring the shifting ideals and ethos of the British populace.
On the reverse, we find the depiction of Britannia, emblematic of the strength, unity, and fortitude of Britain. This celebrated design was crafted by sculptor Philip Nathan in 1987. The coin’s design is influenced by the traditional symbolism associated with Britannia. The shield signifies protection, the olive branch represents peace, and the trident is a nod to Britain's maritime legacy.
The obverse features Jody Clark’s low relief portrait of Queen Elizabeth II with the face value inscribed in the surrounding legend.
The enhanced security measures of the Britannia Elizabeth 1oz Gold Coin 2022 offer robust protection against counterfeiting. Incorporating four distinct visual elements, the coin ensures straightforward authentication. These features comprise a latent image revealing a padlock, dynamic waves in the background that shift with movement, micro-text featuring the Latin phrase "DECUS ET TUTAMEN," translating to "An ornament and a safeguard," and tincture lines adorning the Union flag depicted on Britannia's shield.
The Britannia Elizabeth 1oz Gold Coin 2022 is made of one troy ounce of 999.9 fine gold and has a metric weight of 31.10 grams. It measures 32.69 mm in diameter. The denomination is £100 and it is legal tender in the UK. The coin is also available in smaller weights of ½ oz, ¼oz, and 1/10oz in gold, and 1 kilo and 1oz in silver. The platinum version is available in weights of 1oz and 1/10oz.
With its captivating design and historical significance, this coin offers itself as a potentially great asset for collectors and investors alike. It serves as a testament to the timeless legacy of Britannia and the esteemed tradition of British coinage, adding both beauty and value to any collection or portfolio.
Metal | Gold |
Form | Gold Coin |
Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
Manufacturer | The Royal British Mint |
Series | Britannia |
Purity | 999.9/1000 |
Fineweight | 31.10 gram |
Gross Weight | 31.10 gram |
Denomination (oz) | 1 oz |
Year of issue | 2022 |
Grade | Brilliant |
Condition | Uncirculated |
Face value | 100 Pounds |
Diameter | 32.69 mm |
Packaging | Single in Pouch |
Packaging Unit | 10 per tube |
Large Packaging 2 | 100 per Box |