The word "Britannia" is derived from the ancient Greek term "Pretannia" which was used to describe the inhabitants of Britain. Personified as a goddess by the Romans, the figure of Britannia has been displayed on coins since the reign of King Charles II, with the British farthing as the first coin since Roman times to feature her. The farthing was struck in copper by the Royal Mint in London in 1672. Britannia embodies the proud heritage of British coinage and is often shown as a beautiful young warrior, wearing a Corinthian helmet and holding a trident and a shield displaying the Union flag. Her image has been a constant presence in British coinage, evolving to reflect the changing times and values of the nation.
The design of the Britannia Elizabeth 1oz coin draws inspiration from the original symbolism of Britannia. The shield represents protection, the olive branch symbolises peace, and the trident links to Britain's maritime history. On the obverse, this exquisite coin features a portrait of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II designed by Jody Clark.
The reverse displays the image of Britannia, a symbol of British strength, unity, and resilience. This iconic design, created by sculptor Philip Nathan in 1987, has been used on Britannia coins for over 30 years and the Britannia Elizabeth 1oz coin is a magnificent example of the Britannia Bullion Range produced by The Royal Mint.
The Britannia Elizabeth 1oz Gold Coin is made of 999.9 fine gold, with a diameter of 32.69mm and a metric weight of 31.103g. It has a denomination of £100, making it a valuable investment piece for any collector.
The advanced security features of the Britannia Elizabeth 1oz coin provide reassurance against counterfeiting. The coin features four visual design details that ensure easy recognition, including a latent image that shows a padlock and trident when tilted, animated waves in the background that move as the coin is tilted, micro-text of the Latin phrase "DECUS ET TUTAMEN" meaning "An ornament and a safeguard," and detailed tincture lines on the Union flag displayed on Britannia's shield.
The Britannia Elizabeth bullion coin is also available in smaller weights of 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz in gold, and 1kg and 1 oz in silver. The platinum coins are available in 1oz and 1/10 oz weights.
This coin is a beautiful and worthy addition to any collection or investment portfolio, showcasing the rich history and tradition of British coinage and the enduring legacy of Britannia.
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 | 2023 |
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 |