Brittania Coin: A Comprehensive Guide

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The Brittania Coin is a beloved addition to any coin collection, and for good reason. The coin features a powerful and iconic design that has been a staple of British currency for over a century.

The Brittania Coin is named after the personification of Britain, a symbol of the country's strength and resilience.

Brittania has been depicted on the coin in various forms, but the most well-known design is the one created by William Wyon in 1837.

This design has been updated over the years, but its essence remains the same.

What is a Brittania Coin?

The Brittania Coin is a popular investment opportunity that has gained significant attention in recent years.

The coin features a portrait of Britannia, a female personification of Britain, on one side and a design that changes annually on the other side.

Introduced in 1997, the coin is minted by the Royal Mint and is available in various denominations.

The coin's annual design change makes each coin unique and collectible, appealing to investors and collectors alike.

Britannia coins are made from 22-karat gold, making them a valuable investment option for those seeking a tangible asset.

Take a look at this: Britannia Coins

Buying and Selling

Credit: youtube.com, I Tried to BUY 1oz Gold Britannias (UK).. Shocking Results!!!

Buying a Gold Britannia coin is an easy and simple process. You can buy them online for delivery or storage using the BUY button, or call their office to place your order over the phone.

You can pay for your Gold Britannia coin by bank wire, credit card, or debit card. Insured delivery of Gold Britannias, including monster boxes, to homes or offices is also popular.

Many clients opt to store their Gold Britannias in fully insured, offshore Secure Storage jurisdictions. These include safer jurisdictions like Zurich, Hong Kong, London, and Singapore.

You can sell your Britannia gold coins or other bullion products through most dealers' buyback programs or "sell to us" options. Simply find the link on your dealer's website labeled "buyback" or "sell to us" and follow the instructions.

For selling your silver Britannia coins, you can rely on Inkoop Edelmetaal, a subsidiary of The Silver Mountain. They offer a fixed percentage of the current silver price.

A different take: Coin Card Alternative

Credit: youtube.com, How To Sell A Coin Collection - An Inherited Or Investment Collection

Here are some popular places to buy Gold Britannias online:

  • Online precious metals dealers
  • Four of the top online dealers are worth taking a look at

These dealers offer different deals when it comes to shipping and insurance, buybacks, product selection, and more. It's especially important to do some due diligence before purchasing.

1 Oz for Sale

If you're looking to buy a 1 oz Gold Britannia coin, you can do so online for delivery or storage using the BUY button. You can also call our office to place your order over the phone.

We sell Gold Britannias and all major bullion coin and bar bullion formats, and you can pay by bank wire, by credit card, or by debit card. Insured delivery of Gold Britannias, including monster boxes, to homes or offices is also popular.

The 1oz Britannia Gold Bullion Coin is a gold bullion coin that is 0.9999 pure and was first minted by the Royal Mint in 1987. It's become a popular and trusted coin in the international gold market and with U.S. gold buyers.

Check this out: Gold Britannia

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If you're looking for a good value, Provident Metals is another large online dealer that may offer a good deal. They also ship orders exceeding $199 for free and look to ship orders out as soon as possible following cleared payment.

Here are some popular weights of the 1 oz Gold Britannia coin:

  • 1 troy ounce
  • 1 kilo
  • Monster box (multiple coins)

Some dealers, like Provident Metals, offer free shipping on orders over $199, which can be a nice perk. However, it's always a good idea to check the dealer's shipping policies before making a purchase.

Take a look at this: 1943 D Steel Penny Value 2023

Where to Sell

If you ever decide to sell your bullion products, knowing where to sell them is a must. Most dealers now offer buyback programs or "sell to us" options for customers.

You can find these options by looking for a link on your dealer's website labeled "buyback" or "sell to us." Click the link and you will be provided with clear instructions on steps to follow to sell your metals to the dealer.

For another approach, see: Sell Pi Coin

Person Holding Silver Round Coins
Credit: pexels.com, Person Holding Silver Round Coins

Be careful not to miss any steps, however, as doing so can lengthen the process or cause major headaches. To avoid this, make sure to read and follow the instructions carefully.

For selling your silver Britannia coins, you can rely on Inkoop Edelmetaal, a subsidiary of The Silver Mountain. They offer a fixed percentage of the current silver price.

British Denominations

When buying or selling British Britannia gold coins, it's essential to know the different denominations available.

The British Britannia gold coin is offered in various weights, each with a unique face value.

The 5 ounce coin has a 500 (GBP) face value, making it a significant investment opportunity.

You can also find 1 ounce coins with a 100 (GBP) face value, perfect for those who want to start small.

For even smaller investments, consider the ½ ounce coin with a 50 (GBP) face value.

Alternatively, you can opt for the ¼ ounce coin with a 25 (GBP) face value.

The 1/10 ounce coin has a face value of 10 (GBP), while the 1/20 ounce coin is valued at 10 pence.

Here are the available denominations for easy reference:

Return

Close-up of a 2021 Pantheon commemorative coin with intricate design.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a 2021 Pantheon commemorative coin with intricate design.

If you're looking to return a gold coin, you'll want to know the specifications to ensure you get the right amount of gold back. From 2013, the Gold Britannia has a millesimal fineness of 0.9999.

In fact, this means the gold content is 24 carat. The gold coins from 1987 to 2012 had a different gold content, with a millesimal fineness of 0.917. This translates to 22 carat gold.

This change in gold content is worth noting if you're buying or selling a Gold Britannia. The non-gold component of the coins changed over time too, with copper being used until 1989 and silver from 1990.

Security and Authenticity

The Britannia coin is renowned for its advanced security features, which were introduced in 2021. These features provide an extra layer of protection against counterfeiting.

The latent image on the coin is a clever touch, transforming from a padlock to Britannia's iconic trident when viewed from a different angle. This hologram effect is a subtle yet effective way to verify the coin's authenticity.

Credit: youtube.com, What are 2021 Britannia Coins New Security Features? | Bullion Exchanges

Surface animation adds depth and movement to the background, featuring waves that seem to be in motion. This is achieved through special laser engravings that create micro details on the coin.

Micro-text serves a dual purpose, adding decoration to the coin while also providing an extra layer of protection. The inscription "DECUS ET TUTAMEN", which translates to "an ornament and a safeguard", is created by special laser technology and surrounds the Britannia effigy.

Tincture lines are a traditional art form that depicts colors and patterns on metal. This feature is expertly accented on the coin, adding to its overall design and security.

Here are the four advanced security features of the Britannia coin:

  • Latent feature: A hologram effect where the padlock turns into a trident when viewed from a different angle.
  • Surface animation: Micro details created by means of special laser engravings on the coin that give the visual effect that the waves are in motion.
  • Micro-text: The inscription DECUS ET TUTAMEN, in English “an ornament and a safeguard”, around the Britannia effigy was created by means of special laser technology.
  • Tincture lines: A traditional art form in which colors and patterns are depicted on metal.

Design and Minting

The design of the Britannia coin is a masterpiece, thanks to Philip Nathan's creation. Britannia has a long history with the United Kingdom, dating back over 2,000 years.

Britannia was first used on coins of Roman Emperor Hadrian around AD 199, and her likeness was found on coins issued under the reign of Charles II in 1672.

Credit: youtube.com, 2022 Britannia Coins Royal Mint UK Coins Exclusive Edition

The effigy of Britannia is a symbol of the United Kingdom and its history. The helmeted and armed Britannia is a martial maiden, the emblem of England and the United Kingdom.

The trident in her hand symbolizes dominion over the oceans, and the classic tunic is a reference to the Roman past.

Wyon, De Saulles

William Wyon's Britannia design, introduced in 1821, features a Grecian helmet and a lion at her feet, an olive branch in hand. It's easy to compare her with the artist's other allegorical depictions of women for British coins.

Wyon's design was used on early George IV Farthings and other copper denominations. A lion-less design was used on other copper coins and later Farthings.

Leonard Charles Wyon, son of William, created a modified engraving of Britannia in 1860 when copper coinage gave way to hard-wearing bronze. This design featured a lighthouse and a ship in the background.

Credit: youtube.com, The Three Graces by Great Engraver William Wyon - 2oz SIlver Edition from Alderney

LC Wyon's Britannia was used on British bronze coinage until 1895, when George William de Saulles reworked the design. De Saulles' Britannia featured a larger shield and no ship or lighthouse.

De Saulles' design would be used for the remainder of Victoria's reign and that of her successors: Edward VII and George V.

Ironside's £2

Christopher Ironside's Britannia design returned to British coins in 2015, adorning the new Two Pound coin with all her traditional accoutrements. This reverse design was created by Antony Dufort, bringing Britannia back to circulation after a brief gap.

The Two Pound coin is bimetallic, featuring a combination of metals to create a distinctive look. The edge inscription on these coins reads 'QUATUOR MARIA VINDICO,' which translates to 'I claim the four seas.'

For another approach, see: English Pound Coin Worth

The Royal Mint History

The Royal Mint has a rich history dating back to 1279, when it was originally established in the Tower of London.

Credit: youtube.com, Revealing The Hidden Treasures Of The Royal Mint Museum

The Mint moved to larger facilities on nearby Tower Hill in London in 1811, before its second move to Wales in 1968.

The Royal Mint is now located on a 35-acre site in Llantrisant, South Wales, and is guarded by the Ministry of Defence Police.

It's worth noting that the Mint's current location is a far cry from its original home in the Tower of London.

The Royal Mint manufactures coins and medals for approximately 60 countries each year and is the world’s leading export mint.

In fact, the Mint produces so many coins and medals that it's hard to keep track of the sheer volume of work that goes on there.

The Royal Mint was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1968, marking a significant milestone in its long history.

The Mint has a long history of producing high-quality coins and medals, and it's no surprise that it's the world's leading export mint.

A unique perspective: Bit Coin History

Mintages

Mintages can vary greatly from year to year, with some years having extremely limited production runs.

Credit: youtube.com, Minting Coins with Custom Designs

The 2013 (.999 Ag) Silver Britannia had a maximum mintage of 8,500, with 2,500 coins being available in a limited edition presentation.

Some years, like 2008, have extremely low mintages, with only 2,500 coins produced.

The 2010 (.958 Ag) Silver Britannia had a mintage of 126,367, making it one of the more widely available coins in the series.

In contrast, the 2012 (.958 Ag) Silver Britannia had a mintage of just 2,500.

A table of some notable mintages in the series is below:

The 2015 (.999 Ag) Silver Britannia had a mintage of 4,240 individual coins, with an additional 1,559 coins available in sets.

The 2017 (.999 Ag) Silver Britannia had a mintage of 3,630 individual coins, with 937 coins available in sets.

The 2020 (.999 Ag) Silver Britannia had a mintage of 4,960 individual coins, with a limit of 1,000 coins available in sets.

Take a look at this: American Silver Eagle Mintage

Designs

Britannia has been a symbol of the United Kingdom for over 2,000 years, since the Romans invaded the British Isles and renamed the islands the province of Britannia.

Credit: youtube.com, Behind the scenes at the Royal Mint: Striking

The effigy of Britannia is a symbol of the United Kingdom and its history, instantly recognizable to the British. She is often depicted with a helmet, shield, and waves at her feet, symbolizing a martial maiden.

The trident in Britannia's hand represents dominion over the oceans, while the classic tunic is a reference to the Roman past. Britannia remains a symbol of strength and progression.

Britannia has been featured on British coins since the Roman Emperor Hadrian's reign, around AD 199. She was reintroduced to coins in 1672, under the reign of Charles II, and has never been removed since.

The design of Britannia has undergone several changes over the years, with notable designs by William Wyon, Leonard Charles Wyon, and George William de Saulles. Each of these designers brought their own unique twist to the iconic image.

Wyon's Britannia wears a Grecian helmet and faces left, while his Three Graces (1817) and Una and the Lion (1839) share similar allegorical depictions of women.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Bit Coin Symbol

How Much Do I Weigh?

Macro shot of golden British pound coins showcasing intricate designs and details.
Credit: pexels.com, Macro shot of golden British pound coins showcasing intricate designs and details.

So you're wondering how much you weigh? Well, a standard silver Britannia coin weighs 1 troy ounce, equivalent to 31.103 grams.

I've always found it interesting that this weight is a standard measurement for these coins, and it's not just a random number.

In fact, the weight of a silver Britannia coin is a great example of how precise measurements can be important in design and minting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Britannia coin rare?

Britannia coins are generally common, but one specific date makes a particular coin stand out from the rest

What is a Britannia gold coin worth?

The price of a Britannia gold coin starts at £2,136. This price is determined by the Royal Mint, the coin's manufacturer.

Vanessa Schmidt

Lead Writer

Vanessa Schmidt is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for research, she has established herself as a trusted voice in the world of personal finance. Her expertise has led to the creation of articles on a wide range of topics, including Wells Fargo credit card information, where she provides readers with valuable insights and practical advice.

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