Gold Half Ounce 1989 Britannia, Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

The obverse of the coin shows the crowned bust of Queen Elizabeth II, facing right (her effigy known as the "Third Portrait"). The Queen is wearing the royal diadem which she wears on her way to and from the State Opening of Parliament, a pearl necklace and earrings.

Incuse in tiny letters on the neck truncation, the designer's initials RDM (for Raphael David Maklouf).

Around, the monarch's legend: ELIZABETH ' II ' DEI ' GRATIA ' REGINA ' F ' D ' 50 ' POUNDS '. Translated from Latin: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith.

At centre, the standing figure of Britannia - the female personification of Great Britain, facing left, with flowing robes, wearing a crested Corinthian helmet pushed back to reveal her face. She is holding a trident in her right hand; her left hand rests on a shield decorated with the cross of the Union Jack, and holds an olive branch. She is standing on a rock, with sea waves in the background.

Around, interrupted by the trident, the inscription ' 1/2 ' OUNCE ' FINE ' ' GOLD ' ' BRITANNIA ' 1989 '.

The artist's surname NATHAN (Philip Nathan) is in relief in small letters on the rock under Britannia's feet (P. NATHAN on proof coins).

Mintage of the bullion coins is unknown.