| Coin | Gold Ounce 2021 Britannia, Bullion |
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Like many other mints, the Royal Mint issues bullion coins in precious metals, having much higher intrinsic value than their face value. The one ounce (1 oz) gold coins are denominated as One Hundred Pounds (£100).
The coins are legal tender but are not intended for circulation. They are targeted at bullion investors or collectors who appreciate the special editions as pieces of art. The coins are typically "one-year" types usually issued in parallel with smaller denominations with the same reverse designs.
Starting in 2013, the proof versions of the coin feature a different design each year, while the bullion versions of the coin - such as this one - have the classic, or "definitive" Standing Britannia reverse design.
The bullion Britannias dated 2021 were released in October 2020, with a number of new security features, making them "the most visually secure coin in the world". These additions both decorate and protect the coin, just as the micro-text that borders the design states - DECUS ET TUTAMEN, or "an ornament and a safeguard". In the lower left-hand of the design, below Britannia’s flowing gown, is a trident to represent her naval history. As the viewer changes their perspective this trident becomes a padlock, emphasising the coin’s secure nature. Surface animation behind Britannia reflects the movement of waves, and fine details like the Union Flag on Britannia’s shield have been highlighted by tincture lines. |
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| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin depicts the crowned old head of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem crown worn for her Coronation (her effigy known as the "Fifth Portrait").
In small letters below the head, the artist's initials J.C (for Jody Clark).
Running continuously around the effigy is the monarch's legend: ELIZABETH II · D · G · REG · F · D · 100 POUNDS ·. Translated from Latin: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith, followed by the value and denomination in English.
The obverse has a textured background ("guilloche" geometric pattern) and a crenellated (toothed) border. |
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| Reverse | |
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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 ' BRITANNIA ' 2021 ' 1 oz ' 999.9 ' FINE ' GOLD '.
The artist's surname NATHAN (Philip Nathan) is in relief in small letters on the rock under Britannia's feet.
There are four advanced security features built into the design:
- in the lower left, a latent image changes from a padlock to Britannia’s famous trident when viewed from a different angle
- "surface animation" brings the background of sparkling waves to life as the coin is moved
- micro text gives both decoration and protection - the words DECUS ET TUTAMEN (from Latin: "an ornament and a safeguard") are repeated multiple times in the inner rim between the central circle with the design and the outer rim with the inscriptions
- Britannia’s shield bears the Union Flag accented with tincture lines - thin lines (also known as "heraldic colours") representing the colours of the flag. |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | Royal Mint Product Code: UKB21GOS |
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| See also |
Coins from the Britannia 2021 series (different designs for Proof, Bullion and Premium Exclusive):
- 1 oz Platinum, Bullion, Britannia 2021
- 1 oz Platinum, Proof, Britannia 2021
- 1/4 oz Platinum, Proof, Britannia 2021
- 1/10 oz Platinum, Bullion, Britannia 2021
- 1 kg Gold, Premium Exclusive, Britannia 2021
- 5 oz Gold, Proof, Britannia 2021
- 2 oz Gold, Premium Exclusive, Britannia 2021
- 2 oz Gold, Proof, Britannia 2021
- 1 oz Gold, Proof, Britannia 2021
- 1 oz Gold, Bullion, Britannia 2021
- 1/2 oz Gold, Proof, Britannia 2021
- 1/2 oz Gold, Bullion, Britannia 2021
- 1/4 oz Gold, Proof, Britannia 2021
- 1/4 oz Gold, Bullion, Britannia 2021
- 1/10 oz Gold, Proof, Britannia 2021
- 1/10 oz Gold, Bullion, Britannia 2021
- 1/20 oz Gold, Proof, Britannia 2021
- 1/40 oz Gold, Proof, Britannia 2021
- 2 kg Silver, Proof, Britannia 2021
- 1 kg Silver, Premium Exclusive, Britannia 2021
- 10 oz Silver, Bullion, Britannia 2021
- 5 oz Silver, Proof, Britannia 2021
- 2 oz Silver, Premium Exclusive, Britannia 2021
- 2 oz Silver, Proof, Britannia 2021
- 1 oz Silver, Premium Exclusive, Britannia 2021
- 1 oz Silver, Proof, Britannia 2021
- 1 oz Silver, Bullion, Britannia 2021
- 1/2 oz Silver, Proof, Britannia 2021
- 1/4 oz Silver, Proof, Britannia 2021
- 1/4 oz Silver, Bullion, Britannia 2021
- 1/10 oz Silver, Proof, Britannia 2021
- 1/10 oz Silver, Bullion, Britannia 2021
- 1/20 oz Silver, Proof, Britannia 2021
- 1/40 oz Silver, Proof, Britannia 2021
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