| Coin | Gold Tenth-Ounce 1997 Britannia |
|---|
|
Like many other mints, the Royal Mint issues bullion coins in precious metals, having much higher intrinsic value than their face value. The one-tenth ounce (1/10 oz) gold coins are denominated as Ten Pounds (£10) and have been issued since 1987.
These 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 other denominations with the same reverse designs.
1997 was the tenth year of the Britannia bullion coins range, and the first time when silver Britannias were also issued. The anniversary edition was marked by a new design, known as The Charioteer, where Britannia is depicted standing whilst driving a two-horse chariot in the manner of the warrior queen Boudicca (Boadicea).
This year, the composition was 91.77% gold alloyed with 8.23% silver.
The tenth-ounce (1/10oz) coin was issued individually and in mint sets, in Proof FDC grade only. |
|
| Obverse | |
|---|
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 ' 10 POUNDS '. Translated from Latin: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith.
|
|
|
| Reverse | |
|---|
At centre, the standing figure of Britannia riding in a chariot drawn by two horses, holding the reins in her right hand and a trident in her left. She is wearing a Corinthian helmet, pushed back.
Around above, the inscription TENTH ' OUNCE ' FINE ' GOLD ', and the date 1997. Around below, BRITANNIA.
The artist's initials PN (for Philip Nathan) are in the left field, above and behind the chariot wheel. |
|
|
| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
|
| Notes | 1,821 individual coins, plus 892 coins in sets. |
|---|
|
|
Search for United Kingdom: Gold Tenth-Ounce 1997 Britannia on eBay 