Coin | Platinum Quarter Ounce 2021 Britannia |
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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 quarter ounce (1/4 oz) platinum coins are denominated as Twenty-five Pounds (£25).
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 other denominations with the same reverse designs.
Britannia as a symbol - the female personification of Great Britain - has been depicted on British coinage for centuries. The bullion series called Britannia has been issued in gold since 1987 and in silver since 1997; it has a "definitive" depiction - used on bullion coins (Brilliant Uncirculated grade), as well as “Britannia, the Changing Face of Britain” - a series of one-year design used on proofs made for collectors, such as this one.
The Mint says about it: "The female warrior has been a constant throughout the ages; however, one thing that hasn’t remained the same is the manner in which Britannia coins are struck. In fact, coin production has changed dramatically, from the primitive days of literally striking handheld dies with a hammer to the cutting-edge technology used today.
The Britannia 2021 collection is based around the theme of the Spirit of Innovation and the design itself fully reflects that. Talented illustrator P. J. Lynch took this concept to heart, using the numismatic canvas to innovate how we see the image of Britannia." |
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Obverse | |
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 · 25 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.
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Reverse | |
The reverse shows the seated figure of Britannia, the female personification of Great Britain, facing the viewer, her robes billowing in the wind behind her. She wears a crested Corinthian helmet, pushed back to reveal her face. With her left hand she supports a trident and a shield carrying the symbol of the Union Jack on it. Her right hand hugs a lion resting at her feet.
The central circle is patterned with rays radiating from the centre.
In large letters around the rim, interrupted by the tip of the trident, the inscription BRITANNIA; below, the date of issue 2021.
The precious metal content is above left inside the central circle: 1/4 oz 999.5 PLATINUM (one quarter of an ounce of 99.95% platinum). The face value is on the obverse.
The artist's initials PJL (for P.J. Lynch) are below right. |
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Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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Notes | Finish: Proof FDC. Packaging: boxed, with numbered Certificate of Authenticity. Royal Mint Product Code: BR21QOPT Issue price: £520.00 Issue limit: 150; Maximum Coin Mintage: 160. |
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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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