Like many other mints, the Royal Mint issues bullion coins in precious metals, having much higher intrinsic value than their face value. Most of these by tradition are measured in troy ounces of fractions thereof, but the mint also introduced metric coins measuring one kilogram of pure metal (they are actually fractionally heavier as a whole, to account for the small amount of other metal in the alloy).
The 1 kg silver coins are denominated as Five Hundred Pounds (£500), although their intrinsic (bullion) value is much higher than their face value. The coins vary in design depending on the occasion (they are "one-year" types usually issued in parallel with smaller denominations with the same reverse designs).
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.
Britannia as a symbol 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 one-year designs like this one - used on proofs made for collectors. In 2018, the artist David Lawrence decided to show her portrait in a classic design, wearing an ancient helmet.
The Royal Mint says: "World-beating athletes, intellectual giants, or trend-setting creatives, Britain has always punched above its weight on the world stage; the pride we feel personified by our most recognisable national symbol. For 2018, artist David Lawrence returns Britannia to a more classical feel in his celebration of the spirit of a nation, the perfect way to mark great British moments and achievements. This is the first time a silver kilo coin has been included in the Britannia range and it showcases this exquisite design within a large 100 mm diameter."
This silver kilogram coin was issued in a mahogany presentation box, Royal Mint Product Code: BR18KSP, with issue limit of 150 and issue price of £2,050.00. |