Coin | Silver Quarter Ounce 2022 Britannia |
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Britannia coins are British bullion coins issued by the Royal Mint in gold since 1987 and in silver since 1997. The original Britannia silver coins contain one troy ounce (1 oz) of silver and have a face value of £2.
Silver Britannias are also issued in fractional sizes of one-half, one-quarter, one-tenth, 1/20th and 1/40th of a troy ounce and with face values of £1, 50p, 20p, 10p and 5p respectively (that is, the quarter ounce silver piece is officially denominated as 50 pence). There is also a five-ounce coin of face value £10.
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: "Portrayed in a vibrant new design for 2022, Britannia - the noble female warrior who appeared on Roman coins almost 2,000 years ago - continues to inspire a nation.
Since first appearing on coins during Roman times, Britannia has endured as a symbol of strength, hope and progress. Chronicling pivotal moments in the story of a nation, leading engravers of each age have reinterpreted the icon on both coins and medals. In 2022, our young product designer Dan Thorne has created a bold and vibrant icon that celebrates past achievements, whilst looking to the future. His design echoes George William De Saulles’ Britannia, which appeared on the reverse of the florin from 1902 and shows Britannia turning slightly over her shoulder, whilst confidently facing forward. Using innovative digital design methods, Dan has brought a modern and exciting feel to this flagship coin range, appealing to experienced investors and collectors alike." |
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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 · 50 PENCE ·. 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, within a dotted central circle, the standing figure of Britannia, the female personification of Great Britain, looking quarter left. She wears a crested Corinthian helmet, pushed back to reveal her face. In her right hand she holds a trident; in her left hand is a shield with the roaring face of a lion on it.
In the background, waves and the Union Jack (the flag of the United Kingdom).
Around above, the inscription · BRITANNIA ·; around below, the date of issue · 2022 ·.
Around left and right, the precious metal content: 1/4oz 999 FINE SILVER (one quarter of a troy ounce of 99.9% silver). The face value is on the obverse.
The artist's initials DT (for Dan Thorne) are below left in the central circle. |
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Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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Notes | Finish: Proof FDC. The coins were only issued in sets and not individually. |
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See also |
Coins from the Britannia 2022 range (different designs for Bullion, Proof and Womanhood series): - 2 kg Platinum Bullion, Britannia 2022 - 1 oz Platinum Bullion, Britannia 2022 - 1/4 oz Platinum Proof, Britannia 2022 - 1/10 oz Platinum Bullion, Britannia 2022 - 1 kg Gold Proof, Britannia - Womanhood, 2022 - 5 oz Gold Proof, Britannia 2022 - 2 oz Gold Proof, Britannia 2022 - 2 oz Gold Proof, Britannia - Womanhood, 2022 - 1 oz Gold Bullion, Britannia 2022 - 1 oz Gold Proof, Britannia 2022 - 1/2 oz Gold Bullion, Britannia 2022 - 1/2 oz Gold Proof, Britannia 2022 - 1/4 oz Gold Bullion, Britannia 2022 - 1/4 oz Gold Proof, Britannia 2022 - 1/10 oz Gold Bullion, Britannia 2022 - 1/10 oz Gold Proof, Britannia 2022 - 1/20 oz Gold Proof, Britannia 2022 - 1/40 oz Gold Proof, Britannia 2022 - 2 kg Silver Proof, Britannia 2022 - 1 kg Silver Proof, Britannia - Womanhood, 2022 - 5 oz Silver Proof, Britannia 2022 - 2 oz Silver Proof, Britannia 2022 - 2 oz Silver Proof, Britannia - Womanhood, 2022 - 1 oz Silver Bullion, Britannia 2022 - 1 oz Silver Proof, Britannia 2022 - 1 oz Silver BU, Britannia - Womanhood, 2022 - 1/2 oz Silver Proof, Britannia 2022 - 1/4 oz Silver Proof, Britannia 2022 - 1/10 oz Silver Proof, Britannia 2022 - 1/20 oz Silver Proof, Britannia 2022 - 1/40 oz Silver Proof, Britannia 2022
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