Silver Quarter Ounce 2023 Britannia, Bullion (Queen Elizabeth II), Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

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.

The obverse has a textured background ("guilloche" geometric pattern).

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 ' 2023 ' 1/4 oz ' 999 ' FINE ' SILVER '.

The artist's surname NATHAN (Philip Nathan) is in relief in small letters on the rock under Britannia's feet.

Finish: bullion (Brilliant Uncirculated)
Packaging: in 20-coin tubes.
Issue date: 6 October 2022.

This is the last Britannia issue featuring the fifth and final effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. Owing to the unfortunate tendency of some mints - the Royal Mint included - to issue future-dated coins, this coin is not exactly an error coin (considering that it was released like this intentionally) but is not right either. It is dated 2023, but features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II who died in September 2022; the coin should have carried the portrait of King Charles III instead.

In late 2023, Britannia silver quarter ounce coins featuring the effigy of King Charles III were also released.