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.
After 2013, the proof versions of the coin feature a different design each year, while the bullion versions of the coin - such as this one - have the classic, or "definitive" Standing Britannia reverse design.
The Royal Mint says about the coin;
Britannia has featured on British coins since the second century, evolving through the ages to reflect the nation and times she represents. In 1987, sculptor Philip Nathan created an iconic incarnation of Britannia for a new bullion coin from The Royal Mint. Philip Nathan’s iteration of Britannia is both bold and beautiful, presented with specifically chosen symbols that represent and reflect the nation – a shield for protection, an olive branch for peace and a trident to represent seafaring. The globally recognised coin design is highly regarded and only The Royal Mint is able to strike genuine Britannia coins featuring Philip Nathan’s interpretation of the icon. For 2024, the design is as beautiful as ever and features on this quarter-ounce bullion coin struck in 999 fine silver. |
| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin displays the first definitive portrait of King Charles III, which shows his bare (uncrowned) head facing left.
Below the neck truncation in tiny letters, the artist's initials MJ (for Martin Jennings).
Around, the monarch's legend followed by the face value: CHARLES III · D · G · REX · F · D · 50 PENCE ·. Translated from Latin, the legend means: Charles the Third, by the Grace of God, King, Defender of the Faith.
The obverse has a textured background ("guilloche" geometric pattern). |
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| Reverse | |
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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 ' 2024 ' 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.
The background is textured with thing wavy lines. |
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