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 tenth-ounce silver piece is officially denominated as 20 pence). There is also a five-ounce coin of face value £10.
The Mint says about this coin: With a history that stretches back to Roman times, Britannia is the female embodiment of a nation that has evolved though the centuries. In 1987, sculptor Philip Nathan created a bold interpretation of the icon for a new bullion coin. Today that design is regarded as a modern classic, and the Britannia coin is recognised around the world as one of The Royal Mint’s flagship offerings.
Philip Nathan’s Britannia stands steadfast amidst crashing waves, beside a shield bearing the Union flag and wearing a classic Corinthian helmet; she holds an olive branch representing peace. The award-winning design is as beautiful as ever, struck in 999 fine silver and finished to The Royal Mint’s bullion standard.
Struck in a tenth-of-an-ounce of 999 fine silver, this is the smallest silver coin in the Britannia range. |