Gold Britannia Coins

Are Britannias Pure Gold?

When first introduced in 1987, Gold Britannia coins were minted in 22-carat gold. Since 2013, Gold Britannia coins have been struck in 24-carat gold, achieving a purity of 99.99%! The price of Gold Britannia coins may vary based on the year of minting and their condition.

History of the Gold Britannia Coin

The embodiment of Britannia in British coinage has a storied history that stretches back to the Roman depiction of the British Isles as a female figure, a tradition inaugurated on coins predating Emperor Hadrian's visit in AD 122. After Rome’s Imperial decline, Britannia's resurgence was championed by John Dee during Elizabeth I's reign, symbolizing the power of a maritime empire. The seventeenth century saw the Stuart monarchs adopt Britannia to reinforce their dominion over the seas, culminating in her iconic portrayal by John Roettiers on circulating coins starting in 1672, marking her as a permanent figure in the nation's consciousness and currency.

The Victorian era's introduction of the 'bun penny' in 1860, featuring Leonard Charles Wyon's design of Britannia, further cemented her place in the lineage of British coinage. Despite a brief removal in anticipation of the decimalization in 1968, public demand reinstated Britannia, most notably on the revolutionary seven-sided 50p coin in 1969. The demand for her presence solidified her enduring significance, a sentiment that carried into the 21st century with her striking depiction on the £2 coin in 2015 and the inception of the £100 gold coin in 1987, which showcased Philip Nathan's seminal design for modern Britannia coins.

In 2021, The Royal Mint's incorporation of advanced security features into Britannia coins established its status as one of the world's most visually secure coins, a testament to the ongoing evolution and lasting legacy of Britannia in British numismatics. This journey reflects not only the technological advancements and artistic endeavors of The Royal Mint but also the deep-rooted cultural and historical significance of Britannia as a symbol of resilience, sovereignty, and maritime prowess that resonates through centuries of British coinage.

Design of the Gold Britannia

While several designs have appeared on the Gold Britannia series over the years, the standard and most recurring reverse design is Phillip Nathan’s Standing Liberty design that includes a trident and her shield which bears a Union Jack design. This design appeared on the bullion Brilliant Uncirculated version of the coin from 1987-1996, 1998-2000, and from 2013 to date. 

Proof Gold Britannia coins are distinguished by their unique tradition of introducing a new reverse design most years, especially in recent times, showcasing diverse artistic interpretations of the iconic figure of Britannia by various artists. This practice naturally attracts many different artists, which also allows collectors to take part in this long tradition by collecting each annual proof Gold Britannia. 

For example, 2022 saw a powerful design by Dan Thorne for its Proof Gold Britannia, which showcases the strong yet elegant figure holding a trident in her right hand and a round shield featuring a lion in her left. This design seamlessly blends traditional symbolism with contemporary artistry, presenting Britannia as a guardian of the nation's values and heritage.

For the obverse design, Gold Britannia coins have featured Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with three different designs since the series was launched in 1987. In 2023, Gold Britannia coins were updated with a new obverse design featuring the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, marking a new era of the Gold Britannia for collectors and investors alike. 

New Security Features in Gold Britannias

In 2021, four new security features were added to Britannia gold coins, enhancing the coin’s anti-counterfeiting measures:

• A latent image switches when the coin rotates, revealing either a trident or a padlock
• Micro-text which states “DECUS ET TUTAMEN,” which translates to “An ornament and a safeguard”
• When observing Britannia’s shield, you can see light and dark tones of the UK flag
• An animated background that creates a wave of motion when the coin is moved.

These added security features have been implemented with each release since 2021, ensuring customers are purchasing a highly safe and difficult to counterfeit coin.

Shop Gold Britannias at GovMint

GovMint stands as the premier coin dealer for Gold Britannia coins. Our relationship with The Royal Mint, which includes our collaboration on the Mint’s The Lion and The Eagle coin series, speaks to our commitment to providing a wide range of authentic Gold Britannia coins. With our long standing reputation, an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and our status as a leading coin dealer since 1984, GovMint offers not just exceptional coins but also the reliability and customer service that collectors value. 

Shop all our Britannia coins today at GovMint.