We’re happy to announce the release of the new 2023 Britannia coin in 1oz Gold and 1oz Silver. The Royal Mint’s 2023 Britannia coin design replicates the 2022 design and includes advanced security features like its predecessor.
Each 2023 Britannia bullion coin featuring the fifth and final effigy of Queen Elizabeth II has a limited production run. A Britannia coin featuring King Charles III’s first effigy will be released in the new year.
What is the Britannia?
Britannia has been the face of bullion since 1987 and is the female personification of the British Isles.
She first appeared on a copper farthing coin in 1672 during the reign of Charles II. From then on, she became a firm fixture on coins and appeared on pennies issued under every monarch from 1797 onwards.
The Britannia design has only had minor changes over the years. One was the switch of a spear to a trident to uphold the British reputation as a maritime world leader.
Britannia’s appearance on British coins was removed in 2008 from the 50 pence coin as part of a redesign by The Royal Mint and was one of the last moves of the exiting Chancellor Gordon Brown. “It was the first time in more than 300 years that Britannia was not featured on a British coin,” (Telegraph, January 2008).
Today, the Britannia is a well-recognised and staple UK bullion coin. The interpretation of the icon we see on the Britannia coin today, was created by Philip Nathan in 1987.
2023 Britannia Coin Design
The coin design of the Britannia symbolises Britain – courage, strength and peace. Britannia stands above the waves, boldly holding her trident in her left hand, her gown and hair blowing in the wind. Britannia stands next to a shield that displays the Union Jack and holds an olive branch in her right hand.
The 2023 design of the coin, duplicates the 2022 design, as it features Philip Nathan’s interpretation of Britannia and the security features, creating a visually secure coin.
In the lower-left hand of the design below her gown, there is a circular panel that shows a trident. However, when the coin moves, the trident changes into a padlock, enhancing the security of the coin.
The laser etching has created textures and lines in the design to limit fakes and forgeries. One of them is surface animation, which creates movement of the waves in the background behind Britannia. Additionally, the Union flag on Britannia’s shield is accented with tincture lines.
There is micro-text along the border of the coin, that says ‘DECUS ET TUTAMEN’, which translates to ‘an ornament and a safeguard’. The very small writing would be hard to replicate, upgrading the protection of the coin.
The Britannia bullion coin is a staple for any investor’s portfolio as well as being Capital Gains Tax-free.
Bullion from Bleyer
If you want to get your hands on the 2023 1oz Britannia coin and wish to contact us directly, please do not hesitate to call us on 01769 618618 or email us [email protected].
