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Gold Britannia Coins
As gold rates keep increasing on a daily basis, gold coins are becoming one of the most popular ways of investing money. Although gold coins cost more than gold bars or gold rounds, they are preferred as they have intrinsic value because of their gold content as well as collectible value.
Britannia gold coins are an example of modern day gold coins. They are considered one of the most beautiful gold coins. The Royal Mint started issuing Britannia gold coins in year 1987.
Different Types of Britannia Gold Coins
Britannia gold coins are available in four sizes: 1/10 troy ounce, 1/4 troy ounce and 1/2 troy ounce and 1 troy ounce. One troy ounce gold coins are the most popular and have a face value of 100 pound. Their diameter is 32.69mm. These were first issued with the objective of enabling investors to purchase 1 ounce gold at low premium over the spot price of gold. The premium is higher for smaller Britannia gold coins. It can be anywhere from 5% to 10% for single coins. Gold bullion prices, including the price of Britannia gold coins, keep fluctuating constantly.
The tenth ounce, quarter ounce and half ounce coins have diameters of 16.50mm, 22.00mm and 27.00mm, and face values of 20 pence, 50 pence and 1 pound respectively. These gold bullion coins are 91.7% pure (22 carat gold) and silver forms the remaining 8.3%. The non-gold component in these coins used to be copper until 1989, but was replaced by silver after this year.
The Design on Britannia Gold Coins and the Origin of Name ‘Britannia’
An image of Queen Elizabeth is featured on the obverse of Britannia gold coins. This image remains unaltered, regardless of the year of issue. As the reverse of these British gold bullions feature an image of goddess Britannia, these coins are known as Britannia gold coins.
The word Britannia originates from a Greek word and is an ancient term used to refer to Britain. It is believed to be a representation of the island. The term was well-known across Rome during 1st century. Britannia was featured for the first time as a beautiful lady dressed in white garment wearing a centurion helmet on coins issued by Hadrian. In these coins she was often featured in sitting position with a shield and a spear. Even after Roman withdrawal, Britannia survived in Britain. In 17th century Britannia reappeared as a symbol of British imperial power. Britannia appeared on British coins for the first time during 1660s and 1670s.
The reverse of initial Britannia gold coins had an image of standing Britannia, which was designed by Philip Nathan, a sculptor. Britannia is depicted as a goddess, who is ready to go on a battle. She is armed with a trident and also carries a shield. She is featured wearing a helmet.
Differences in the Image of Britannia Featured on Gold Coins issued in Different Years
Unlike the obverse of Britannia gold coins, the image of Britannia featured on the reverse keeps changing. Since the first issue up to 1996, Britannia gold coins featured a standing Britannia facing left. This design appeared once again on the coins issued during 1998-2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006. The coins issued during 1997 and 2009 had a chariot on the reverse. In this design Britannia and two stallions are shown facing right. The 2001 issues feature Britannia’s back facing out and she and a lion facing left. Coins from 2003 and 2007 feature her left and right side profile respectively. Coins issued in 2005 and 2007 feature a sitting Britannia. The changes in design increase the numismatic value of these coins.
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