Expert Selling Services for British Gold Britannia Bullion Coins
The official gold bullion coin of Great Britain is the Britannia Series. These striking coins were the first modern bullion coins issued by the Royal Mint to feature the female personification of Britain. Britannia, a figure whose origins go back more than 2,000 years, became the symbol chosen for the nation’s premier gold coin. First released in 1987, the Gold Britannia has been minted annually ever since.
At DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS, we buy British Gold Britannia coins from individuals looking to sell. If you own these coins, understanding their history and variations can help you secure the best value when selling.
History of the Gold Britannia Coin
The Gold Britannia was first issued in 1987 during a period of growing demand for bullion coins. Following the success of the South African Krugerrand in 1967, other world mints launched their own bullion coins. The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf debuted in 1979, followed by the Chinese Gold Panda and the American Gold Eagle. Britain responded with the Gold Britannia.
The Britannia name, however, has a much older history. Dating back to the first century AD during the Roman Empire, Britannia was used as a term for the province under Roman rule. In 119 AD, Emperor Hadrian was the first to feature Britannia on coinage.
King Charles II later revived Britannia on coins in 1672. The design grew in popularity following the unification of England and Scotland in the 18th century. The 1987 debut of the Gold Britannia coin was a landmark moment, marking the modern return of Britannia in a powerful new form.
Mintage History of the Gold Britannia Coin
The British Gold Britannia is struck by the Royal Mint in South Wales. Each year, the coins are minted according to demand.
When first released in 1987, Britannias were struck in 22-karat (.9167) gold with copper. In 1990, the alloy shifted from copper to silver, maintaining 22-karat gold until 2012. In 2013, the Royal Mint upgraded the Britannia to 24-karat .9999 fine gold.
- Coins issued before 2013 weighed 34.05 grams.
- Coins from 2013 onward weigh 31.1035 grams, matching 1 Troy oz of pure gold.
Each coin also carries a legal tender value in Pounds sterling, with the 1 oz coin marked as £100. At DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS, we evaluate these coins carefully when purchasing, considering purity, year of issue, and design details.
Design of the British Gold Britannia Coins
In 1987, Queen Elizabeth II directed the Royal Mint to launch the Britannia series. A design competition followed, with 52 entries submitted. The winning design was created by Philip Nathan.
Nathan’s design presented Britannia as a commanding yet graceful figure on the nation’s southern coast. With flowing robes, a Corinthian helmet, and a trident in hand, she embodies both power and peace. She carries an olive branch and a shield with the Union Jack, symbolizing Britain’s defense and unity.
The obverse features portraits of Britain’s monarchs:
- 1987-1997: Raphael Maklouf’s third-generation portrait of Elizabeth II with a royal diadem.
- 1998-2015: Ian Rank-Broadley’s realistic effigy of Elizabeth II.
- 2016-2023: Jody Clark’s portrait of the Queen at age 89, marking her Sapphire Jubilee.
- 2023-present: Martin Jennings’ first effigy of King Charles III in left-profile, uncrowned.
Both Britannia’s timeless reverse and the monarch’s obverse design add to the desirability and value of these coins for those selling.
Debut of New Security Features on 2021 Gold Britannias
In 2021, the Royal Mint introduced advanced security elements to the Britannia series, enhancing authenticity. These four features appear on the reverse:
- Surface animation: Wave-like reflections across the background.
- Latent feature: A circular element that shifts between a trident and a padlock.
- Tincture lines: Fine horizontal and vertical lines on the Union Jack shield.
- Micro-text: Latin inscription “Decus et Tutamen,” meaning “An Ornament and a Safeguard.”
If you plan to sell Gold Britannias, these enhanced security features make post-2021 issues especially distinctive and secure.
Sell British Gold Britannia Coins with DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS
We buy British Gold Britannia coins from sellers across all eras, including early 22-karat versions and modern .9999 fine gold editions. Each coin is assessed for weight, purity, year, and collectability to ensure you receive fair and competitive pricing.
From Queen Elizabeth II’s long reign to the newly issued King Charles III Britannias, these coins represent Britain’s history and the Royal Mint’s craftsmanship. At DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS, we make selling Gold Britannias simple, transparent, and rewarding. You can contact us by phone, live chat, or email for direct assistance.
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