2023 Britain Britannias

Buying Britain Gold Britannias

1 oz gold Britannias from the British Royal Mint are a popular gold bullion coin from one of the world's most trusted sovereign mints. Each Britannia contains a full troy ounce of .9999 fine gold, guaranteed by the British government, making these coins among the purest you can buy.

Gold Britannias typically have the lowest premium over gold content of any soverign-minted 1 oz gold bullion coin. They are a highly cost-efficient way to buy physical gold.

Historic Britannia Design

Until 2023, the obverse depicts a realistic, right-profile image of Queen Elizabeth II from a 2015 design by Jody Clark. It is the fifth generation of QEII images on British coinage. The design includes the George IV State Diadem Crown along with the abbreviated Latin slogan "Dei Gratia Regina," meaning "Queen by the Grace of God."

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and the succession to the throne by her son, Prince Charles, a new design featuring King Charles III was introduced in 2023. Created by Martin Jennings, the left-profile image presents the new monarch without a crown on his head, a tradition established by previous British kings on coinage.

The reverse design features Philip Nathan's classic image of Britannia, the mythic personification of Britain as warrior goddess. She stands proudly at the ready, brandishing a trident of war in her right hand and an olive branch of peace in her left.

The figure of Britannia was first depicted on coinage by Roman Emperor Hadrian after Rome expanded into the British Isles more than 2,000 years ago. She has graced coins under every British monarch since Charles II in 1672.

Enhanced Security Features

Starting with the 2021 issue, the Royal Mint added new elements to the reverse field to enhance security and prevent counterfeiting. These include micro text around the main element; tincture lines on the Union Jack shield; a subtle animation feature in background field; and an image in a circle on the lower left that changes from padlock to trident when the viewing angle shifts.

Pure Gold Coins, .9999 fine

1 oz gold Britannias are beautifully struck in .9999 fine gold. Carrying a denomination of 100 pounds, they are legal tender in Great Britain.