Britannia (coin) facts for kids
| United Kingdom | |
| Value | 2 pounds sterling |
|---|---|
| Mass |
|
| Diameter |
|
| Thickness | 3 mm (2013–present day) mm |
| Edge | Milled |
| Composition |
|
| Years of minting | 1997–present |
| Obverse | |
 |
|
| Design | Queen Elizabeth II |
| Designer | Jody Clark |
| Design date | 2015 |
| Reverse | |
 |
|
| Design | Britannia |
| Designer | Philip Nathan |
| Design date | 1987 |
Britannia coins are special British coins. They are made by the Royal Mint. These coins are called "bullion coins" because they are made from precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum. Gold Britannia coins have been made since 1987, silver since 1997, and platinum since 2018.
The back of the coin (called the reverse) usually shows different pictures of Britannia. Britannia is like a symbol or a person who represents the United Kingdom. The front of the coin (called the obverse) shows a picture of the monarch, like Queen Elizabeth II or King Charles III.
Britannia gold coins usually contain one troy ounce of gold. They have a value of £100. You can also find smaller gold Britannia coins. These come in sizes like half, quarter, and one-tenth of an ounce. Their values are £50, £25, and £10. In 2013, even bigger and smaller sizes were added. These included a five-ounce coin worth £500, and a tiny one-twentieth ounce coin worth £5.
Britannia silver coins contain one troy ounce of silver. They have a value of £2. Just like the gold coins, silver Britannias come in smaller sizes. These are half, quarter, and one-tenth of an ounce. Their values are £1, 50p, and 20p. In 2013, a five-ounce silver coin worth £10 was introduced. A small one-twentieth ounce coin worth 10p was also added.
In 2023, King Charles III appeared on the front of the coins for the first time. Before that, Queen Elizabeth II was on all Britannia coins.
Gold Britannia Coins
Since 2013, gold Britannia coins have been made from very pure gold. They are 99.99% pure gold, which is also called 24-carat gold. Before 2012, they were 91.7% pure gold (22-carat gold). The rest was a mix of copper or silver.
Here are some common sizes for gold Britannia coins:
- One ounce: This is the most common size.
- Half ounce: Half the size of the one-ounce coin.
- One quarter ounce: A quarter of the one-ounce coin.
- One tenth ounce: A tenth of the one-ounce coin.
- Five ounces: A larger coin, introduced in 2013.
- One twentieth ounce: A very small coin, also introduced in 2013.
The Royal Mint makes as many gold Britannia coins as people want each year. There is no limit to how many they produce.
Silver Britannia Coins
Since 2013, silver Britannia coins are made from 99.9% pure silver. They weigh about 31.21 grams. Their diameter is about 38.61 millimeters.
From 1997 to 2012, silver coins were 95.8% pure silver. This was known as "Britannia silver." These older coins weighed 32.45 grams. They had a diameter of 40.00 millimeters.
Silver Britannia coins have been made every year since 1997. In even-numbered years (like 1998, 2000), the back of the coin usually shows a classic standing Britannia figure. In odd-numbered years (like 1999, 2001), the design changes. It shows different pictures of Britannia.
Starting in 2013, the special "proof" versions of the coin have a new design each year. But the regular "bullion" versions always show the classic standing Britannia. Before 2013, there was a limit to how many silver coins were made. Now, the Royal Mint makes as many as people want.
In 2014, some silver Britannia coins were made with a mistake. The front of the coin was accidentally swapped with a design from another coin. These rare coins are called "Mule Britannia" coins. They are very popular with collectors and can be worth a lot of money.
Coin Designs Over the Years
The Britannia coin features different designs on its reverse side. These designs often show Britannia in various poses. Sometimes she is standing, sometimes seated, and sometimes with symbols like a lion or a trident.
- Classic Standing Britannia: Many years feature Britannia standing, often with a shield and trident. This is a traditional and popular design.
- Chariot Design: In some years, like 1997 and 1999, Britannia is shown riding a chariot pulled by horses. This design is inspired by ancient history.
- Britannia with a Lion: Several designs include a lion, which is a symbol of courage and strength for Britain. For example, the 2001 design showed Britannia standing with a lion.
- Seated Britannia: The 2005 design showed Britannia seated, similar to old British coins.
- Warrior Britannia: Artists have created designs showing Britannia as a strong warrior. The 2010 design showed her with a Corinthian-style helmet. The 2016 design also presented her as a "warrior queen."
- Modern Interpretations: More recent designs try to make Britannia look modern. The 2011 design showed her in front of a large flag, giving a sense of movement. The 2017 design even showed the British Isles forming her body.
- Symbolic Elements: Many designs include symbols like the Union Flag on her shield, a trident (representing her rule over the seas), or an owl (symbolizing wisdom).
- King Charles III: Starting in 2023, the front of the coin features King Charles III. The back continues to show new Britannia designs. The 2023 design shows Britannia riding a chariot pulled by two sea creatures.
See also
- American Gold Eagle
- Australian Gold Nugget
- British Sovereign coin
- Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
- Austrian Philharmonic
- Krugerrand
- Chinese lunar coins
- Gold as an investment
- Silver as an investment
