Buy Gold Britannia Coins from the British Royal Mint at SD Bullion
The Britannia Series is one of the Royal Mint’s most enduring bullion programs and the official UK bullion coin.
First introduced in 1987, the Britannia Gold Coin quickly earned a stellar reputation among investors and collectors for its exceptional purity (99.99% pure) and striking design.
Over the years, the Britannia series expanded to include silver options in 1997 and platinum versions more recently, each crafted with the same meticulous attention to detail and precious metal purity that define the Royal Mint’s legacy.
The Royal Mint: Trusted Craftsmanship Since 886 AD
The Royal Mint is one of the world’s oldest and most trusted mints, with over a thousand years of coin-making expertise. Best known for producing the UK’s legal tender, it also mints bullion, commemorative samples, and planchets for over 60 countries. Each year, the Mint produces around 50 billion coins for global circulation and investment markets.
Design and Specifications
Every design is a work of art rooted in centuries of British heritage.
The Reverse Design
The reverse features the legendary Britannia design, a symbol of British strength and resilience since the older coins of Emperor Hadrian. From her origins on Roman coinage to her revival under Queen Elizabeth I, the feminine guise has become a permanent icon of national pride.
Throughout the series' history, she has appeared in 14 unique designs, each offering a fresh interpretation while preserving her core attributes: a helmet, flowing robes, trident, and the Union Jack shield.
The current version, created by artist Philip Nathan, captures Britannia standing firm against the wind, facing the sea with strength and grace. Surrounding the design are inscriptions denoting the coin’s name, weight, purity, metal, and year of issue.
The Obverse Design
On the obverse, the series has traditionally featured a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.
From 1987 to 1997, the obverse carried Raphael Maklouf’s regal third-generation effigy, showing Her Majesty in a royal diadem. Between 1998 and 2015, Ian Rank-Broadley’s widely recognized fourth-generation design offered a more realistic and familiar likeness.
From 2016 to most of 2023, the series featured the fifth-generation portrait by Jody Clark, marking the first time a Royal Mint engraver created the Queen’s image. This design depicted the Queen at age 89, commemorating her Sapphire Jubilee.
In late 2023, the obverse transitioned to a new era with the introduction of King Charles III’s effigy. Designed by Martin Jennings, the left-facing portrait honors royal tradition while ushering in the future. Surrounding the image are inscriptions, including a Latin abbreviation that means “By the grace of God, King.”
Britannia Gold Content and Purity: Best value
Britannia gold coins are produced annually with an unlimited mintage, meaning they are struck according to market demand and available supply.
When first introduced in 1987, they were initially struck in 22-karat, also known as “crown gold,” with a purity of .9167. These early issues contained a copper alloy to improve durability. Starting in 1990, the Mint replaced the copper with silver in the mix, maintaining the same purity but enhancing the coin’s appearance. This 22-karat standard remained until 2012.
In 2013, the Royal Mint upgraded them to 24-karat gold (.9999 fine), aligning them with global bullion standards. As a result, the coin’s weight was adjusted from 34.05 grams to the industry-standard 31.1035 grams (1 troy oz of pure gold), with the same amount of metal content.
British Gold Britannia Coins: Sizes and Denominations
Britannia gold coins are available in various sizes and finishes. They hold intrinsic value based on their precious metal content, and are also legal tender in Great Britain, carrying an imprinted denomination as the official bullion coin in the UK.
Here are the current denominations and their corresponding denomination values:
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1 oz – £100
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1/2 oz – £50
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1/4 oz – £25
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1/10 oz – £10
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1/20 oz – £5 (introduced in 2013)
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5 oz – £500 (introduced in 2013) - one of the highest denomination coins in the UK
Security Features and Authenticity: Innovation You Can Trust
In 2021, the Royal Mint elevated the series to new heights by incorporating state-of-the-art security features. These enhancements not only ensure authenticity but also showcase the Mint’s commitment to innovation and investor protection.
One of the standout features is a latent image near Britannia’s feet that changes as you tilt the piece, shifting between a trident and a padlock. This subtle visual cue acts as both a design flourish and a robust anti-counterfeiting measure.
Surrounding the central artwork, a delicate ring of micro-engraved Latin text reads “Decus et Tutamen,” meaning “An ornament and a safeguard”—a phrase historically used on British coinage to signify integrity and trust.
Adding to the visual appeal and security, a dynamic surface animation gives the coin’s background a shimmering wave effect that seems to move as the coin is tilted.
Finally, Britannia’s shield features classic heraldic tincture lines, adding intricate depth and texture that further complicate attempts at replication.
A Historic Release: The 2024 Britannia and Liberty Coin
In an unprecedented collaboration, Joseph Menna, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, and Gordon Summers, the Chief Engraver of the Royal Mint, have come together to design the 2024 Britannia and Liberty Coin.
This remarkable one-ounce, 99.99% pure gold coin brings together two legendary symbols of national pride: Liberty, a symbol of American freedom since the nation’s early coinage, and Britannia, which has represented British strength and identity since the 17th century.
With a limited mintage of 5,000, the standard reverse design features close-up, right-profile depictions. Britannia is portrayed wearing a Corinthian helmet and holding a trident, while Liberty, crowned with stars, carries a torch, her flowing hair symbolizing freedom.
Why Invest in Gold Britannia
The 1 oz Britannia Gold coin is an excellent investment option, featuring one troy ounce of 24-carat gold. Backed by the UK Treasury, it ensures both stability and trust in global markets.
Since its 1987 launch, they have gained recognition as a reliable asset, offering a great balance between historical significance with modern minting excellence. With competitive pricing and low premiums, it provides an accessible entry into precious metals, serving as a portable, globally liquid asset and a secure form of financial insurance.
Buy Gold Britannias at SD Bullion
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just beginning your journey, the Gold Britannia offers a timeless and reliable way to safeguard your wealth.
FAQs
What’s the difference between pre-2013 and post-2013 Gold Britannia coins?
The main difference between pre-2013 and post-2013 Gold Britannia coins is the gold content and weight. Before 2013, they were made with 22-karat gold and weighed 34.05 grams. In 2013, the Royal Mint upgraded to 24-karat and adjusted the weight to 31.1035 grams (1 troy ounce) to align with global gold standards for bullion coins, offering higher purity and a slightly lighter weight.
What sizes are Gold Britannias available in?
Gold Britannia coins are available in several sizes to suit different needs. The standard 1 oz coin has a face value of £100. Fractional sizes include 1/2 oz (£50), 1/4 oz (£25), and 1/10 oz (£10). In 2013, two new sizes were introduced: 5 oz (£500) and 1/20 oz (£5). Each size maintains the same high purity and government-backed status.
How do Gold Britannia premiums compare to other gold bullion coins?
Gold Britannias typically have lower premiums compared to other gold bullion coins, such as the American Gold Eagle. While the Gold Britannia boasts a higher purity of 99.99% compared to the Eagle’s 91.67%, its premiums tend to be more competitive. The high demand for Gold Eagles drives up their premiums, making them more expensive despite having lower gold content than the Gold Britannia.
What security features are on modern Gold Britannia coins?
Modern Gold Britannias feature advanced security elements, including a latent image that shifts between a trident and a padlock when tilted. Microtext around the design includes the Latin phrase “Decus et Tutamen” (“An ornament and a safeguard”), which enhances security. Additionally, Britannia’s shield showcases heraldic tincture lines, adding texture and depth. These elements make them a highly secure and visually appealing investment option.
Are Gold Britannias good for gold IRAs?
Gold Britannia can be an option for IRAs. With their 99.99% purity, they meet the IRS requirements for IRA-approved precious metals. This makes them a reliable choice for investors seeking to diversify their retirement portfolios with high-quality, government-backed gold. Additionally, their historical significance and secure design further enhance their appeal as a long-term investment for an IRA.
Why is Britannia depicted on the coin, and what does she represent?
Britannia is a symbol of British strength, identity, and resilience. Originally appearing on Roman coins, she was revived during the reign of Elizabeth I and has since become a key figure representing naval power and national pride. Shown with a trident, shield, and helmet, she embodies Britain’s history as a protector and leader, especially in maritime affairs.
Are Gold Britannia coins legal tender?
British Gold Britannia coins are legal tender, fully guaranteed by the UK Treasury, and hold an imprinted monetary value, such as £100 for the 1 oz Gold Britannia, confirming their legal status as currency in the UK. However, this face value is symbolic and much lower than the coin's intrinsic value, based on the current global gold spot price.
Can I use Gold Britannias for international travel or emergency currency?
Britannia gold coins can technically be used for international travel or emergency currency, but their monetary denomination is far lower than their true metal value. Due to the global spot price, they are worth more than their face value, making them impractical for everyday transactions. While they hold legal tender status in the UK, they are primarily considered a store of value rather than a means of daily transaction.
Can I sell my Gold Britannias back to SD Bullion?
Yes. SD Bullion offers a buyback service with three easy-to-follow steps. Our team is constantly buying bullion to update our inventory. You can reach out to our representatives at 1-800-294-8732.
Are there any taxes on Gold Britannia purchases in the U.S.?
In the U.S., there are typically no sales taxes on Gold Britannia coins, as many states exempt legal tender, including certain gold coins. However, capital gains taxes may apply when selling them. Long-term gains are taxed at 28% on collectibles, while short-term gains are taxed according to individual income tax rates. Always check local state laws for specific tax benefits and regulations on purchasing gold coins.