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What is the Britannia Gold Coin?
The Britannia Gold Coin is the official bullion coin of the United Kingdom. It was launched in 1987 by The Royal Mint. Until 2012, the coin was minted in 22 carat (91.67%), but since 2013, it has been minted in 24 carat (99.99%).Â
Each 1 troy ounce version contains exactly 1 troy ounce of pure gold. The coin is legal tender in the UK, with the 1 oz version having a face value of £100.
Available denominations of the Gold Britannia
- 1 troy ounce (31.103 grams) Â
- 1/2 troy ounce Â
- 1/4 troy ounce Â
- 1/10 troy ounce Â
This selection makes the Britannia suitable for both large and small investments. You can choose from newly minted gold coins or pre-owned examples.Â
Pre-owned Britannia coins
Pre-owned coins have previously been owned and re-marketed through our partner, Inkoop Edelmetaal. They are rigorously inspected for weight, gold content, and authenticity. Â
Advantages of pre-owned Britannias: Â
- More affordable. Â
- Same intrinsic value as new. Â
- Full buyback guarantee. Â
- More sustainable alternative.Â
Design of the gold Britannia coin
Philip Nathan's iconic design depicts Britannia, the female embodiment of Great Britain, with a helmet, shield, and trident. Â
- Obverse: Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (until 2022) or King Charles III (from 2023). Â
- Reverse: Britannia, standing on the shore, a symbol of protection and national strength.Â
History of the gold Britannia
Origin
The name Britannia dates back to Roman times. From the 17th century onwards, it appeared regularly on British coins. In 1987, the modern gold Britannia was introduced as the first official European bullion coin. Â
22-carat gold Britannias (1987–2012)
The first issues were minted in 22 carat (91.67%) and were slightly heavier due to copper and silver, but always contained 1 oz of pure gold. Â
Transition to 24 carat (from 2013)
Since 2013, Britannias have been minted in 24 carat (99.99%), comparable to the Maple Leaf and Philharmonic. For investors, the gold value of both 22k and 24k issues is identical and based on the current gold price. Â
Gold Britannia coin security features
Since 2021, the coin has featured four unique security elements: Â
- Latent feature – holographic effect (padlock ↔ trident) Â
- Surface animation – micro-engravings with an undulating movement Â
- Micro-text – inscription DECUS ET TUTAMEN Â
- Tincture lines – refined lines adding depth and texture Â
These innovations make the Britannia virtually impossible to counterfeit. At The Silver Mountain, all Britannia gold coins are also rigorously tested for both weight and gold content.
Why buy the gold Britannia coin?
✔ Highest gold purity (99.99%) Â
✔ Globally recognized and tradable Â
✔ Available in multiple denominations Â
✔ Advanced security features  Â
✔ Culturally and historically valuableÂ
YouTube | View the gold Britannia
These are the most frequent asked questions about the gold Britannia
Frequently asked questions about gold Britannia coins
Why is the gold Britannia considered one of the safest investment coins in the world?
The gold Britannia is widely regarded as one of the safest investment coins in the world due to the advanced security features introduced by The Royal Mint. Since 2021, the coin incorporates a holographic element that shifts between a padlock and a trident, laser-engraved microtext, a subtle surface animation in the background, and refined tincture lines on Britannia’s shield. Together, these features make the coin extremely difficult to counterfeit and provide investors with a high level of confidence when purchasing physical gold.
Does the difference between 22-carat and 24-carat Britannias affect their value?
The carat purity does not affect the investment value. Britannias minted up to and including 2012 are struck in 22-carat gold but contain exactly one troy ounce of pure gold due to a higher total weight. From 2013 onwards, Britannias are struck in 24-carat gold (99.99% pure). As both versions contain the same amount of fine gold, their value is determined by the same current gold price.
Does the transition from Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles III affect the collectible value?
This transition adds historical significance to the Britannia series. Coins featuring Queen Elizabeth II remain highly sought after worldwide and retain their status as legal tender. The first Britannias bearing the portrait of King Charles III, including the 2023 and 2024 issues, are particularly popular among both investors and collectors due to their importance as the start of a new era in the British monarchy.
Is the gold Britannia exempt from VAT for private investors?
The gold Britannia is fully exempt from VAT in the Netherlands and throughout the European Union. The coin qualifies as investment gold and meets all legal requirements: it was minted after 1800, has a minimum gold purity of 90%, and holds legal tender status in its country of origin. As a result, private investors can purchase gold Britannias without paying VAT.
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