Britannia (coin)
| United Kingdom | |
| Value | 2 pounds sterling |
|---|---|
| Mass | 32.45g up to 2012 from 2013 31.21 g |
| Diameter | up to 2012 40.00mm from 2013 38.61 mm |
| Thickness | from 2013 3 mm |
| Edge | Milled |
| Composition | .958 silver (1997–2012) .999 silver (2013–present) |
| 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 British bullion coins issued by the Royal Mint in gold since 1987 and in silver since 1997.
Britannia gold coins contain one troy ounce of gold and have a face value of £100. Gold Britannias also are issued in fractional sizes of one-half, one-quarter, and one-tenth of a troy ounce and with face values of £50, £25, and £10 respectively. In 2013 two additional sizes were introduced, a five-ounce coin of face value £500, and a fractional size of one-twentieth of face value £5.
Britannia silver coins contain one troy ounce of silver and have a face value of £2. Silver Britannias also are issued in fractional sizes of one-half, one-quarter, and one-tenth of a troy ounce and with face values of £1, 50p, and 20p respectively. Like the gold coins in 2013 two additional sizes were introduced, a five-ounce coin of face value £10, and a fractional size of one-twentieth of face value 10p.
From 2013 the gold coins have a millesimal fineness of .9999 (or 24 carat gold). Until 2012 the gold coins have a millesimal fineness of .917 (91.7% or 22 carat gold) with the non-gold component being copper until 1989 and silver from 1990.
2013– Gold Britannia specifications (gold content, and approx total weight)
1987–2012 Gold Britannia specifications (gold content, not total weight)
Since 2013 the silver coins have been produced with a millesimal fineness of .999 (99.9% silver). Mass 31.21 g and Diameter 38.61 mm.
From 1997 to 2012 the silver coins had a millesimal fineness of 958 (95.8% or Britannia silver). Total mass 32.45g, Diameter 40.00mm.
Silver Britannias have been released each year beginning in 1997, when a silver proof set was offered. In 1998 and in all subsequent even-numbered years the reverse design has depicted a standing Britannia figure. Beginning in 1999 and continuing in odd-numbered years, a series of alternate, non-repeating depictions of Britannia have replaced the standing figure on the reverse. Starting in 2013, the proof versions of the coin will feature a different design each year, while the bullion version of the coin will always feature the classic standing Britannia. While mintage was limited prior to 2013, in 2013 and after mintage of the bullion version of the coin is unlimited based on demand.
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