Britannia Gold Coins
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Sizes | 5 oz, 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, 1/20 oz & 1/40 oz |
Purity | .9167 Gold (1987–2012) .9999 Gold (2013–present) |
Finish | Uncirculated & Proof |
IRA Eligible | IRA Approved (.9999 Gold Britannia Coins Only) |
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Why Buy from Scottsdale Bullion & Coin
About the Britannia Gold Coin
The Britannia Gold Coin is an official English gold bullion coin produced by the Royal Mint since 1987. Like the Britannia silver coins, the Britannia gold bullion coin has come in seven different sizes: 5 oz, 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, 1/20 oz & 1/40 oz. In 2013, the fineness of the Britannia Gold Coin was increased from .9167 to .9999 gold. A new coin is released each year with slight design variations from the original. A number of new security measures were debuted with the 2021 issuance of the Britannia Gold Coin including holographic latent images, surface animation, and micro-text.
How to Buy The Britannia Gold Coins
If you’re in Arizona, you can walk into our office during business hours to buy. You can also call in to place an order, use our live chat function, or request a quote directly from our website.
Why Invest in the Britannia Gold Coin
Ideal for short-term holding and speculative trading.
Instant liquidity when you want to sell quickly.
Well-known and widely recognized in the market.
Considering the benefits of adding the Britannia Gold Coin to your portfolio? Schedule a free strategy session with a precious metals advisor to discuss your options and goals.
Britannia Gold Coin Design
Obverse Side
All Britannia Gold Coins feature a depiction of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse side. Throughout the years, the likeness of the monarch has changed to more accurately reflect its muse. Britannia Gold Coins minted between 1987 and 1997 feature what’s known as the “Third Portrait” of the Queen. All coins minted from 1998 through the present-day feature a more modern depiction of Queen Elizabeth II, known as the “Fourth Portrait”.
Reverse Side
The reverse side of Britannia Gold Coins features various depictions of the eponymous Guardian of Britain. The classic Britannia design features this mythical figure standing in a regal, resolute position with a shield and trident to signify the prestige of the UK. Over the years, there have been several iterations of the Britannia figure with some of the most notable being the national personification with a lion, Corinthian helmet, or owl.
2021 Security Features
For the 2021 Britannia Gold Coins, the Royal Mint implemented state-of-the-art safety measures to make it easier for investors and collectors to distinguish authentic gold bullion coins from counterfeits. On the reverse side of the coin, there are holographic wave patterns that appear to move when light hits the coin at different angles. The 2021 Britannia Gold Coins also feature tinctured lines on Britannia’s shield. An additional holographic security feature depicts a trident and padlock that interchange as the coin is moved. Furthermore, the words “DUCUS ET TUTAMEN” – Latin for “an ornament and safeguard” – are engraved along the coin’s border in a repeating fashion.
Britannia Gold Proof Coin
Britannia gold proof coins are higher-quality versions of the standard Britannia gold bullion coins that generally fetch higher prices for collectors and investors. In contrast to bullion coins, Britannia gold proofs feature additional detailing and finishing for a more pristine and elegant finish. Both the obverse and reverse sides boast a mirrored finish and high levels of craftsmanship.
Ever since the first Britannia gold proof was minted, the bust of Queen Elizabeth II has graced the obverse side of the coin. The only changes have come as updates to the original portrait of the monarch to match her changing appearance. On the reverse side, Britannia gold coins feature the mythical Britannia figure with a new depiction being created every year. The Royal Mint often hires new designers to develop unique designs around the original Britannia theme.
Precious metals investors who want to add multiple Gold Britannia proof coins to their portfolio can purchase an entire set. The Royal UK has offered three different sets in varying sizes. The largest includes six different proof coin sizes: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, 1/20 oz, & 1/40 oz. The smallest set features the 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, & 1/10 oz Gold Britannia proof coins. There’s also a moderately-sized set that comes with the 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, & 1/10 oz proof coins.
Britannia Gold Coin Specifications
5 Troy oz Britannia Gold Coin
Versions | Proof |
Diameter | 50 mm |
Net fine weight | 5.0252 ozt |
Weight | 156.30 g |
Face Value | £500 |
1 Troy oz Britannia Gold Coin
Versions | Mint & Proof |
Diameter | 32.69 mm |
Thickness | 2.79 mm |
Net fine weight | 1.00 ozt |
Weight | 31.104 g |
Face Value | £100 |
1/2 Troy oz Britannia Gold Coin
Versions | Mint & Proof |
Diameter | 27 mm |
Thickness | 2.08 mm |
Net fine weight | 0.5016 ozt |
Weight | 15.60 g |
Face Value | £50 |
1/4 Troy oz Britannia Gold Coin
Versions | Mint & Proof |
Diameter | 22 mm |
Thickness | 1.57 mm |
Net fine weight | 0.2527 ozt |
Weight | 7.86 g |
Face Value | £25 |
1/10 Troy oz Britannia Gold Coin
Versions | Mint & Proof |
Diameter | 16.50 mm |
Thickness | 1.2 mm |
Net fine weight | 0.1006 ozt |
Weight | 3.13 g |
Face Value | £10 |
1/20 Troy oz Britannia Gold Coin
Versions | Mint & Proof |
Diameter | 12 mm |
Thickness | 0.83 mm |
Net fine weight | 0.0508 ozt |
Weight | 1.58 g |
Face Value | £1 |
1/40 Troy oz Britannia Gold Coin
Versions | Mint & Proof |
Diameter | 8 mm |
Net fine weight | 0.025 ozt |
Weight | 0.8 g |
Face Value | 50 pence |
Britannia Gold Coin Value
The Britannia gold coin has been minted since 1987 and has become a favorite among precious metal investors in the UK and around the world while commanding attention from US-based investors too. Generally, a 1-oz Britannia gold coin will sell for a percentage below the current spot price of gold, unlike investment grade coins.
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Britannia Gold Coin FAQ
What is the value of a Britannia coin?
The Britannia gold coin has been minted in seven sizes: 5 oz, 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, 1/20 oz & 1/40 oz. The 1 Troy oz coin has a face value of £100, while the 5 Troy oz version has a unite price of £500. The face value of the Britannia gold coin’s fractional sizes are: 1/2 oz = £50 , 1/4 oz = £25, 1/10 oz = £10, 1/20 oz = £1 & 1/40 oz = 50 pence. The true market value of each Britannia Gold Coin depends on the current value of gold and the precise troy weight of the particular coin in question. Contact us today to receive a free appraisal.
Are Gold Britannia coins a good investment?
The gold Britannia coins are among the most popular gold bullion coins in the United Kingdom and have generated interest from investors and collectors in the US. They represent a dependable and valuable precious metal investment, but there are many other coins that offer equal or greater value to investors.
Are Gold Britannia coins legal tender?
Yes, the gold Britannia coin is legal tender. However, like many investment-grade coins, the gold comprising the coin is worth significantly more than its face value.
Gold Britannia vs Maple Leaf Gold Coins, which is better?
Gold Britannia and Gold Maple Leaf coins are both popular gold bullion coins minted in the UK and Canada, respectively. Both coins feature an image of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse side. However, while the gold Britannia coins depict their eponymous figure on the reverse side, the gold Maple Leaf coins feature Canada’s national symbol - the maple leaf. Both coins feature .9999 purity.
What’s special about the 2013 Britannia Gold Coin?
The 2013 version of the classic Britannia Gold Coin was the first in the series made with 999.9 gold (24-karats). It also featured slimmer dimensions when compared to the standard Britannia dimensions.