Britannia - the coin from the UK

Gold coin

The Britannia gold coin was from the British Royal Mint, dating from the 12th century, launched in 1987 in four ounces sizes on the market and is now regarded as the first European gold bullion coin. But already in the 1st Century under the Emperor Hadrian, Britannia was used as a coin. However, they fell into oblivion for a long time and coined until 1672 once a British coin. Typical was until 1821 was a spear held by the Britannia in hand, only this time it was with a trident, which is still firmly in the hands of Britannia, adorned. The 22 karat gold coin Britannia was alloyed with copper to 1989, later followed in equal parts silver and copper. Therefore, the colors of the coins vary according to year of issue. Thus, the Britannia gold coins until 1990, with a reddish color, and since 1991 a golden yellow shade.

Is on the coin, as described above, the Britannia depicted. The Romans named the island of Britannia in the discovery and today it stands as the personification of Great Britain. Until 2000, the coin remained unchanged and showed Britannia standing with impressive flowing dress, trident and helmet. Only the subject has been adapted 1998th To this motive is shown that the message "One Ounce Fine Gold Britannia" and the specific year of issue. Furthermore, the inscription "Nathan" and the proof version of "P. Nathan," This is illustrated of the designs of the designer. Since 2001, the theme changes every odd year. Thus graced 2001, a mild-mannered Britannia with a lion, 2003 was presented then the head of Britannia, 2005, a seated Britannia. This coin was also the last design for the gold coin of Phillip Nathan. In 2007 the figure was followed by a seated Britannia with a lion at her feet. The coin was designed by Christopher Le Brun. In 2009 the theme was once again impressive. Such was almost heroic, the Britannia in a Roman chariot, drawn by two beautiful horses. Time constant is the image of Queen Elizabeth II at par value of one ounce is 100 pounds and also available in one, 1 / 2, 1 / 4 and 1 / 10 ounces The Britannia gold coin is available in gloss and punch in the proof version. The polished plate is distinguished by the Frosting on the Stempelglanz coin. Various Artists names are engraved on each coin. Especially in England, the proof coin collecting is very popular with.

In 1987, the edition of the Britannia was 97,000 units. But due to low demand, the circulation dropped from year to year.

Silver coin

In 1997, the British Royal Mint, the Britannia took silver coin as a counterpart to the Gold version on the market. Unusually, the fineness of 958.3% silver. Because traditionally employed, such as the Maple Leaf, 999.9%. However, the Britannia is despite the low silver content, the purest silver coin in Britain. For all other silver coins were minted in 925 silver. This English Münzphänomen is due to a long history. As early as 1696, King William III banned. The 925 sterling silver, and it could be used only for 958.3% silver coins. It was not until 1720 the ban was lifted.

As with the gold coin, Britannia adorns the design for the silver version. In the even-numbered years, the Britannia silver coin was minted in one ounce with a similar motive. Shown is the standing Britannia with a trident in his hand. In odd-year mark until 1997 and switched to 1999 the coin. Only Queen Elizabeth II, which graces the other side was not changed except a few minor improvements.

The Britannia silver coin is legal tender in the UK. In Germany, although the silver coin from banks and coin dealers available, but rather a high premium. In general, the Britannia silver coin is purchased in one ounce. But there are specially designed for collectors of smaller pieces lungs, which are usually offered in the set.