The British Royal Mint has released the 2009 UK Britannia Four Coin Silver Proof Set which includes a £2 coin, a £1 coin, a 50p coin and a 20p coin. Making this collection unique is the fact that for the first time an image of Britannia is accompanied by a portrait of the current Queen on a silver proof set.
A mythical figure, Britannia was first introduced on British coins in 1697 when she replaced the walking lion figure traditionally used before that date. She has come to symbolize the strength of Britain.
The reverse or "tails" side of these coins showcase a version of Britannia designed by Philip Nathan, which was used originally for coins in 1997 when the silver proof Britannia family made its debut. It was inspired by the famous 1st century AD warrior queen Boudicca, who was known for leading a daring revolt against the Romans. Read the rest of this entry »
The Royal Mint is delighted to introduce the 2009 Britannia collection, featuring Philip Nathan’s famous 1997 design of Britannia standing tall in her chariot.
His stunning design appears on the reverse, while the current portrait of Her Majesty the Queen takes pride of place on the obverse - the first time that the two designs have appeared alongside each other on a gold coin.
The 2009 collection is the eighth in a series of Britannia commemorative coins to be released since their inception by the Royal Mint in 1987. Unusually for UK gold coins, the Britannia Collection is struck to 22 carat gold Proof quality, but with a small quantity of silver added to the alloy, resulting in a brilliant yellow gold finish. Read the rest of this entry »
A new elegant Britannia design adorns freshly minted 2008 United Kingdom silver and gold collector coins launched by The Royal Mint. The bullion proof coins bear a standing portrait of Britannia, incorporating the motifs of the lighthouse, the trident, the shield and the helmet, as waves crash in the background.
"She [Britannia] almost appears to form part of the sea that surrounds and protects the British Isles."
The new design rendered by John Bergdahl is the latest depiction of Britannia, and the seventh in the series since it was introduced in 1987. It’s featured on the reverse or tails side of the silver proof £2, £1, 50p and 20p coins as well as the gold proof £100, £50, £25 and £10 coins.
The obverse or heads side of each bullion coin bears the portrait of Her Majesty The Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS.
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The Britannia image has been on British coins for centuries. But no longer. For the first time in more than 300 years, the figure of Britannia will not appear on new British coins.
The image first appeared on the copper farthing back in 1672. And like Lady Liberty is for the US, the Britannia image is filled with history and is symbolic of British democracy, patriotism and liberties.
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