Silver Britannia

• Coins produced prior to 2013 are .958 fine, while coins issued 2013 to date are .999 fine.
• All Silver Britannias contain 1 full troy ounce of fine silver, regardless of the fineness.
• Obverse: An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.
• Reverse: A portrait of the legendary figure of Britannia.
• Guaranteed by the British government.

Released annually since 1997, the Silver Britannia has become highly sought by investors and collectors around the globe. Next to the American Silver Eagle, it is probably the second most popular bullion coin.

About the Silver Britannia Coin

Steadfast and confident, Britannia is a symbol of tradition, resilience and strength as she protects the homeland. Britannia, the lady guardian, goes as far back as the Roman occupation of the British Isles. Her image held a status equaled only by the goddesses of ancient Roman society. The origin of the modern image of the lady guardian dates 300 years ago with the formation of the United Kingdom. Indeed, Britannia is very embodiment of the British nation. Sculptor Philip Nathan, the designer of the first Britannia gold bullion coin in 1987, imagined her as a classic and evolving warrior who embraces peace — represented by the olive branch, but protects herself with a trident spear, a Corinthian helmet and a shield bearing the Union Jack symbol. In these additional strikes in the bullion collection, she stands resolute in a powerful gust of wind.

Following a decade of success with the Gold Britannia bullion coins, the Royal Mint celebrated the Gold Britannia’s 10^th Anniversary with the introduction of a 1 oz Silver Britannia coin in 1997. The 1997 Silver Britannias were issued only as proofs initially with a mintage of only 20,000. Silver Britannia has a legal tender face value of two Pounds Sterling.

It’s important to know the year a Silver British Britannia was issued because earlier editions have a slightly less fineness of silver. The first silver bullion coins minted between 1998 and 2012 .958 fine Silver, as opposed to the standard British sterling which is .925 fine silver. Since 2013, the silver bullion coins have been produced with a fineness of .999 (99.9% pure silver).

The Silver Britannia’s attractive design was created to appeal to both collectors and investors alike; so, the designs vary a bit. The obverse of the 1997 issue of the silver coin features the “Third Portrait” used on British decimal bullion coins dated since 1985. In 1998, the obverse design of all British coins including the Silver Britannia, changed to depict the Fourth Portrait — a more mature depiction of Queen Elizabeth II. The newest “Fifth Portrait” first appeared on the Silver Britannia in 2016. The reverse of the Silver Britannia coin varies as well. Originally, the design presents a Britannia standing in a horse-drawn chariot and resembles the Roman figure Boudica.

The Chariot Britannia design was originally engraved by G.W. De Saulles and used on the florins of Edward VII from 1902 to 1910, and on the Gold Britannia coins for most of the issues following 1987.

The standard obverse of Queen Elizabeth II and the reverse of the Standing Britannia decorate all of the Silver Britannia bullion coins of even numbered years starting with 1998 and continuing to 2020. However, special designs and variations have appeared on the coins released in odd-numbered years since 1997.

Silver Britannia bullion coins are popular and recognizable around the world and always extremely easy to buy and sell. The design has recently been upgraded to include authentication measures such as a micro-engraved radial lines in the field of the reverse and a textured field on the obverse. These additions also protect the surface from scratches. The British Silver Britannia has become Europe’s premier modern bullion coin. Admired by collectors, dealers, and investors from around the world, the Silver Britannia is one of the World’s most liquid coins.

Midas Gold Group offers Silver Britannia coins in “GEM” Uncirculated and Proof condition. We regularly stock both current issues 2020 coins as well as certain back-dates and special edition coins. Midas Gold Group makes it easy to buy Silver by offering competitive Silver prices on all Silver bullion coins.