Silver Britannia Coins

Background

The series of Silver Britannia Coins was launched in 1997 by the UK’s Royal Mint to provide an accessible alternative to the ever-popular Britannia gold coins as the price of gold surged. These coins bear the iconic Philip Nathan’s image of Britannia, an emblematic symbol of the nation dating back to Ancient Roman times, holding a trident, an olive branch, and an oval shield bearing the Union Jack. On the obverse, one may see the image of the ruling British monarch: Elizabeth II on 1997-2022 coins, and Charles III on coins minted starting 2023. Struck in 99.9% silver, these coins combine solid investment capacities with high artistic value.

Details

• Manufacturer: The Royal Mint
• Minting Location: UK
• Denominations: UK£2
• Content: 1 oz.
• Purity: 95.8% (1997-2012), 99.9% (2013-present)
• Weight: 32.45 g (1997-2012); 31.21 g (2013-present)
• Thickness: 3 mm
• Diameter: 40.00 mm (1997-2012); 38.61 mm (2013-present)
• IRA-Eligibility: Eligible

Origin

• Silver Britannia Coins were first minted in 1997 by the Royal Mint as an accessible alternative to their gold counterparts in response to the rising price of gold.
• The obverse of the Silver Britannia Coins showcases the profile of the reigning British monarch: 1997-2022 coins feature Queen Elizabeth II, while those minted after 2023 depict King Charles III.
• Starting in 1999 and continuing in odd-numbered years, a series of alternative depictions have graced the reverse side of the coin, featuring Britannia with different attributes and in other settings than the original coins showcase.