United Kingdom: New Annual Design Features on Latest Release of Gold and Silver Britannias
Launched on International Women’s Day, The Royal Mint have released their 2024 Britannia gold and silver proof collector range which features a new reverse design that is changed every year and is a particular favourite with collectors and investors alike.
The proud allegorical female figure of Britannia has represented Britain for centuries, symbolising values held dear by the nation, such as strength, resilience and fortitude. In fact, it was the Romans who created Britannia a symbol of the island of the same name, first featuring on coins circa 119 AD under the rule of Emperor Hadrian. She disappeared after the decline of the Roman Empire and the eventual departure of the Roman centurions, however the figure re-emerged in the Elizabethan period and came to represent Britain’s maritime power. Since the reign of Charles II, Britannia has featured on the reverse of coins during the reign of every ensuing British monarch. The last depiction of Britannia was on the circulation type £2 coins of the Late Queen Elizabeth II when it was introduced in 2015.
Perpetuating Britannia’s legacy on coins, the Britannia 2024 UK commemorative coin features award-winning French author and illustrator Marie-Alice Harel who has created a modern interpretation of Britannia. Her left-facing profile is positioned against an oncoming wave into which her plumed helmet flows to represent her historic connection with the sea. Along the upper left rim is the text BRITANNIA 2024 with the coins’ specifications of metal and weight shown just against the inscription. The obverse of each coin features the definitive effigy of HM King Charles III designed by Martin Jennings and introduced onto British commemorative and circulation type coins since 2022. The denomination from 5 PENCE to 100 POUNDS and year of issue 2024 also appears on the obverse as part of the legend surrounding the King’s likeness.
The weights of the gold coins range from .08 gr. to one ounce – the weights of the silver options range from .08 gr. to one ounce. The proof quality gold coins are available either as a 3-coin or 6-coin set or as separate purchases. The silver proof quality coins are available as a 6-coin set or a 4-coin reverse-proof finish set. Other weights of 10, 5 and one ounce are available as separate purchases. For additional information, please visit the webshop of the Royal Mint.
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Author: Michael Alexander
Michael’s background in both numismatics and banknotes spans more than three decades and whose activities have varied from being a dedicated world coin collector to coin & medal design, marketing, theme concept and production. His additional interests include banknote research and in 1997, he founded the London Banknote and Monetary Research Centre to further these interests and activities. The company continues to offer monthly currency bulletins to both online and printed publications which includes information about the latest banknote news and releases from Central Banks and Monetary Authorities around the world. Michael has been a contributor to COIN NEWS magazine based in the UK since 1998 where many of his in-depth interviews, articles and bulletins have been published.
