One of the most anticipated releases in the numismatic calendar, the Royal Mint’s proof Britannia range has garnered considerable admiration over the last half-decade, especially since Jody Clark’s beautiful 2014 issue caused a stir. Today’s the day the 2018 design is offered for sale for the first time and the selction of sizes and metals is as broad as ever.

To take a look at the design first, we like it and it certainly fits in with the series ethos. The depiction of Britannia is attractive and while not filling as much of the coin as we’d like because of the wide border, is a nice classical change from the stylistic approach of 2017 and represents a more romanticised view of Britain. The obverse, as you would expect of a Royal Mint issue, simply features the Jody Clark effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.

The range is extensive, of course. Eight silver, eight gold and a solitary platinum coin make up the range, ranging in size from a 1/40 oz up to a kilo (although the 30oz gold, if indeed it is coming, has yet to be revealed). The twenty-ounce silver variant is gone – replaced with the more traditional one-kilo format. As before, most of the smallest variants are only available in one of the various sets on offer. The quarter-ounce platinum coin was popular enough to warrant a 2018 return, although with the mintage reduced from 850 to 650 pieces. Two gold sets are available. One incorporates the three traditional fractional sizes (½, ¼, 1/10), the other the six coins from 1 oz down. There’s an silver set comprising six coins with the largest at an ounce in weight and the smallest one a tiny 1/40 oz coins with an 8 mm diameter.

While not reaching the heights of the epic 2014 coin, something hardly any coin has managed to do in our view, this lloks to be an attractive and appealing design. Plenty of price points on offer, so something for everyone, and the packaging is up to the usual Royal Mint high standard. Available to buy now.