The Royal Mint has launched their range of 2016-dated Britannia bullion coins, with a significant change. For the first time, the new coins include the fifth definitive portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II, launched in March of 2015. This addition reflects the third change in portraiture for this popular series. The reverse design includes the familiar and elegant standing figure of Britannia as designed by sculptor Philip Nathan.

Britannia, the female representation of Britain, has a long history on British coinage. She has personified the nation for almost 2,000 years, since the Romans claimed the isles as the province of Britannia. She first appeared on the Roman coins of Emperor Hadrian in AD 119, and was introduced to British coinage by Charles II in 1672.

The coins—issued in fine 999 silver and 999.9 gold—are struck to a bullion quality. They are available in three weights in the gold series: 1 ounce, 1/4 ounce, and 1/10 ounce. The silver coin is available in a 1 ounce weight.

The 2016 launch follows a significant year for the Britannia bullion range. Worldwide demand for silver coins has seen the Royal Mint’s Silver 1 oz. Britannia experience an extraordinary increase in demand, with sales growing by 600% over last year. Furthermore, the introduction of fractional gold Britannia coins in December 2014 has added choices for customers looking for a more easily divisible portfolio.

The added availability of the Britannia range together with “The Vault™,” the Royal Mint’s on-site storage facility, has proved exceptionally popular, giving customers the opportunity to buy, store and sell the Royal Mint’s bullion coins quickly and securely, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The facility is guarded by the Ministry of Defence Police and has proven popular with bullion buyers looking for a highly secure storage option.

Denomination Metal Weight Diameter Quality Mintage 2 Pounds .999 silver 31.21 Grams 38.6 mm. Bullion Unlimited 10 Pounds .999.9 gold 3.13 Grams 16.5 mm. Bullion Unlimited 25 Pounds .999.9 gold 7.80 Grams 22 mm. Bullion Unlimited 100 Pounds .999.9 gold 31.21 Grams 32.69 mm. Bullion Unlimited

The 2016 Britannia range offers a choice of 999.9 fine gold and 999 fine silver coins, packaged in tubes or available individually in credit-card-sized sealed protective single packaging.

For more information on these and other coins offered by the Royal Mint, please visit their Web site.



