Posts Tagged ‘Britannia’
The Shortcut to an Iconic Silver Collection from Across the Globe
Silver Bullion coins have been a flagship contribution to numismatic history for generations, serving not only as a form of investment but also a piece of art, history, and culture.
Issued every year by the world’s most renowned Mints, a collection of Silver Bullion coins from across the globe is extremely hard to come by.
But today, The Westminster Collection are offering just 250 collectors worldwide the chance to secure a set of five 2023-dated 1oz Silver Bullion coins from the UK, U.S.A, South Africa, Australia, and Canada.
Read on to learn about the history of the 1oz Silver Bullion coin, what makes it so sought-after, and why this collection has taken years to create…
History of the Silver Bullion Coin
The history of Silver as a form of currency dates back to ancient civilizations. From the Greek drachma to the Roman denarius, Silver played a crucial role in shaping monetary systems across the globe.
In more recent times, the circulation of Silver coins was widespread in various countries. While the world has shifted away from Silver-based monetary systems, the legacy of Silver coins lives on through the modern Bullion coin.
The Britannia from The Royal Mint
The Silver Britannia coin, minted by The Royal Mint, holds a special place in numismatic history. It can be traced back to Roman times when the figure of Britannia personified Great Britain and its virtues.
The modern Silver Britannia coin, first issued in 1997, showcases the majestic image of Britannia as a symbol of strength, protection, and unity.
Each annual release features new and intricate designs, making it a true treasure for collectors. But, this exclusive collection houses the 2023-dated Silver Britannia, which happens to be the world’s first bullion coin to feature the official portrait of King Charles III.
The Krugerrand from the South African Mint
Stepping onto the African continent, we greet the iconic Krugerrand Bullion coin, which hails from the South African Mint.
Introduced in 1967, the Krugerrand was the world’s first modern Bullion coin. Initially minted in Gold, South Africa produced nearly 70% of Gold across the world during the 1960’s.
Silver editions shortly followed, and the Krugerrand’s widespread recognition and historical significance have made it one of the most sought-after coins among collectors worldwide.
The Kangaroo coin from The Perth Mint
Traveling all the way to Australia, we encounter the Kangaroo coin, minted by The Perth Mint. The Kangaroo series, first released in 1986, celebrates one of Australia’s most beloved and iconic creatures: the Kangaroo. Known for its unique design and exceptional purity, the Kangaroo coin is cherished for its representation of the vast Australian landscape and wildlife.
The Maple Leaf coin from The Royal Canadian Mint
Heading north to Canada, we encounter the renowned Maple Leaf coin, produced by The Royal Canadian Mint.
Launched in 1979 to compete with the Krugerrand while South Africa suffered economic sanctions, the Maple Leaf was the first Bullion coin to achieve 999.9 Fineness!
The Maple Leaf coin depicts Canada’s national symbol, a design which is synonymous with Canada’s flag, natural beauty and vibrant seasons.
The American Eagle coin from the United States Mint
Finally, we journey to the United States to explore the American Eagle coin – also regarded as the most popular coin in the world!
First crafted by the United States Mint in 1986, the Silver Eagle sold-out its entire 5,393,005 mintage in its first year of issue. Since then, this iconic coin has continued to break records, selling out of 91 million coins in 2014 and 2015.
Secure Your Iconic Silver Coins of the World Collection
Today, you can secure a collection of these five iconic Silver Bullion coins – which are all 2023-dated!
It is a collection that has taken years to create; such sought-after Silver coins from the world’s leading Mints aren’t easy to get hold of. Especially the brand-new issues.
In fact, just 250 collectors will have this rare opportunity, and it’s not one you want to miss…
Click here to secure your Iconic Silver Coins of the World Collection >>
How women have been celebrated on Royal Mint coins – International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievement, raise awareness against bias, and take action for equality.
To mark this annual event, The Royal Mint launched a new Britannia coin, depicting three images of the Allegorical figure.
She is one of Britain’s longest-standing and most enduring feminine icons, who first appeared on coins back in the Roman era.
The new design is inspired by Gustav Klimt’s classic 1905 painting ‘The Three ages of Woman’ and features Britannia moving from girlhood to maturity.
The design, created by Italian artist and sculptor Sandra Deiana, the coin sees Britannia appear three times on one coin, a UK first!
However, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen remarkable women commemorated on a UK coin…
2022 UK Platinum Jubilee Coins
In 2022, to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, The Royal Mint issued TWO new coins.
Platinum Jubilee 50p and £5 have both been designed to reflect the significance of this important anniversary.
The Platinum Jubilee 50p features a reverse design by agency Osborne Ross celebrating the Queen’s 70 years of service. But, what’s particularly special about this coin is that TWO versions have actually been created…
One includes an obverse design by John Bergdahl featuring the Queen on horseback – reminiscent of Her Majesty’s very first Coronation Crown – and the other includes Jody Clark’s obverse of the Queen’s portrait.
Not only do we see this difference on the new 50p coin, but the obverse design has also been replicated on the Platinum Jubilee £5 coin, along with a reverse design by John Bergdahl featuring the Queen’s garter robes.
This coin was so popular that the ENTIRE limited edition range sold-out completely at The Royal Mint within a day.
Browse the Platinum Jubilee coin range on our website by clicking here!
2020 UK Rosalind Franklin 50p
Rosalind Franklin is one of Britain’s best scientific minds. Without her ground-breaking research we would not understand the complexities of DNA as we do today.
To mark the 100th anniversary of her birth, and to celebrate her legacy, The Royal Mint authorised for a UK 50p to be issued – the second coin in the Innovation in Science series.
It features a striking design by David Knapton, that puts Rosalind Franklin at the heart of the DNA story.
It depicts the infamous Photograph 51 that led Franklin to her discovery that DNA has a double helix structure – the same picture that was used by Watson and Crick, robbing Franklin of the accolades that were rightly hers.
Browse our Rosalind Franklin coin range here!
2022 Dame Vera Lynn £2
Known for boosting the morale of the troops and the nation throughout the Second World War, Vera Lynn was voted the ‘Forces Sweetheart’.
Later after the war, in 1975, she was awarded Dame Commander of the British Empire as recognition for her dedication to charity work.
This stunning £2 BU Pack has been issued by The Royal Mint to celebrate the life and the legacy of Dame Vera Lynn.
As one of Britain’s most iconic entertainers, she captured the hearts of thousands as she sang to the nation during a time of turmoil.
To avoid missing out on this 2022 issue commemorating one of Britain’s most beloved entertainers and war-time figures, make sure to secure yours now by clicking here.
Of course, these are just a handful of UK coins which have been issued to commemorate influential women. Who would you like to see commemorated on a UK coin? Let us know in the comments below!
The reign longer than Queen Elizabeth II?
Queen Elizabeth II is Britain’s longest reigning monarch, and that means that she has adorned the obverse of our coinage since 1953 when the first coins were issued with her portrait. Her reign has seen five different portraits on our coinage and one of the biggest changes to our currency – decimalisation.
And as this month marks the 50th anniversary since the day that Britain officially went decimal, we’ve been taking a look back at British coins and how their stories have changed over time. And there’s one icon that stands out above the rest, one that has featured on coins for far longer than Queen Elizabeth II’s impressive 68 years. I am of course referring to Britannia.
Over 2000 years old!
It’s thought that Britannia first featured on coins in Britain when the Romans arrived under Julius Caesar, but the depiction is wildly different to that which we recognize today. The coins showed a figure, neither male nor female, as a warrior with an inscription along the lines of “DE BRITANNIS”.
It wasn’t until Hadrian arrived in the second century AD that the coins started to feature a female figure with the inscription “BRITANNIA”. These Roman coins are always difficult to find, and many remain buried away even today.
A 1400 year hiatus…
This female figure disappeared from coins, and culture, for over a thousand years, not reappearing until the Tudor period. And even then it wasn’t until Charles II that she finally made her reappearance onto coinage. It’s thought that the rise of Britain as a naval power was the inspiration to include Britannia on coinage again.
Britain’s largest penny
Under George III a one penny and two penny coin were introduced in an attempt to restore confidence in British currency. The intrinsic value of the metal plus an allowance for the cost of production was made equal to the nominal value of the coin. This made them very heavy and a lot larger than other coins in circulation – giving them the nickname ‘Cartwheels‘.
Importantly though, as Britannia had become more and more associated with the sea, these were the first coins to depict her holding a trident rather than a spear.
The Standing Britannia
Throughout history Britannia has been depicted on several denominations of coins, usually pennies or half pennies. Often she was shown seated with the sea in the background, and never before had she been issued on a Florin. After the long Victorian tradition of a crowned cruciform shield for the reverse, a new Britannia design was issued as King Edward VII took to the throne. A truly beautiful design, it shows Britannia with her trident, shield, and stood powerfully against the sea. Only issued during King Edward VII’s short reign, this coin has become incredibly popular for its iconic design and impressive story.
Of course the Britannia has featured and continues to feature on Britain’s coinage, with new depictions on annual releases and even special releases such as the 2019 commemorative 50p. It certainly looks like she’ll continue to have a long reign on our coinage.
If you’re interested:
Secure your very own Silver Standing Britannia Florin. At over 100 years old and with a unique design, they’re in high demand with collectors. Click here to order yours now with a deposit of JUST £13!
