Description

Over 2,000 years ago, Britannia first appeared on the coins of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. In order to establish order and foster a sense of unity, conquered provinces were personified as female figures as the Roman Empire grew.

She was reinstated to British coinage in 1672 under Charles II’s rule, and she has since featured on the coins of every other king or queen. She is a source of comfort and reassurance and a symbol of our country’s pride in times of celebration or crisis. As a trusted representation of the excellence of British minting, Britannia is instantly recognisable throughout the globe and resonates with foreign investors.

The 2023 Britannia medal, which features Philip Nathan’s timeless design with the first likeness of King Charles III shown seated to the left as he exhibits an unwavering resolve, is proudly presented by the Royal Mint. Since 1987, when it was selected to grace the first Britannia bullion coin, it has been hailed as a masterpiece of the modern era.

The Royal Mint has been utilising innovation for more than a millennium to produce coinage that are both stunning and safe. As the epitome of this desire for the very best in design and security, Britannia, the emblem of Britain, sets the bar for security in the bullion market in 2024. The most visually secure coin in the world was made using the most recent iteration of a symbol, Philip Nathan’s acclaimed rendition of Britannia, along with four ground-breaking security features. As stated in the micro-text that surrounds the design, DECUS ET TUTAMEN, or AN ORNAMENT AND A SAFEGUARD, these additions serve as both decoration and protection for the currency. Below Britannia’s flowing gown in the lower left corner of the image is a trident to signify her nautical heritage. This trident emphasises the coin’s security by morphing into a padlock as the viewer’s point of view shifts. The surface animation behind Britannia mimics the motion of the waves, and tincture lines have been used to draw attention to small details like the Union Flag on Britannia’s shield.