Britannia 2021 1/2 oz Gold Bullion Coin
The iconic Britannia has represented Britain, and the country’s evolution, since Roman times. She is a symbol of the nation at a point in time. In 2021, Britannia leads the way once more, redefining security in the bullion market with four groundbreaking features. This new vision of Philip Nathan’s Britannia, created in 1987, was created by the team behind ‘the world’s most secure coin’, the United Kingdom £1 coin. Surface animation provides a background for Britannia, reflecting the flow of waves as the coin is moved. Between this and the banding of the coin, you will find micro-text with the wording – DECUS ET TUTAMEN, or AN ORNAMENT AND A SAFEGUARD, describing the features that both decorate and protect the coin. A latent feature in the lower hand segment of the coin switches between a trident and a padlock based on the viewer’s perspective – emphasizing her maritime strength and the coin’s secure nature. Finally, details like the Union Flag on Britannia’s shield have been especially highlighted with tincture lines. These landmark design elements combine to create not only a stunning Britannia, struck in half an ounce of 999.9 fine gold, but also the most visually secure coin in the world.
These features are also available on the 1oz, 1/4oz and 1/10oz fine gold editions of the coin, and on the 1oz fine silver edition.
Key Features:
- Four advanced features take visual security to the next level
- A latent image changes from a padlock to Britannia’s famous trident
- Surface animation brings the background of sparkling waves to life
- Micro text gives both decoration and protection – ‘an ornament and a safeguard’
- Britannia’s shield bears the Union Flag accented with tincture lines
How are bullion prices calculated?
The 'buy' and 'sell' prices shown on the website represent the market value of raw vaulted metal in an 'unallocated' form. This is the standard way prices are quoted throughout the bullion industry. In order for The Royal Mint to deliver beautifully crafted precious metals products to your address, or to our vault, a number of processes must take place, all of which incur a cost. These processes include transportation, refining, minting, quality checking and merchandising.
The price at which The Royal Mint is able to sell bullion products to consumers is therefore made up of the 'spot price' (the buy price) plus an additional premium. The premium accounts for the costs incurred in manufacturing a particular product and is usually either a percentage of the buy price or a fixed monetary amount. In short, manufactured bullion products always sell at a premium to enable retailers and manufacturers to cover their costs.
Can I spend/pay using my bullion coins?
All UK coins, whether circulating or non-circulating, are authorised as “legal tender” by Royal Proclamation, in accordance with the Coinage Act of 1971.
Legal tender allows UK coins to be accepted for payment of debts in court – but, only circulating legal tender coins are designed to be spent and traded at businesses and banks. The Royal Mint creates commemorative and bullion coin series to celebrate key moments or individuals, and these are treasured for their collectable and aesthetic value, or purchased for investment opportunities. However, these non-circulating, commemorative and bullion coins are limited edition and will not enter general circulation – meaning banks and businesses are not required to accept them.
For more information on legal tender guidelines see: www.royalmint.com/aboutus/policies-and-guidelines/legal-tender-guidelines
Specification
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Denomination | £50 |
| Alloy | 999.9 Fine Gold |
| Diameter | 27.00mm |
| Reverse Designer | Philip Nathan |
| Obverse Designer | Jody Clark |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Quality | Bullion |
| Year | 2021 |
| Pure Metal Type | Gold |
| Pure Metal Content | 0.5 Troy Oz |
| Fineness | 999.9 |
| Packaging | Single Coin Capsule |
| Security Features | Latent feature trident and padlock | surface animation waves detail |
Key Security Features
Latent feature
A latent feature switches between a trident and a padlock as the viewer changes their perspective, representing both Britannia and bullion security.
Tincture lines
Britannia's union flag shield, a powerful symbol of Britain as a whole, is highlighted by the tincture lines.
Micro-text
Micro-text next to the coin's banding reads 'DECUS ET TUTAMEN', which translates as 'AN ORNAMENT AND A SAFEGUARD'.
Surface animation
The background has surface animation reflecting the movement of the sea, which adds to the intricacy and safety of the coin.
