The Royal Mint
The Royal Mint is the national mint of the United Kingdom, responsible for producing all of the country's coins. With a history spanning over a thousand years, it has become one of the oldest and most respected mints in the world.
Originally located in London, The Royal Mint relocated to Wales in the mid-20th century. Despite this change in location, the Royal Mint continues the tradition of British coin production, dating back to 886 AD.
The Royal Mint is renowned for its high level of craftsmanship and innovation. In 2020, it was granted a patent for its "SecureSurface" technology, which enhances the security of gold and silver coins by preventing counterfeiting and allowing easy verification of the coin’s authenticity. All bullion coins are struck with incredible precision and quality, making Royal Mint coins highly popular among collectors and investors worldwide.
The Royal Mint is also dedicated to education and raising awareness about coinage and monetary history. It operates its own museum, where visitors can explore the rich history of minting in Britain and learn how coins are made and tested. With its millennium-long history of coin production and continued commitment to innovation and exceptional quality, The Royal Mint stands as a true symbol of British tradition and craftsmanship.
Britannia Gold Bullion Coins
The Gold Britannia coin is one of the most renowned and popular bullion coins in the world. Minted by the Royal Mint, it is the official gold bullion coin of the United Kingdom. The Royal Mint introduced the Britannia coin in 1987 as part of its effort to attract international investors to gold bullion. The Gold Britannia is more than just an investment coin—it is a work of art, a symbol of British culture, and a trusted and liquid asset for investing in gold. Its appeal and value are highly appreciated by both investors and coin collectors worldwide.
The investment coin, made from 99.99% pure gold, is produced in various sizes, including 1 ounce (31.1 g), 1/2 ounce (15.55 g), 1/4 ounce (7.78 g), and 1/10 ounce (3.11 g).
Coin Design:
On the obverse (front) side of the coin, the face value is displayed according to the size of the coin, along with a portrait of the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. Until 2023, the coin featured Queen Elizabeth II, and starting in 2023, it depicts King Charles III.
On the reverse (back) side, the coin showcases Britannia, the personification of the British Isles, holding a trident and a shield—symbols of Britain's naval strength and defense. Britannia is set against a background of waves, representing the seas surrounding the British Isles. The design may change slightly from year to year, adding interest to the coin and allowing collectors to build a diverse collection of designs. The reverse also includes the year of minting, the fineness "999.9 FINE GOLD," and the coin’s weight according to its size.
Britannia Silver Bullion Coins
The Silver Britannia is a bullion coin produced by the British Royal Mint, serving as a significant symbol of British minting history and national identity. It is highly popular in the world of coins and precious metals.
First issued in 1997, the Silver Britannia has been released annually since then. The coin has a nominal face value of 2 pounds, making it legal tender in the United Kingdom, although its actual value as a bullion coin is much higher, determined by the current price of silver on global markets.
The Britannia bullion coin contains one troy ounce (31.1 grams) of pure silver with a fineness of 0.999 (often referred to as .999 fine silver). This makes the coin nearly pure silver, which is why it is so popular among investors and precious metal collectors.
Coin Design:
On the obverse (front) side, the coin features the face value according to the size of the coin and a portrait of the current monarch of the United Kingdom. Until 2023, the coin depicted Queen Elizabeth II, and from 2023, it features King Charles III.
On the reverse (back) side, Britannia, the personification of the British Isles, is depicted holding a trident and a shield, symbolizing Britain’s naval power and defense. Britannia is set against a background of waves, representing the seas surrounding the British Isles. The design may slightly change from year to year, adding interest and allowing collectors to build a diverse collection. The reverse also includes the year of minting, the fineness "999 FINE SILVER," and the weight "1 OZ."
The Queen's Beasts Gold Bullion Coins
The Queen's Beasts is a prestigious series of bullion coins made from 99.99% pure gold, issued by the British Royal Mint. This series celebrates ten heraldic animals that symbolize the rich history and traditions of the British monarchy. These creatures, known as the "Queen's Beasts," were originally created as sculptures that stood during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Each animal represents different families and dynasties that have shaped the history of the United Kingdom.
Design and Symbolism
Each coin in the Queen's Beasts series features one of the royal animals, carrying a shield or crest adorned with significant symbols associated with the British monarchy. These creatures are historically linked to various royal houses and symbolize strength, courage, and heritage.
The Animals in The Queen's Beasts Series:
The Lion of England – Represents royal strength and power.
The Griffin of Edward III – Symbol of protection and guardian of treasures.
The Red Dragon of Wales – Embodies protection and courage.
The Unicorn of Scotland – Symbol of purity and independence.
The Black Bull of Clarence – Represents strength and stability.
The Falcon of the Plantagenets – Symbolizes royal freedom and authority.
The White Lion of Mortimer – A sign of military strength and protection.
The White Horse of Hanover – Represents freedom and pride.
The Yale of Beaufort – A mystical creature, symbolizing courage and defense.
The White Greyhound of Richmond – Symbol of loyalty and protection.
These animals and their heraldic symbols emphasize the long-standing history and traditions of the British monarchy.
