Britannia Gold Coins

The history of Britannia coins

The very first gold Britannia coin was struck by The Royal Mint in 1987, and was produced due to demand for a British one-ounce gold bullion coin to compete with the South African Krugerrand, American Eagle, and Canadian Maple gold coins. The Britannia quickly became a popular coin, and today is one of the world’s most beloved and recognisable coins, respected by collectors of precious metals worldwide.

The coin features the image of Britannia, a British symbol of unity and strength that has appeared on coins since 119AD. The design first created for the coin’s 1987 launch was designed by Philip Nathan, and portrays the heroic figure of Britannia wearing long flowing robes as she stands on the seashore. This iconic image has appeared on the Britannia coin more than any other, however, there have been a few other designs over the years.

Recognised not only in the UK but globally, the gold Britannia stands as one of the world’s most traded bullion coins, boasting a reputation for its reliability and beauty.

The quality of gold Britannia coins

Today, gold Britannia coins are struck by The Royal Mint in 24ct gold, which is 999.9% pure gold. When launched in 1987, the gold Britannia was produced in 91.67% (22ct) gold alloyed with copper or silver. In 2013, the fineness of the Britannia increased to 999.9 (24ct) fine gold.

As one of the oldest, most trusted organisations in the world, The Royal Mint rigorously checks all Britannia coins for fineness and quality. From 2021, The Royal Mint have used specialist lasers to add a range of new security features to the traditional Britannia design, including micro text, surface animation, and tincture lines, making the Britannia coin one of the most visually secure coins in the world. Not only did these changes add a solution to counterfeiting, making the Britannia renowned and trusted by collectors and traders worldwide, but they also enhanced the beauty of the iconic design.

The benefits of buying and investing in UK Britannia gold coins

With their intrinsic value and rich heritage, gold Britannia coins have remained highly popular among collectors and investors around the globe since their inception in 1987. Regarded as one of the most stable precious metal products on the market, these bullion coins are among the most tradable and highly liquid in the world. Gold Britannias, along with gold sovereigns, have long been used as a safe haven during times of economic uncertainty and inflation. When inflation rises and fiat currencies lose value, tangible assets like these gold coins often become more appealing.

Gold UK Britannia coins also offer tax advantages. As British legal tender, Britannias are exempt from Capital Gains Tax for UK taxpayers, allowing unlimited tax-free profits of any value on these coins. Any profits made from all other gold and silver coins and bars that are not in this category are taxable. Gold Britannia coins are also VAT free, like all investment gold.

Britannia coins are available to purchase in a range of weights, making them a convenient choice for those looking for a flexible addition to their collection that suits a variety of budgets. Gold Britannias are offered as 1oz coins, as well as smaller fractional sizes of one-half, one-quarter, and one-tenth of a troy ounce.

What is the face value of a gold Britannia?

UK Britannia 1oz gold coins have a face value (monetary denomination) of £100. The smaller fractional sizes of 1/2oz, 1/4oz, and 1/10oz, have face values of £50, £25, and £10, respectively. However, this does not reflect the true value of the coins. The value of a gold Britannia coin is much higher than the face value as it is based on the pure precious metal content (fine content) within the coin.

How much is a gold Britannia coin worth?

The value of a gold Britannia coin is primarily determined by its pure fine gold content, which fluctuates based on the live gold spot price. The gold price constantly changes for a variety of reasons such as economic and geopolitical uncertainties, global demand shifts, inflation levels, and alterations in interest rates. Stay up to date and informed on the latest spot price of gold by referring to our real-time price chart.

Some sought-after editions of gold Britannia coins may carry additional collectable value, sometimes making them worth a little more than their gold content alone. These include coins such as some proof gold Britannia coins and limited edition sets, and graded Britannia coins.

When purchasing gold Britannias, buying in larger quantities can often result in savings. At Atkinsons, we offer volume pricing - meaning that the more Britannia coins you buy, the lower the premium per coin. Buying pre-owned gold Britannias can also provide savings, as these bullion items are often sold at a lower premium than new ones.

How to calculate the value of a gold Britannia

A 1oz Britannia weighs 31.10 grams and is struck in 24ct gold (999.9%). To calculate the value of the Britannia, based on its fine gold content, multiply the gold content of the coin (1 troy ounce) by the current spot price per troy ounce.

For example:

Gold content: 1 troy ounce x Spot price per oz: £2,000 = £2,000.

Gold content: 1/2 troy ounce x Spot price per oz: £2000 = £1,000.

How to store gold Britannia coins

When storing your gold Britannia coins, there are several options to consider. You may choose a home safe or in-home hiding spot, a safety deposit box, or allocated storage with a professional company, depending on your requirements and personal preference. However you choose to keep your Britannia gold coins safe and secure, it is crucial to be as discreet as possible, and limit the number of people who know about your gold coin holdings to a minimum.