The Royal British Mint has unveiled the 2013 Britannia Gold and Silver Proof Coins. These coins feature an all new design of the iconic figure and represent the start of a new design series for the numismatic product range.
Starting in 2013, the Royal Mint made significant changes to the Britannia program. The purity of the coins was changed from the traditional 22 karat gold (91.67%) and “Britannia silver” (95.8%) to the finer purity of 99.99% gold and 99.9% silver. The typical mintage limit of 100,000 for the silver bullion coins was removed. Lastly, the bullion versions would now feature the static design of Philip Nathan’s “Standing Britannia” while the numismatic versions would feature a new design for each year of issue.
The design for this year’s numismatic versions was created by portrait sculptor Robert Hunt and features Britannia seated and dressed in classical robes, creating a familiar appearance. However, her head appears turned, symbolizing an interest in lands beyond her borders. She wears a Corinthian helmet and holds Neptune’s trident to represent her claim as “ruler of the waves.” An owl is present as a symbol of wisdom. The image appears solitary against an empty field with the exception of the word “BRITANNIA” at the upper left. The precious metal content and date appear at the base.
The new design was revealed on the Royal Mint’s website, which has a section dedicated to the new Britannia coins available for pre-order in a wide array of different sizes and product options.
The silver products include a 1 oz brilliant uncirculated coin, 1 oz proof, two coin set (1/10 oz and 1/20 oz), five coin set (1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, and 1/20 oz), and 5 oz proof coin struck in high relief.
The gold options include a 1/20 oz proof, three coin proof set (1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, 1/20 oz), three coin premium proof set (1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz), five coin proof set (1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, and 1/20 oz), and 5 oz proof coin in high relief.
Earlier this year many readers voiced complaints related to the quality of the 2013 Britannia Silver Bullion Coins, although initial sales easily eclipsed prior year levels. These new numismatic releases represent the other side of the Royal Mint’s attempt to expand and revamp the Britannia program. In time, we will see if collector response is more favorable.
Louis says
@UC- Thanks for the code. Do you know if it’s a one-time thing, or if it can be used more than once. I think the 1 oz proof with free shipping is worth it and the price is in line with RCM and Perth releases, but the BU coin is too much. I think that will be cheaper from the bullion dealers like APMEX later. They also make some nice proof sets, but way they are too expensive.
fosnock says
@Louis – I’m also waiting to pull the trigger. FYI I picked up a 2010 graded (NGC PF69) proof Britannia for $85 off of E-bay…the 2010 proof has a total mintage of 5K. Maybe with the revamp they will be worth ore but…
fmtransmitter says
I just received an email from the Perth Mint of their new “Treasure of the World” series with “real gemstones”. Unbelievable how the Mint’s around the World seem so far ahead of ours. I think the US Mint is getting the hint though. Here is a short clip of the new series. Cheers!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zei5TrJqCm0&feature=em-subs_digest
Samuel says
i just placed the order, but the STATE did not show up in the billing/shipping address. how abt u guys?
fmtransmitter says
@Samuel: Yes same here. I am sure they use the zip code…
fmtransmitter says
Throw up a post when your card gets dinged if you don’t mind, I will do the same..
Samuel says
FM, i will. first time do business with royalmint.
Louis says
For those who bought the RCM $5 gold coin, I submitted mine (hand selected, not premium hand selected) and PCGS gave it MS63. I am pleased with the outcome.
fmtransmitter says
@Samuel: My first time as well. Would appreciate comparing thoughts on quality, eye appeal, etc…
VaBeachSteve says
@fm …… Your constant talk of that 5oz’r sucked me in … Just put my order in for one along with two of the 1 oz proofs. Now the waiting game begins
samuel says
FM, this is my first time deal with Royalmint directly. but i do have 09,10,11,12 proof coins from them. they r beautiful, but easy to get hazy on the mirror surface. 09 is my favorite, have multiple and the 4-coin set.
fmtransmitter says
@VaBeachSteve: I think you made a wise choice. I WISH I could have bought that coin. If you ever need to sell I would recommend a TPG to grade it. If it doesn’t come back 69 or 70, wish is highly unlikely, you will always get MOST back. More in graded and at the very least, spot or just above. Either way, I hope you will keep it and enjoy it. Let me know your thoughts once you receive it please.
@samuel: I have heard of the “hazy” issues. I always put my proofs in direct fit air tights to prevent this. Seems to work fine.
VABEACHBUM says
@ Louis – That is AWESOME, especially considering that the coin you received was luck of the draw. Thanks for the update. I remember when the RCM offered them, but I cannot remember the details of how they were marketed; for instance – age, condition, grading potential, etc. Out of curiousity, what were your thoughts on the grading potential of the coin as you were getting ready to ship it??
Louis says
@VABEACHBUM- Thanks so much. I figured it was around MS63 as it did not have a lot of marks, and that had a lot to do with why I sent it in. I also figured that in this case the special label has some value, as it shows the provenance of the coin.
Sal says
I used the free shipping code that was offered earlier in the post and although it initially went through I was still charged shipping. Anyone else experience this?
Johan says
It is disturbing to see the new overall design 2013 on the Britannia. The design by Nathan has more style and dignity to the Britannia figure. This latest version is far less attractive, with the Britannia is having pregnant like belly while sitting down.
Talking about sinplicity, the Guernsey One ounce 8 Doubles Bullion coin is a better design than this. Then again this is my preference, beauty is in the eye of the beholder though
Samuel Hendrix says
As the newbie here, I am confused about the new Britannia design. Is it being minted on the £2 bullion coin, or only on a higher denomination coin?
Samuel Hendrix says
A search of the internet answered my questions. The Royal British Mint will issue the silver Britannia in both a bullion and a new brilliant uncirculated numismatic coin each year. There will be proof and uncirculated coins for each making a total of four different collectible Silver Britannia’s minted annually,