When The Royal Mint introduced the British Gold Britannia in 1987, the gold bullion coins were primarily available in 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz gold, with weights of 5 oz and 1/20 oz gold offered as of 2013. Originally offered with a Crown gold alloy, the Gold Britannia is now a 24-karat gold coin that is popular with investors throughout Europe and around the world. Learn about one of its long-running weights, the 1/10 oz Gold Britannia.
First used at the height of the Roman Empire’s reach when it controlled the British Isles, Britannia has evolved countless times throughout British history. In the post-World War II era and into the modern era, Britannia’s symbolism has evolved to reflect changing attitudes towards British imperialism and national identity. While still occasionally used in patriotic contexts, her image has become more nuanced, sometimes symbolizing aspects of British heritage and tradition rather than military or imperial power.
When the 1/10 oz Gold Britannia debuted in 1987, it was a 22-karat gold coin known as a Crown Gold alloy. The coins featured 91.67% gold content with the non-gold metallic alloy consisting of copper from 1987 to 1989 and silver from 1990 to 2012. In 2013, The Royal Mint enhanced the coin’s purity to feature 24-karat (.9999) pure gold. The 1/10 oz Gold Britannia has a face value of 10 Pound sterling (GBP).
On the reverse, 1/10 oz Gold Britannias have featured the same design element since 1987. Designed by Philip Nathan, the image shows the full-length figure of Britannia with a Corinthian helmet on her head, a trident in her right hand, and an olive branch in her left hand as it rests on a Union Jack shield.
For the obverse, 1/10 oz British Gold Britannia Coins have always featured the reigning monarch’s portrait. The history of this series has been dominated by the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, with three different effigies of the late Queen on the obverse over the years. As of 2023, His Majesty King Charles III is on the obverse. Designs include:
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