1/2 oz Gold Britannias

1/2 oz British Gold Britannias from JM Bullion

When the British Britannia gold bullion coin series was introduced in 1987, The Royal Mint offered the coin in four primary weights that included a 1 oz gold coin and three fractional-ounce coins. The largest of the fractional-ounce options in the series is the 1/2 oz gold coin, a common weight offered in gold bullion collections from mints around the world.

Background on Britannia

The 18th and 19th centuries saw Britannia evolve further, particularly during the height of the British Empire. She became a central figure in political cartoons, paintings, and sculptures, representing British colonial power, naval dominance, and patriotism. This period also saw Britannia frequently depicted alongside other national symbols like the lion and the Union Jack.

Design of Modern Britannia Bullion Coins

The reverse design of the British Gold Britannia is the result of an artistic competition held in Britain in 1987. Philip Nathan’s modern effigy of Britannia was eventually chosen for the new bullion coin series. It offers a full-length depiction of Britannia standing along a small patch of coastal land. She wears a Corinthian helmet while clutching a trident in her right hand. Her left hand holds an olive branch and rests on a Union Jack shield.

As for the obverse of 1/2 oz Gold Britannias, the monarch of Britain is featured on the coins. For most of the program’s history, Queen Elizabeth II is the only monarch that was featured on the obverse. As of 2023, His Majesty King Charles III features on the obverse. Below is a brief design history for the obverse of Gold Britannias:

• 1987-1997: Elizabeth II’s third-generation effigy by Raphael Maklouf
• 1998-2015: Elizabeth II’s fourth-generation portrait by Ian Rank-Broadley
• 2016-2023: Elizabeth II’s fifth-generation effigy from Jody Clark
• 2023-present: His Majesty King Charles III’s first-generation bust by Martin Jennings

Invest in 1/2 oz Gold Britannis with JM Bullion

If you have any questions about British Gold Britannias, please feel free to ask. JM Bullion customer service is available at 800-276-6508, online using our web chat, and via our email address. Our Payment Methods page offers you quick-and-easy answers to common payment-related questions.