Britannia 1/2 Oz Queen Elizabeth II.

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Britannia - Queen Elizabeth II.

Britannia gold investment coins, minted by The Royal Mint since 1987, are among the most sought-after investment and collectible coins in the world. Since 1987 they have been produced in 22 carat gold purity - 916.7/1000 and in 1/10 Oz, 1/4 Oz, 1/2 Oz and 1 Oz sizes. The one ounce coin weighed exactly 33.930 grams and contained a full ounce (1 Oz - 31.1g) of pure gold, with the remainder being supplemented with pure silver since 1990, causing the coin to have a different coloration and greater durability. The dimensions of the coin were: diameter 32.69 mm and thickness 2.79 mm.

In 2013, the Royal British Mint decided to break with this centuries-old tradition of purity in British coins and for the first time ever struck a Britannia coin in 24 carat gold - 999.9/1000 purity. The dimensions of the 1 Oz coin are: diameter 38.61 mm and thickness 1.8 mm.

In 2014 , the British Royal Mint returned to the classic diameter of the 1 Oz coin - 32.69 mm.

In 2021 , the Royal British Mint added additional security features to increase security against counterfeiting. The guilloche rays on the background were replaced by an elaborate wave pattern. Picosecond laser technology creates the illusion of movement as the coin is shot. The laser-etched micro-text inscription "DECUS ET TUTAMEN" is repeated on the border, marking the transition between the main motif of the Britannia and the rim. An inner circle is placed in the lower left part, concealing a latent security motif (trident/ padlock). The shield of Britannie is filled with fine lines.

Another milestone in the history of Britannia investment coins was the year 2022. The death of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and the accession to the throne of Charles III started the preparation of the coin's portrait of the new monarch on the obverse. Adherence to pre-determined steps in the process of changing the portrait led to the minting of two types. The Britannia investment coins, with an issue year of 2023 , were struck with the portrait of the late Elizabeth II and King Charles III.

The reverse side represents the female personification of Britannia. It depicts the warrior goddess in flowing robes and Corinthian helmet atop a cliff to embody the nation's unwavering pride. The trident in her right hand symbolizes naval history. With her other hand she holds an olive branch as a symbol of peace and a shield for protection. The unified base of Britannia coins since their launch has been the dulcimer, flanking the circle as a symbol of the country's unity. The rim of the coin bears the inscription 'BRITANNIA', the year of issue and details of the purity and weight of the metal.

The obverse of the coin bears a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II with the initials of the artist. By 2015, the likeness is by Ian Rank-Brodley, which has been replaced by a fifth and definitive portrait by Jody Clark. The description states "ELIZABETH - II - D - G", "REG - FID - DEF" and the face value.

This product is part of the following product sets: