1 oz Great Britain Silver Britannia .958 (1997-2012)

The Silver Britannia was first introduced by The Royal Mint in 1997 as the United Kingdom's official silver bullion coin. From 1997 through 2012, these coins were struck in .958 fine silver; a unique silver standard known as Britannia silver, which contains 95.8% silver and 4.2% copper. Each coin weighs 1 troy ounce and carries a face value of £2 GBP. These earlier issues feature a rotating set of reverse designs honoring the female personification of Britain; Britannia, a symbol of strength, resilience, and maritime power. With limited mintages and unique silver content, these early Britannias are prized by collectors for their variety and purity distinction.

Historical Insight:

Britannia has appeared on British coinage since the Roman era but was revived on halfpennies and farthings in the 17th century. The modern Silver Britannia series was launched in 1997 to compete with other global bullion coins like the American Silver Eagle and Canadian Maple Leaf. The .958 fineness made the coin more durable but was eventually changed to .999 fine in 2013 to align with global standards.

Highlights:

• Years of Issue: 1997–2012
• Condition: Brilliant Uncirculated (BU)
• Design Type: Varies by year - includes standing, seated, helmeted, and chariot depictions of Britannia. Each design reflects a distinct artistic interpretation of Britain's national personification, with some years (like 1999, 2001, and 2003) commanding higher premiums due to lower mintages or unique artwork.
• Issuer: The Royal Mint (United Kingdom)