Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 2 Pounds 2021, Sp# BSF25, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Britannia
  • 2 Pounds 2021, Sp# BSF25, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Britannia
  • 2 Pounds 2021, Sp# BSF25, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Britannia, Premium exclusive one-ounce Brilliant Uncirculated coin
Description

The Royal Mint has launched (18th March) their latest collection of the Britannia range of gold and silver collector and investment coins. For the first time since introducing different designs each year, the collection features two editions: A core range and a premium exclusive range. The core Britannia range is a continuation of the collection, and the premium exclusive range is a new addition to the collection.

Both designs are the work of prominent artist Patrick James, or “P. J. Lynch,” as he is professionally known, and includes two very different interpretations of the traditional allegorical female figure representing Great Britain and has done so since classical antiquity.

Obverse

The fifth crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem and drop earrings, on a background of a secure, micro-dot texture.

The George IV State Diadem, officially the Diamond Diadem, is a type of crown that was made in 1820 for King George IV. The diadem is worn by queens and queens consort in procession to coronations and State Openings of Parliament. The piece of jewelry has been featured in paintings and on stamps and currency. It can be seen in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FIDEI DEFENSATRIX means Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen and Defender of the Faith.

Engraver: Jody Clark

ELIZABETH II·D·G·REG·F·D·2 POUNDS·
J.C

Reverse

Depicts Britannia in stark profile, helmeted and with waves behind her, representative of Britain as an island nation with a seafaring tradition. New minting technology utilised in the striking process gives the impression of moving waves in the background. The text BRITANNIA 2021, the weight, and metal fineness placed along the right edge of the coin. The engraver's initials near the year.

The allegorical female personification of Britannia has been an icon of the British people for over 2,000 years, first appearing as a seated figure on coins during Emperor Hadrian’s rule. The Romans depicted Britain as a strong female, akin to Celtic Queen Boadicea (circa 60–61 AD), which has endured and continues to grace the nation’s coins today, more recently the definitive £2 coins first released in 2015.

Engraver: Patrick James

BRITANNIA 2021
1 OZ 999 FINE SILVER
PJL

Edge

2 Pounds

5th portrait, One Ounce Silver BU Coin
Sp# BSF25
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 31.21 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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