Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 20 Pence 2021, Sp# BSC20, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Britannia
  • 20 Pence 2021, Sp# BSC20, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Britannia
  • 20 Pence 2021, Sp# BSC20, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Britannia, Six-Coin Silver Proof Set
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·20 PENCE·
JC

Reverse

Depicts the iconic figure of Britannia seated next to her lion guardian whilst looking out to the horizon with a trident and shield. In the background are linear rays representing sunlight.

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
1/10 OZ 999 FINE SILVER
PJL
2021

Edge

20 Pence

5th portrait, Tenth-Ounce Silver Proof Coin
Sp# BSC20
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 3.15 g
Diameter 16.5 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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