Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 50 Pounds 2022, Sp# BGE25, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Britannia
  • 50 Pounds 2022, Sp# BGE25, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Britannia
  • 50 Pounds 2022, Sp# BGE25, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Britannia, Three-coin Gold Proof set
  • 50 Pounds 2022, Sp# BGE25, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Britannia, Six-coin Gold Proof set
Description

Britannia coins are British bullion coins issued by the Royal Mint in gold since 1987, in silver since 1997, and in platinum since 2018. The coin patterns feature various depictions of Britannia, a feminine personification of the United Kingdom.

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·50 POUNDS·
JC

Reverse

Depicts the figure of Britannia staring into the distance, wearing a helmet and holding a trident and a shield emblazoned with a roaring lion. The graphic background features a Union Jack, sunrays and crashing waves. The legend includes the date and the composition. The engraver's initials DT are below left in the central beaded circle.

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: Dan Thorne

· 1/2oz 999.9 · BRITANNIA · FINE GOLD ·
DT
2022

Edge

50 Pounds

5th portrait, Half-Ounce Gold Proof Coin
Sp# BGE25
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.9999
Weight 15.6 g
Diameter 27 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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