Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 5 Pence 2023, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, Britannia
  • 5 Pence 2023, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, Britannia
  • 5 Pence 2023, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, Britannia, Six-coin Silver 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

Depicts King Charles III’s effigy, surrounded by the Latin inscription. Engraver's initials on the neck.

CHARLES III DEI GRATIA REX FIDEI DEFENSOR means King Charles III, by the Grace of God King, Defender of the Faith.

Engraver: Martin Jennings (MJ)

•CHARLES III•D•G•REX•F•D•5 PENCE•2023
MJ

Reverse

Depicts Britannia in a chariot (with a lion in front of it) pulled by serpentine seahorse-inspired creatures, in a design reminiscent of the iconic Boadicea and Her Daughters statue. She wears a Corinthian helmet and carries a trident and a shield decorated with the Union Flag. The legend includes the date and the composition. The engraver's initials J.O are below right.

Boadicea and Her Daughters is a bronze sculptural group in London representing Boudica, queen of the Celtic Iceni tribe, who led an uprising in Roman Britain. It is located to the north side of the western end of Westminster Bridge. It is considered the magnum opus of its sculptor, the English artist and engineer Thomas Thornycroft.

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: Jonathan Olliffe

BRITANNIA•1/40 oz 999 FINE SILVER
J.O
2023

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 0.8 g
Diameter 8 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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