Britannia coins are The Royal Mint's own gold and silver bullion coins. Gold Britannias were first made in 1987, and silver Britannias followed in 1997. The 2027 coins celebrate 40 years of the gold coin and 30 years of the silver coin.
Every coin shows Britannia, the figure who has stood for Britain on coins since Roman times. Today's coins are struck in 999.9 fine gold and 999 fine silver, and they're UK legal tender.
You'll find the Britannia coins and bars we currently stock below.
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Britannia is a female figure who stands for Britain. She first appeared on Roman coins, then returned to British coins in 1672, under King Charles II. She's been depicted on coins of every British monarch since.
The design on today's bullion coins is by Philip Nathan, and dates back to 1987. It shows Britannia standing tall with a shield for protection, an olive branch for peace and a trident for her link with the sea. Her shield bears the Union Flag, and waves roll behind her.
From 1987 to 2012, gold Britannias were made in 22 carat gold. Since 2013, they've been made in 24 carat gold (999.9 fine, or 99.99% pure).
Both hold the same amount of pure gold. A 1oz coin from either era contains one troy ounce of gold. The older 22 carat coins just weigh a little more, because the gold is mixed with a small amount of other metal.
Gold Britannia coins come in 1oz, 1/2oz, 1/4oz and 1/10oz sizes. We also stock gold bars from The Royal Mint that carry the Britannia design.
Silver Britannias were first made in 1997, in Britannia silver (958 fine). Since 2013, they've been made in 999 fine silver (99.9% pure).
The 1oz coin is the classic size. The Royal Mint also makes smaller 1/4oz and 1/10oz coins, as well as larger 10oz and 1kg coins.
The year 2027 marks 40 years since the first Gold Britannia and 30 years since the first Silver Britannia. To celebrate, The Royal Mint has updated this year's gold and silver bullion coins.
The anniversary privy marks are only used on 2027 coins. The 1kg silver coin also returns to the bullion range this year, and platinum Britannias have been made since 2018.
These are the details for current 1oz coins. Check each product page for other sizes and older dates.
Since 2021, gold and silver Britannias have carried four security features to help protect against fakes.
Coins made before 2021 don't have these features, which is normal for their date.
Britannia coins are UK legal tender. That means any gain you make when you sell them is free from Capital Gains Tax (CGT) for UK residents.
Gold Britannias also count as investment gold, so there's no VAT to pay on them. New silver Britannias are charged VAT at the standard rate.
Our Britannia gold bars are VAT-free too. But bars aren't legal tender, so Capital Gains Tax can apply to any profit when you sell them. If you're not sure how tax applies to you, it's best to speak to an accountant.
As well as brand new coins, we sell a Best Value range of pre-owned Britannias in mixed dates. They hold the same weight of gold or silver, but you can't choose the date you receive.
Every pre-owned coin is checked and authenticated before we sell it. It's worth comparing prices for new and Best Value coins before you buy.
Gold Traders is an Official Partner of The Royal Mint, and the only one in the South West. All our new UK bullion stock comes directly from The Royal Mint in Llantrisant, South Wales.
When the time comes to sell, we buy Britannias of every year, including older 22 carat gold and 958 silver coins. You can sell in person at our Royal Wootton Bassett and Bodmin branches, or by post. See what we pay for gold Britannias and silver coins.
If you like classic British bullion coins, take a look at our Gold Sovereign range too.
We've compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions. If there's something we haven't covered, please call us & we'll be happy to help. Read all FAQs.
It celebrates 30 years since the Silver Britannia was launched in 1997. The '30' wave privy mark and matching background texture only appear on 2027 silver Britannias.
The '40' wave privy mark celebrates 40 years since the Gold Britannia was launched in 1987. It only appears on 2027 gold coins, along with a background texture that shows the number 40.
We're an official partner of The Royal Mint, and all our new UK bullion stock is sourced directly from them in Llantrisant, South Wales. This ensures authenticity, consistency, and the reassurance of official UK bullion.
Fractional coins like the ¼oz Britannia offer a more accessible entry point into silver investing. They're ideal for cost averaging or for those who prefer to hold divisible, tradable units of silver rather than full one-ounce coins.
The reverse, depicting the standing figure of Britannia, was created by renowned sculptor Philip Nathan. The obverse features the effigy of King Charles III, designed by Martin Jennings.
Yes, if the coin is dated 2021 or later. Earlier 24ct issues (2013-2020) do not include these features. Unfortunately, we don't offer a selection service from our pre-owned stock; however, all coins sold have been thoroughly checked and authenticated as genuine.
22ct Britannias (1987-2012) contain 1oz of gold but weigh 34.05g due to their alloy content. 24ct Britannias (2013-present) are struck in .9999 fine gold, weighing 31.21g in total. Both contain exactly 1 troy ounce of pure gold.
Britannias are highly liquid, instantly recognisable, and carry UK tax advantages (VAT-free and CGT-exempt). They combine historic design with advanced security features, making them a practical and secure choice for investors.
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Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026
