This latest release of the 2025 Britannia issued by The Royal Mint is the third to feature the portrait of King Charles III design. The latest evolution keeps Philip Nathan’s acclaimed interpretation of Britannia with four ground breaking security features, creating the most visually secure bullion coin in the world:
- A latent image changes from a padlock to Britannia’s famous trident
- Surface animation brings the background of sparkling waves to life
- Micro text gives both decoration and protection – ‘an ornament and a safeguard’
- Britannia’s shield bears the Union Flag accented with tincture lines
Britannia appeared almost 2,000 years ago on Roman coins, then later on copper halfpennies and farthings of Charles II from 1672. Britannia continued to appear on bronze coins until decimalisation when she appeared on the fifty pence coins. Between 1901 and 1935, Britannia was portrayed standing on British Trade Dollars as well as on the florins of Edward VII from 1902 to 1910. The current design of the standing Britannia was created by the artist Philip Nathan. Her image has symbolized Britain's strength and integrity on coinage since the Roman times. The obverse features the uncrowned portrait of King Charles III, designed by the renowned sculptor and engraver, Martin Jennings.
Today, the Silver Britannias are one of the most popular one ounce silver coins for UK based private investors, as they are Capital Gains Tax Free (CGT Exempt).