An iconic figure and a modern coin tradition

03 Dec 2014

The Royal Mint has announced the release of the Brilliant Uncirculated Britannia Silver One Ounce coin for 2015 featuring the acclaimed Britannia portrait by sculptor Philip Nathan. Britannia was first featured on Britain's coinage in Roman times, and has appeared on British coins frequently since then, the symbolic defender of the British Isles. Nathan’s strong yet feminine design now appears on the Brilliant Uncirculated Britannia silver coin year on year, and this ‘modern’ tradition continues with the release of the 2015 version of this classic coin.

It was in 1987 that The Royal Mint commissioned Philip Nathan to capture the portrait of Britannia as the personification of the British nation. He looked to Britain's maritime heritage for inspiration, and the result - his elegant, watchful sentinel - is pictured as a silent guardian of British shores. With trident held aloft and shield set firm, she is an instant modern-day classic.

Shane Bissett, The Royal Mint’s Director of Commemorative Coin and Bullion, said, “Philip Nathan’s signature Britannia portrait has endured for more than a quarter of a century - and with its year-dated Brilliant Uncirculated finish, has become an eagerly anticipated annual release.”

The BU Britannia coin contains one full ounce of 999 fine silver, and is finished to The Royal Mint’s Brilliant Uncirculated standard finish. Accompanied by information detailing Britannia’s illustrious past, the Britannia coin is year dated – perfect for marking a special moment in time.