The Royal Mint unveils the world’s most visually secure bullion coin

The Royal Mint, the original maker of UK coins, has today unveiled the world’s most visually secure bullion coin. The Britannia range contains four innovative security features, which enable customers to verify that the product is authentic by rotating it in the light.

The Royal Mint is the primary producer of bullion coins in Britain, as well as offering a range of other physical and digital precious metal products, safe storage and wealth management solutions.

Britannia has been The Royal Mint’s flagship bullion coin since it was first introduced in 1987. The new edition, which goes on sale from 19 October, introduces layers of new security features which combine to make it the most visually secure coin in the world. The features include:

• Latent image: First introduced on the £2 coin, the latent image acts like a hologram and changes from a padlock to a trident when the coin is seen from different angles.
• Surface Animation: Micro details on the coin combine to create the illusion of waves rolling behind the figure of Britannia. These are created using advanced picosecond lasers, and come to life as the coin is rotated.
• Micro-text: The addition of the inscription “DECUS ET TUTAMEN” which translates to “an ornament and a safeguard” surrounds the figure of Britannia, and is created using specialist lasers.
• Tincture lines: To reinforce security, The Royal Mint has reintroduced the traditional art of tincture lines – depicting colours and patterns on metal.

The Royal Mint was one of the first mints in the world to use advanced picosecond lasers – used in medicine and aerospace - for the production of coins. This technology enables The Royal Mint to work on a submicron level, creating complex designs using indents which are 200 times narrower than the width of a human hair.

Together these tiny indents can create spectacular special effects - such as the movement of waves seen in the background of the Britannia coin. The advanced technology and intricacy of the design makes it incredibly difficult to replicate, and gives the owner confidence that they have a genuine gold product simply by rotating it in the light.

Andrew Dickey, Divisional Director of Precious Metals for The Royal Mint, said: “Our Britannia bullion range is already one of the most sought after in the world, and these innovative new security features make it even more appealing for investors. Simply by moving the coin you can authenticate it as a genuine Royal Mint product, giving investors complete confidence, whether they are buying directly from us or from our partners.” 

Gordon Summers, Chief Engraver at The Royal Mint, said: “Britannia is one of our most iconic and enduring designs, so it was vital we retained the beauty of the coin whilst adding sophisticated new anti-counterfeit measures. By focusing on the natural reflection of the metal, and using advanced new technology, we have created a unique and highly safe coin which gives customers complete confidence.”

Britannia bullion coins are renowned for their reliability, with their weight and quality verified at the centuries-old annual Trial of the Pyx in Goldsmith’s Hall. Gold Britannia coins are VAT free for non VAT registered private individuals and UK capital gains tax free for UK residents only, due to being legal tender.