Available in fine gold and silver, this bullion bar release celebrates the historic partnership between the United Kingdom and the United States, featuring a collaborative design by Gordon Summers, Chief Engraver at The Royal Mint and Joseph Menna, Chief Engraver at the US Mint.
A Tale of Two Icons
Britannia and Liberty have long been revered as embodiments of the values and virtues of their respective nations, but their origins can be traced to ancient mythology and revolutionary ideas. Britannia has been a symbol of British fortitude and resilience for over two millennia. The name Britannia comes from the Latin word used by the Romans to describe the British Isles. The personified Britannia first appeared as a figure on Roman coins during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, around AD 119. She was depicted as a strong and protective deity, often seated with a spear or trident, representative of the military power and maritime dominance of the Roman Empire.
Depictions of Britannia waned following the decline of the Roman Empire but experienced a resurgence during the reign of Elizabeth I in the sixteenth century. This coincided with Britain’s endeavours to assert itself as a maritime power. By the seventeenth century, Britannia had emerged as a prominent symbol on British currency. Over time, the portrayal of Britannia evolved, typically featuring her adorned with a helmet, shield and trident, and occasionally accompanied by a lion, emphasising her role as a protector and a symbol of national pride.
Lady Liberty’s origins are deeply rooted in the ideals of freedom and democracy. The personification of Liberty dates back to ancient Rome, where Libertas was the goddess of personal freedom, particularly the freedom from slavery. The concept of liberty was revived during the Enlightenment and played a central role in the iconography of the American Revolution. Liberty was seen as the embodiment of the new republic’s values – freedom, independence and the pursuit of happiness.
The most famous representation of liberty is the Statue of Liberty, given to the US by the people of France and dedicated in 1886. Designed by French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, the statue was intended to celebrate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence and the enduring friendship between France and the US. Fondly referred to as Lady Liberty, the statue in New York Bay holds a torch in her right hand, symbolising enlightenment, and a tablet in her left, inscribed with the date of the Declaration of Independence.
Liberty has also been a significant figure in American numismatic history. The figure of Liberty has been depicted on American coinage since the late eighteenth century, often portrayed as a classical figure inspired by ancient Roman representations. Whether seated, standing or walking, Liberty has remained a consistent symbol of America’s core values of freedom and justice for all.
A Masterful Collaboration
The design of the Britannia and Liberty square bars is a true masterpiece, born from the collaboration of two of the world’s most respected engravers. Gordon Summers and Joseph Menna, each with their own distinctive style and vision, have worked together to create a design that harmoniously blends the symbols of Britannia and Liberty into a unified composition.
The decision to place Britannia and Liberty side by side shows the shared respect and mutual admiration between the UK and the US. It celebrates the special relationship that unifies the two nations, built on values of freedom, democracy and justice.
The Britannia and Liberty square bars epitomise innovation, artistry and the enduring strength of transatlantic connections. Each bar is struck with precision in 999.9 fine gold or silver to ensure the capture of every intricate design detail with exceptional clarity.
The manufacturing process of this special edition is like that of a Proof coin. Once the dies have been made, precious metal is melted before being made into strips in a process known as extrusion. These strips are made into blanks that are then ready for striking. Afterwards, each bar is carefully inspected before being packaged and shipped. The result has produced a limited-edition collectable investment option that combines wealth preservation with visual beauty.
