2014 1/4 oz British Gold Britannia

The Britannia is one of the oldest coin designs in the world. Dating back to Roman times, the first century A.D., and then reappearing on the farthing in 1672 and every British monarch's coinage ever since, it is easily one of the most recognizable designs of all time. Britannia was originally a Roman personification of the country of Britain (a regular custom for the Romans), but since about the second century A.D. has been referred to as a goddess, most often of the sea. Although the reverse design of this more recent bullion coin changes every year and is sometimes standing, sometimes sitting, one thing remains the same, this "Lady of the Sea" stands as a reminder of the history of her heritage.

The obverse features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II and the script "'Elizabeth 'II' D'G Reg' Fid' Def' 25 'Pounds". Both sides of this coin also feature a patterned border with "dentils" (the name for an architectural feature that is often used at the termination of beams in the ancient and Renaissance buildings).

The reverse bears the design of Phillip Nathan and features a standing Britannia, with her hair blowing in the wind and her gaze fixed to the sea. She is wearing a helmet with a highly pronounced plume that evokes the design used by the Romans. She carries a trident in her right hand and in her left an olive branch and a shield bearing the Union Jack. The entire design is encircled by the dentil design and the words "Britannia 2014 1/4 oz 9999 Fine Gold". The coin also bears the artist's last name, Nathan, rather than the typical initials.

Since 2013 Britannias are made from 9999 pure gold although previously they were 917 pure gold. The Britannia and its heritage are a testament to the continuity of the Royal Mint. They are great for both stackers and collectors alike.

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Specifications:

Pure gold content:	1/4 Troy oz
Fineness:	999.9
Dimensions:	22.00 mm
Alloy:	999.9 fine gold / 24 carat gold
Reverse Designer:	Philip Nathan
Obverse Designer:	Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS
Face Value:	£25
Premium:	All prices are inclusive of manufacturing premium
Quality:	Bullion

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Reverse

photos by @anchormetals

NATHAN (Philip Nathan - Reverse Designer)

photos by @anchormetals

Macro of Britannia

photos by @anchormetals

Obverse

photos by @anchormetals

IRB (Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS - Obverse Designer)

photos by @anchormetals

Macro of the Queens Crown

photos by @anchormetals

Under the macro lens you can really see how beat up this coin is. It has sat in my collection in a plastic flip since I got it years ago. It's crazy how soft gold really is even when you don't mess with it.

Thanks for looking... #silvergoldstackers

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