In 2001 the Royal Mint released a very Limited Issue Britannia £10 Ten Pound Gold Proof Coin struck in solid 22 Carat Gold weighing one tenth of an ounce of pure Gold.
Launched in October 1987, the Britannia Gold Bullion Coins have carried two different yet beautiful award winning designs specially created by the sculptor Philip Nathan. It therefore seemed an excellent idea to build on this success by commissioning him to produce an additional Britannia design. He rose to the challenge with his customary skill and enthusiasm and for the year 2001, a third Britannia design has been added to the series.
In a style that is typical of Philip Nathan's work, he has chosen to accentuate the British character of Britannia by depicting her with a lion. The association of Britannia with a lion is not unusual since a similar combination is to be found on the Farthings of George IV and is present today on the modern 50p piece. But perhaps more spectacularly, what Philip Nathan's new design really calls to mind is the very famous and elegant 'Una and the Lion' £5 piece of 1839. This rare coin shows the standing figure of a youthful Victoria guiding the British lion, a design that has long been recognised for its outstanding beauty and simple charm.
What can be more fitting in the year that marks the centenary of the death of Queen Victoria, than the appearance of Philip Nathan‘s similarly inspirational design on the Britannia Gold Coins for 2001. Completing Philip Nathan's modern Britannia and Lion design, the obverse of this beautiful Britannia £10 Ten Pound Gold Proof Coin carries the regal portrait of Her Majesty, The Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS, FSNAD. These legal tender coins have been struck to proof quality using specially prepared dies and highly polished blanks.
Limited Issue Presentation of 1,557 Worldwide
Mark a milestone or great British moment with this year-dated Britannia coin
Finished to Royal Mint's Proof standard
Struck in 22 Carat Gold weighing one tenth of an ounce of pure Gold
Features Britannia and Lion by acclaimed artist Philip Nathan
