In 2005 the Royal Mint released it's yearly Limited Issue Britannia 50p Fifty Pence Silver Proof Coin struck in solid .958 Silver and weighing one quarter of an ounce of pure Silver the fifth since the Britannia bullion coins were first introduced in 1987.
Britannia first appeared as a provincial figure on a Roman imperial coin of the Emperor Hadrian (117-138AD). She did not feature on English coins until the issue of copper halfpennies and farthings by Charles II in 1672 but, since that time, has graced the coinage of every British monarch. Britannia was therefore a natural choice for the new gold coins of 1987 - coins that also took her name. Created by the award winning sculptor Philip Nathan, the design shows Britannia in a traditional pose. Seated atop a craggy rock, looking out to sea, with her robes blowing in the wind, in her right hand Britannia holds a shield, emphasising her protection of the British Isles.
The laurel bush in front of her symbolises her love of peace but her helmet and the trident clasped in her left hand, emphasise that she is not defenceless. The obverse portrait of Queen Elizabeth II has been designed by Ian Rank Broadley. These legal tender coins have been struck to proof quality using specially prepared dies and highly polished blanks.
Limited Mintage 2,360 Worldwide
Mark a milestone or great British moment with this year-dated Britannia coin
Finished to Royal Mint's Proof Quality
Struck in Solid Fine .958 Silver Weighing One Quarter of an Ounce of Pure Silver
Features Britannia Seated Standing with Trident and Shield by acclaimed Designer Philip Nathan
