1/4 oz Britannia Charles III Gold Coin | Proof | 2023
The 2023 proof Britannia range, arguably the Royal Mint’s flagship product, has debuted with an all-new design by Jonathan Olliffe, and using the effigy of King Charles III by Martin Jennings. Here are the specifications of the ¼ oz gold version which should convince you to buy the beautiful piece of art:
The obverse of the coin bearing the first coinage portrait of King Charles III
This is the first opportunity for collectors to own a commemorative Britannia coin bearing His Majesty King Charles III’s official portrait.
In order to choose the artist who would be responsible for the new portrait of the new King, the Royal Mint Advisory Committee organised a private competition. Martin Jennings was revealed as the winner. A British sculptor, Jennings is known for his bronze statues and joins a group of celebrated sculptors who've turned their hand to the challenge of coin engraving.
His Majesty had his left-profile bust elegantly designed, unlike the Queen’s effigy, which used to be of her right-profile. The tradition for British monarchs to face a different direction to their predecessor dates back to the seventeenth century. While Queen Elizabeth II was shown wearing a crown in four of her five definitive coinage portraits, Jennings' portrait of Charles is bare head without any sign of royal status which gives him a more approachable look.
Around the image, besides His name, “CHARLES,” and the face value of “25 POUNDS,” the letters “D. G. REX. F. D” stand for ('Dei Gratia Rex Fidei Defensor' -(Charles III by Grace of God King, Defender of the Faith”)” in Latin and the year of mintage 2023.
The new design of Britannia by artist Jonathan Ollife.
Jonathan Olliffe, who previously designed the Gymnastics 50p coin for the 2012 London Olympics is behind this new design . Olliffe’s depiction of Britannia is inspired by her maritime origins. The design includes many of the familiar symbols that are associated with Britannia. In this year’s design, Britannia can be seen wearing a Corinthian helmet as well as carrying a trident and a shield decorated with the Union Flag. On closer inspection, a face of a lion can also be seen at the front of the chariot, with the chariot being pulled through the waves by horses that bear the characteristics of aquatic creatures like seahorses, with scales on their bodies and fins in place of manes and hooves.
About the design, Jonathan Olliffe says:
“It was my aim to create something authentic and truly original, whilst maintaining a classic style. Philip Nathan’s 1997 Britannia coin design depicts a horse and chariot. I liked the concept of featuring a chariot within the design but in a less predictable way, and I mixed the horse form with a seahorse. “
The end result is truly spectacular and beautiful. Around the design can be found the name Britannia, ¼ oz, 999.9 fine gold and at the bottom of the coin below the horses is the year of mintage 2023.
Since 2013, the finesse has been increased to 0.9999(24 carat gold) making the Britannia a firm favourite with investors and collectors. This commemorative version will be no exemption with the new design of Britannia and the brand new portrait of King Charles III. It also comes in a beautiful box and will make an amazing gift. Purchase yours today on StoneX Bullion!