Description
The reigning monarch traditionally appears on the obverse of coinage and currency in the United Kingdom and its commonwealth countries.
With the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II, there have been two different issues this year. This Type-1 design continues to show the familiar portrait of Her Majesty. These are the limited amount of coins that were minted prior to the introduction of the Type-2 design featuring the newly coronated King Charles III.
The Latin phrase “Decus Et Tutamen” (An ornament and a safeguard) is etched along the inner rim of the coin.
The obverse of the coin shows the Queen dressed in her crown and adorned with royal gems and jewelry. The design was created by artist and engraver Jody Clark.
The reverse showcases the legendary personification of Britannia. Dressed in a toga and carrying a large shield emblazened with the Union Jack, she stands proudly while wielding a trident in her outstretched arm.
Coin Features:
- Minted from .9999 pure gold with a weight of 1 troy oz
- Obverse: Displays the royal bust of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Inscriptions: “Elizabeth II”, “D.G. REG F.D” (Queen by the Grace of God), and “100 POUNDS”.
- Reverse: Features the iconic image of Britannia holding a trident in her outstretched hand while holding a shield. Inscriptions: “BRITANNIA”, “Year of Issue” along with the weight and purity.
Anti-Counterfeiting Measures
The Britannia 1 oz .9999 Fine Gold Coin from the Royal Mint is minted with passive security features intended to prevent copy and counterfeits from appearing in that market. These features are expertly designed directly into the elements of the coin and include:
- background wave design on the reverse reflects and capture light on the surface.
- Smooth, micro-engraved vertical, diagonal, and horizontal lines adorn the Union Jack shield.
- a holographic image of a padlock in the bottom left transitions to a trident as you tilt the coin.
