Struck in 999.9 gold, this Hundred Pound proof coin marks 200 years since the UK adopted the gold standard - and 90 years since we discarded it.
The Story of the Gold Standard
A gold standard is a monetary system in which the value of a country's currency is directly linked to a specific amount of gold.
Great Britain accidentally adopted a de facto gold standard in 1717 when Sir Isaac Newton - then Master of the Royal Mint - fixed the value of a gold Guinea as 21 silver shillings. A formal standard was adopted in 1821, following the introduction of the gold Sovereign. Britain's global reach and new discoveries of gold saw other countries adopting a similar standard.
The UK and the rest of the British Empire fell off the gold standard with the outbreak of World War I. Winston Churchill masterminded a brief post-war revival but the standard was abandoned in 1931.
Dominique Evans' Design
The 2021 Gold Standard 1 Ounce Gold Proof coins features a set of scales, beautifully wrought by senior designer at The Royal Mint, Dominique Evans. Designed to symbolise balance, Evans said this about her work:
'I have always been fascinated by gold's economic role as well as its allure. So, I began to look at symbols of trade, and scales quickly felt like a perfect fit. I placed the compass around them to symbolise global connectivity. The points intersect with the scales to give the overall design a sense of rigidity.'
Evans' design is complemented by Jody Clark's portrait of Elizabeth II which appears on the obverse with a legend that flags the £100 face value of this piece: 'ELIZABETH II · D · G · REG · F · D · 100 POUNDS'.
Quarter Ounce Gold Proof
This 2021 commemorative coin is struck in 31.21 grams of 999.9 fine gold. That's equal to 1.0034248 troy ounces. The weight and purity here is comparable to a range of 1oz investment coins like the one ounce Britannia or Krugerrand. What’s different here is the one-off design and the striking standard.
The finish here is impeccable. The proof standard striking creates a sharp contrast between fields and motif, meaning you can appreciate the clean lines of Evans' work in all their glory. It's a fitting tribute to a fascinating chapter in economic and numismatic history.
Limited Edition of Just 260
Only 260 of these 2021 Gold Standard Quarter Ounce Gold Proof coins have been struck. A lighter 2021 Gold Standard Quarter Ounce Gold Proof coin is also available, as is a two coin set, pairing the quarter ounce coin with a gold Sovereign from the year the UK left the gold standard: 1931.
This one ounce coin is presented in its original packaging from The Royal Mint with an informative booklet, charting the history of the gold standard. Your coin remains encapsulated and is accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity.
Steeped in more than 1,100 years of history, The Royal Mint supplies all of the United Kingdom's coinage as well as currency for nations around the world. Renown for craftsmanship and thoughtful design, The Royal Mint also produces commemorative coins, favoured by investors and collectors.
A Millennia of Minting
Founded in the reign of Alfred the Great, around the year 886, The Royal Mint was originally one of several mints which were centralised to London in 1279. For more than 800 years the Mint was based at the Tower of London before moving to Royal Mint Court where it remained until the 1960s.
The Royal Mint has always been on the forefront of economic, technical and artistic innovation. Its skilled craftsmen minted coins that would reach the far corners of the British Empire, establishing the image and reputation of Britain for all whose pockets they ended up in.
In 2010 The Royal Mint became a limited company owned by Her Majesty’s Treasury. In recent years the Mint has struck medals for the 2012 London Olympic Games and opened a visitor centre, The Royal Mint Experience, in Llantrisant, Wales: the current home of The Royal Mint.
Collecting and Investing
The Royal Mint's commemorative and bullion coins – often minted to mark important national events and anniversaries – are not intended for circulation. They might look like ordinary coins but they are generally worth much more, thanks to their scarcity, finish and composition.
Most commemorative coins produced by The Royal Mint are available in a range of striking standards including Gold Proof, Silver Proof, Brilliant Uncirculated and Bullion. Some are also available in collectors sets. Gold and Silver Proof coins are minted in small numbers, making them rare and desirable.
The Royal Mint's commemorative coins are both VAT-free and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) exempt, making them an attractive and valuable investment. Whether you are diversifying your investments or simply appreciate world-class design, commemorative coins from The Royal Mint are a great buy.
The Royal Mint at The Britannia Coin Company
The Britannia Coin Company is proud to stock official commemorative coins from The Royal Mint as well as a wide range of historic Royal Mint coinage. We offer unbeatable value on The Royal Mint coins, backed by our reputation for honesty and integrity, built over more than a decade of trading.
Buy and sell coins with confidence when you use The Britannia Coin Company of Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire.
Buy Collectable Coins Online
We offer a wide range of collectable and investment coins in pre-owned and brand-new condition. As our name suggests, we focus on British coins (from hammered metal-detecting finds to modern Royal Mint issues) with a healthy selection of pieces from international mints too. All the coins we sell are 100% guaranteed authentic and, where relevant, are individually certified.
The Britannia Coin Company is part of the Gold-Traders group, founded in 2008. We're members of the British Numismatic Trade Association (BNTA) and pride ourselves on our honesty, integrity and expertise.
You're guaranteed a fully protected service when you buy online with The Britannia Coin Company. Our payment process is fully encrypted, preventing unauthorised access to your personal and financial details. Check your browser bar for the trusted padlock symbol: it's a mark of security.
Free And Insured UK Shipping
The price of all our coins includes free, fully insured UK shipping.
We post most orders within one to three working days of receipt. Please check individual product pages for accurate delivery estimates.
We deliver internationally. All payments are to be made in Pounds Sterling. We have a flat rate international shipping charge of just £15. See our dedicated delivery page for exceptions and further information.
Sell Your Coins With Confidence
Our experts want to make selling your coins a stress-free experience. They're ready to provide transparent valuations for your old coins: whether that's an individual piece or a large collection.
The team buys thousands of coins every month via our postal valuation service. It's a safe and easy way to sell coins from home with payment via bank transfer available the same day you confirm our price.
If you'd prefer to visit us in person, we've got secure, private meeting rooms in our offices at 29 High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett, SN4 7AE. We recommend calling ahead to book an appointment or check out one of our specialist drop-in valuation days.
Visit Our Wiltshire Showroom
If you're looking for a bargain then why not visit our showroom? We've got lots of great discount coins available in our cabinets at Old Bank Antiques.
From circulating £2s and 50ps to world coins, commemorative sets and new releases to ancients, we've got something for everyone. Make sure you save time to browse the glass, ceramics, jewellery, clocks and militaria on display in the rest of the shop, located at 143 High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett, SN4 7AB.
You won't find our full range on display in our showroom but if there is something particular you would like to examine then please do get in touch. We're pleased to arrange a private viewing appointment at a time that suits you.
Contact Our Coin Experts Now
Got questions about buying or selling coins? Our friendly team of numismatists (coin experts) are ready to assist with valuations, offers, postage enquiries, and more.
Call our enquiries line on 01793 205 007 (open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
Drop us a line at coins@britanniacoincompany.com.
Message us using our live chat feature (that's the green button, found at the bottom right of this page).
Visit us at 29 High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, SN4 7AB (we recommend checking our location map before you set out).
