Gold bullion 1/2oz Britannias (pre-2013) in our choice of year.
Britannia Bullion Coins
Britannia - the female personification of the United Kingdom - first appeared on British coins back in Roman times and now rules over her own extensive coinage range. Britannias were introduced by The Royal Mint in 1987 and have now been a staple of the global bullion market for decades now. Their reverse design has changed over the years but always features this proud British icon.
Britannias are today available in gold, silver and platinum as well as a variety of sizes though the specifications have changed slightly over the years. Gold Britannias minted between 1987 and 2012 were composed of 22 carat gold but this was increased to 24 carat from 2013. Both old and new contain the same amount of fine gold but the older have a slightly higher total weight.
Half Ounce Britannia
1/2oz Gold Britannias have been offered by the Royal Mint since the range launched. For most of the years since they have featured a classic design by Philip Nathan, referred to as the 'standing Britannia'. Nathan's design shows a helmeted female figure, holding a trident and shield, her dress whipped by a strong wind. The composition appears around the figure: ‘1/2 · OUNCE · FINE · GOLD · BRITANNIA' followed by the date. The designs do vary in some years but this is the most common.
Invariably, the image of Britannia is paired with a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The obverse flags the face value of these bullion coins, reading: 'ELIZABETH · II · D · G REG · FID · DEF' with '· 50 POUNDS ·' below.
Struck In 22 Carat Gold
These quarter ounce bullion coins are composed of 22 carat (.916) fine gold and have a pure gold content of 15.552 grams or 0.5 troy ounces. They measure 27.00 millimetres in diameter.
You'll receive our choice of year, depending on our available stock. Each coin is carefully authenticated by our expert team to ensure it contains the correct amount of gold. They are supplied in a plastic slip or capsule without any additional official Royal Mint packaging.
As UK legal tender these coins are exempt from Capital Gains Tax and, as investment gold, they're also free from VAT. They’re a great addition to your stack if you're looking for affordable fractional issues with a classic design.
If you're looking into UK gold coins you might also consider our mixed-year full Britannias in 22 carat and 24 carat gold (they contain twice the amount of gold as a 1/2oz Britannia). Alternatively: have a look at our best value range for more low margin gold.
Product Summary
Precious Metal Content:
15.55 (g)
Monarch:
Elizabeth II (1952-2022)
Denomination:
£50 / Fifty Pounds
Capital Gains Tax Status:
Exempt
Condition:
Bullion - Uncirculated
- Half ounce gold bullion Britannia
- Minted 1987 to 2012 in 22 carat (.916) gold
- Features female personification of Britain to the reverse
- Portrait of Her Majesty the Queen to the obverse
- 1.552 grams (0.5 troy ounces) of pure gold
- Diameter: 27.00 millimetres
- Face value: £50 / Fifty Pounds
- VAT and Capital Gains Tax exempt
- Mixed years, selected from our available bullion stock
- Carefully authenticated by our expert staff
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.
We're The Britannia Coin Company: offering exceptional service and unbeatable value to all who collect and invest in coins. Part of Gold-Traders (UK) Ltd, we've earned a world-class reputation over more than a decade of buying and selling currency from new issues to ancient coins.
Buy with Confidence
All Gold, Silver, Platinum and Palladium coins we sell are 100% guaranteed authentic and, where relevant, are individually certified. We're members of the British Numismatic Trade Association (BNTA) and pride ourselves on our honesty, integrity and expertise: just read some of our reviews.
When you buy online with the Britannia Coin Company, you're guaranteed a fully protected service. 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.
Our prices include fully insured delivery within the UK. Your purchase is covered from the moment you buy until it's in your hands. Orders are packed with care, tracked every step of the way, and require signature on receipt to ensure a safe delivery experience.
Visit our Showroom
We're based in Royal Wootton Bassett, a historic market town in beautiful Wiltshire. If the name rings a bell it's probably because you remember how the community honoured those soldiers who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. The 'Royal' in the name was granted in 2011 to recognise this.
Our new showroom – opened in 2020 – is located in the heart of Royal Wootton Bassett in a grand, old bank building. Inside you can view our stock, as well as jewellery and collectibles from several local antique dealers. Look out for the Old Bank Antiques sign and come on in.
If you're seeking to inspect a specific item you have seen online, give us a call ahead of your visit on 01793 205 007 so we can make sure it's ready for you to view. If you're collecting an order your payment should have cleared before you arrive and we may ask to see identification.
Get in Touch
Got questions? Our experts are ready to answer them. If you need more information before you make your purchase then please get in touch.
Call our showroom on 01793 205 007.
Drop us a line on coins@britanniacoincompany.com.
Visit us at 143 High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire SN4 7AB.
