Who Is Britannia and Why Is She on British Bullion?

The Historic Use of Britannia

Originally, Great Britain was known as Albion, but following the Roman invasion in 55 BC, the island was renamed Britannia. The name has ancient origins, tracing back to the Greek explorer Pytheas, who referred to the British Isles as Prettanike in the 4th century BC. This term was later adapted by Roman writers into Britannia, a Latinised version of a native Brittonic word meaning "land of the Britons".

Although Julius Caesar led early campaigns in Britain, it was Emperor Claudius who was celebrated as its conqueror. Roman art from the time depicted Britannia as a female figure under his control. Under Emperor Hadrian’s rule (117–138 AD), Britannia made her first appearance on Roman coinage. She was portrayed as a warrior goddess holding a trident and shield, and wearing a Corinthian helmet. This symbolic personification represented strength, unity, and the Roman province of Britain, and echoed the Roman goddess Minerva, who was associated with strategy and victory.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Britannia disappeared from coinage for centuries. She re-emerged during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in the 16th century, a time when England was asserting its naval power. Her image was officially revived on coins in 1672 under Charles II, reinforcing Britain’s maritime strength and patriotic spirit. As Britain’s naval dominance grew, so did the cultural significance of Britannia. The anthem Rule, Britannia! captured this sentiment, celebrating the nation’s command of the seas and establishing Britannia as a lasting symbol of British pride.

Britannia, The UK's Most Secure Bullion Coin

Centuries later, The Royal Mint, decided in 1987 to adopt the iconic figure of Lady Britannia for its new Britannia coin series. As part of the range, a 1 oz gold coin was introduced to compete with the South African Krugerrand and the US Eagle, along with fractional sized coins including half ounce, quarter ounce, and tenth ounce coins. This made the Britannia series more appealing compared to its competitors, offering a variety of sizes to suit different budgets. Ten years later, in 1997, The Royal Mint began issuing Britannia coins in silver. By 2018, the range was expanded to include platinum bullion Britannias.

Additionally, a key selling point of Britannia coins is that they are British legal tender pound sterling coins, which means they are exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT). CGT is a tax levied on the profit made when you sell or dispose of an asset that has increased in value. It applies only to the gain, not the total sale price, and the rate depends on how much the asset has appreciated during your ownership.

This series would eventually become the UK's most secure coin with the additional of four new security features in 2021. 

Why Choose Britannia Coins?

Today, investors can choose from all three of the most traded precious metals, each featuring the iconic Lady Britannia design by Philip Nathan. Since 2023, the coins also feature the uncrowned portrait of His Majesty King Charles III, designed by Martin Jennings.

Our Most Popular Britannia Bullion Products

You might not know this, but The Royal Mint produces more than just Britannia Coins. It also offers a range of Britannia Bars, recognised the most visually secure gold bullion bars in the world. Below, you'll find several of our best-selling Britannia products, all available to order now.

2026 Britannia Coins

The 2026 Britannia Coin range continues The Royal Mint’s iconic flagship series, offering Capital Gains Tax exemption for UK investors. Recognised and trusted worldwide, Britannia coins are highly sought after for their fractional sizes and advanced security features, which allow you to verify each coin’s authenticity.

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