2009 UK Britannia Silver Proof Coin

Showcasing a strong image of Britannia on its reverse, the Royal Mint has introduced the 2009 UK Britannia One Ounce Silver Proof Coin.

The coin is struck from an alloy known as Britannia silver which contains 95.8% silver -- a level much higher than the more traditional sterling silver within United Kingdom coins.

The metal composition was first utilized in British coins during the recoinage by King William III in 1696. It was shortly later when Britannia was first introduced on British coins. She replaced the walking lion figure traditionally used before 1697.

Britannia is a mythical character used to denote British power. This particular version was designed by Philip Nathan and was used first in 1997, when the silver proof Britannia was introduced. Nathan was inspired by the warrior queen Boudicca who led a revolt against the Romans in the first century.

Standing proudly and gracefully in a chariot pulled alongside the seashore by two beautiful horses, Britannia is showcased on the reverse of the silver coin. The design is meant to emphasize the power Britannia has over the land and the sea.

The obverse of the £2 coin contains Ian Rank-Broadley's image of Queen Elizabeth II.

2009 Britannia silver coin specifications

Containing one full ounce of silver, this 40mm coin weighs 32.45 gms. A maximum mintage of only 3,000 individual coins is in place and sells for £52.95 (~$87 US).

Each coin ships in a presentation case along with a certificate of authenticity guaranteeing the limited mintage.

For more details on the individual coin or the set, to include order options from around the world, go to:

www.royalmint.com

This beautiful coin can also be obtained as part of a Britannia Four Coin Silver Proof Set which contains the £2 coin, as well as a £1 coin, a 50 pence coin and a 20 pence coin. Each of these is struck from Britannia silver as well, with 1/2 ounce of silver in the £1 coin, 1/4 ounce silver in the 50p coin and 1/10 ounce silver in the 20p coin.

Additionally, The Royal Mint also strikes 2009 Britannia Gold Proof coins.

UK Britannia Silver Proof Coin Image

About The Royal Mint

The Royal Mint is a department of government and its primary responsibility remains the provision of the United Kingdom coinage. Its reputation, however, extends beyond this and internationally it has a reputation for making some fascinating coins for over 100 countries.

The history of the Royal Mint itself stretches back over 1100 years. There is an unbroken link from the scattered workshops of the moneyers of Anglo-Saxon London to a single mint within the Tower of London, from a purpose-built premises at Tower Hill to the huge modern coining plant in South Wales.

In April 1975 the Mint was established as a Government Trading Fund, operationally very similar to a government-owned company.

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