Royal Mint unveils Britannia 2023-Dated Bullion Coin bearing King Charles III’s Portrait for the first time

by | Jan 22, 2023

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The Royal Mint, the UK’s home of precious metals, has unveiled its 2023 Bullion Britannia coin – the first bullion coin to bear His Majesty The King’s official coin portrait. 

The Royal Mint is the first Mint in the world to introduce King Charles III’s official portrait onto bullion coins, with His Majesty’s effigy appearing on the world’s most visually secure bullion coin, Britannia, first. 

Following the introduction of four innovative security features onto The Royal Mint’s bullion Britannia coin, its appeal and demand globally has soared. Due to their legal tender status, Britannia coins are exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT) for UK residents, regardless of the amount of coins that are accumulated. Furthermore, gold Britannia bullion – in the form of both coins and bars – are also VAT free. 

Andrew Dickey, Director of Precious Metals at The Royal Mint, said: “The Britannia bullion coin is globally recognised across the world by investors. Its reputation as the world’s most visually secure bullion coin has led to it becoming one of the most popular bullion coins produced by The Royal Mint. 

 
 

“While the design of the bullion Britannia coin remains consistent, the 2023 dated edition begins a new chapter for Royal Mint bullion coins, as His Majesty The King’s portrait appears for the very first time. Bullion coins are an attractive option for many investors looking to diversify their investment portfolio due to their value, tradability, and liquidity as well as CGT exemption in the UK. Each bullion coin produced by The Royal Mint is a combination of exceptional design, craftsmanship and latest innovation upholding the standards of quality and accuracy that you’d expect from a world-leading mint.”

This year, The Royal Mint’s 2023-dated bullion coin continues to lead on innovation, showcasing the ground-breaking security features that make it the most visually secure coin in the world.  These features include a latent image, surface animation, tincture lines and micro-text.

  • The Royal Mint’s sales of gold ounces in 2022 were 25% higher than in 2021, while silver sales were 29% higher than 2021 – which was itself a record year.
  • Sales of bullion Britannia coins via The Royal Mint’s website have seen positive growth internationally, including Germany and the US, with sales in Germany up 70% and the US up 21% in 2022.
  • The Britannia bullion coin remains the most popular bullion coin among investors, with gold, platinum and silver editions seeing strong performance throughout 2022. 
  • The total number of customers purchasing investment products from The Royal Mint’s website was up 16% in 2022, in comparison to 2021.
  • Over the last three years, the Precious Metals Division has grown to account for almost half of The Royal Mint’s total profitability. 

Struck in 999.9 fine gold and enhanced with four security features, the Britannia design is as beautiful as ever on this bullion coin. In the lower left-hand of the design, below Britannia’s flowing gown, a trident represents her naval history and as the viewer changes their perspective this trident becomes a padlock, emphasising the coin’s secure nature.

 
 

Surface animation reflects the movement of waves and fine details such as the Union flag on Britannia’s shield have been carefully highlighted in the coin’s bullion finish. These added security features both decorate and protect the coin, just as the micro-text that borders the design states – ‘Decus et Tutamen’, which translates as ‘An ornament and a safeguard’. 

Investors looking to purchase The Royal Mint’s 2023 Britannia Bullion coin can do so from The Royal Mint’s website

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