Britannia

The one-ounce (1 oz) gold coins are denominated as One Hundred Pounds (£100).

The coins are legal tender but are not intended for circulation. They are targeted at bullion investors or collectors who appreciate the special editions as pieces of art. The coins are typically “one-year” types usually issued in parallel with smaller denominations with the same reverse designs.

Britannia as a symbol – the female personification of Great Britain – has been depicted on British coinage for centuries. The bullion series called Britannia has been issued in gold since 1987 and in silver since 1997; it has a “definitive” depiction – used on bullion coins (Brilliant Uncirculated grade), as well as “Britannia, the Changing Face of Britain” – a series of one-year design used on proofs made for collectors, such as this one.

Obverse
United Kingdom / Gold Ounce 2022 Britannia, Proof
The obverse of the coin depicts the crowned old head of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem crown worn for her Coronation (her effigy known as the “Fifth Portrait”).

In small letters below the head, the artist’s initials J.C (for Jody Clark).

Running continuously around the effigy is the monarch’s legend: ELIZABETH II · D · G · REG · F · D · 100 POUNDS ·. Translated from Latin: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith, followed by the value and denomination in English.

Obverse Inscription ELIZABETH II · D · G · REG · F · D · 100 POUNDS ·

Reverse
United Kingdom / Gold Ounce 2022 Britannia, Proof
The reverse shows, within a dotted central circle, the standing figure of Britannia, the female personification of Great Britain, looking quarter left. She wears a crested Corinthian helmet, pushed back to reveal her face. In her right hand she holds a trident; in her left hand is a shield with the roaring face of a lion on it.

In the background, waves and the Union Jack (the flag of the United Kingdom).

Around above, the inscription · BRITANNIA ·; around below, the date of issue · 2022 ·.

Around left and right, the precious metal content: 1oz 999.9 FINE GOLD (one troy ounce of 99.99% gold). The face value is on the obverse.

The artist’s initials DT (for Dan Thorne) are below left in the central circle.

Reverse Inscription BRITANNIA 2022 1oz 999.9 FINE GOLD