Overview
About the British Gold Britannia
The Gold Britannia has been made since 1987. Older coins were 22 karat, and since 2013 they have been struck in .9999 fine gold. Both versions contain one troy ounce of gold in the 1 oz size.
It is popular in the UK and Europe. In the UK, Britannias are legal tender coins, which matters for some tax rules there.
For background on the metal itself, see our gold guide.
Reference
Specifications
| Issuer | The Royal Mint |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| First year | 1987. Coins from 1987 to 2012 were 22 karat (.9167); from 2013 they are .9999 fine. |
| Type | Bullion coin |
| Metal | Gold |
| Purity | .9999 (24 karat, from 2013) |
| Gross weight | 31.1 g (0.9999 troy oz) |
| Pure gold content | 1 troy oz (31.103 g) |
| Diameter | 32.69 mm |
| Face value | £100 |
| Available sizes | 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz |
Try it
Melt value calculator
Pre-filled with the latest price. Edit it to try another price.
Melt value
$4,140.92
0.9998 troy oz of pure gold
Melt value is the metal content at spot. Dealers sell above it (the premium) and usually buy below it. Rare coins can be worth far more than melt.
Pre-set to one British Gold Britannia. Change the weight to value several coins, or a different size.
Look closer
Design and security features
Design
The reverse shows Britannia standing with a trident and shield, a design by Philip Nathan.
The obverse carries the reigning monarch: Queen Elizabeth II on most coins, King Charles III on newer issues.
Security features
Since 2021 the coin has a latent image that switches between a padlock and a trident as you tilt it.
Other features added in 2021 include micro-text, tincture lines in the Union flag on the shield and a surface animation effect in the background.
Watch out for
What to check when buying
- Know which purity you're buying. Pre-2013 Britannias are 22 karat. They hold the same gold but weigh more and are a different size, which can confuse tests.
- Check the security features. A coin dated 2021 or later should show the padlock-to-trident latent image when tilted.
- Plated and tungsten fakes. Weigh and measure, and buy from established dealers.
Retirement accounts
IRA eligibility
Generally yes for the .9999 fine coins made since 2013. Older 22-karat Britannias generally don't meet the purity standard. Rules change and custodians set their own lists, so confirm with your IRA custodian before buying.
IRA metal has to be held by a custodian in an approved depository, not at home.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How much gold is in a British Gold Britannia?
A British Gold Britannia (1 oz size) contains 1 troy oz (31.103 g) of pure gold at .9999 fineness, in a coin weighing 31.1 g in total.
What is a British Gold Britannia worth?
At the latest gold spot price of $4,141.80 per troy ounce, the metal in one coin is worth about $4,141.80. Dealers sell above melt value (the premium) and usually buy back a little below it.
Can a British Gold Britannia go in an IRA?
Generally yes for the .9999 fine coins made since 2013. Older 22-karat Britannias generally don't meet the purity standard. Rules change and custodians set their own lists, so confirm with your IRA custodian before buying.
How can I tell if a British Gold Britannia is fake?
Compare it with the published specs: a genuine 1 oz coin weighs 31.1 g and is 32.69 mm across. Know which purity you're buying. Pre-2013 Britannias are 22 karat. They hold the same gold but weigh more and are a different size, which can confuse tests. If you're unsure, ask an established dealer to test it.
This page is for general education only and isn’t financial, tax or legal advice. Melt value is an estimate of metal content, not a dealer quote, and prices may be delayed. Check current details with a dealer or a licensed adviser before making decisions.