Overview
About the British Silver Britannia
The Silver Britannia was first issued in 1997 in .958 "Britannia silver". Since 2013 the bullion coin has been .999 fine and contains one troy ounce of silver.
It is popular in the UK and Europe and is legal tender in the UK, which matters for some UK tax rules.
For background on the metal itself, see our silver guide.
Reference
Specifications
| Issuer | The Royal Mint |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| First year | 1997. Coins before 2013 were .958 Britannia silver; from 2013 they are .999 fine. |
| Type | Bullion coin |
| Metal | Silver |
| Purity | .999 fine (from 2013) |
| Gross weight | 31.21 g (1.0034 troy oz) |
| Pure silver content | 1 troy oz (31.103 g) |
| Diameter | 38.61 mm |
| Face value | £2 |
| Available sizes | 1 oz |
Try it
Melt value calculator
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Melt value
$60.67
1.0024 troy oz of pure silver
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 Silver 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 .958 silver and different in weight and size from today's coins.
- Check the security features. A coin dated 2021 or later should show the padlock-to-trident latent image when tilted.
- Plated copies. Check weight and size, and buy from established dealers.
Retirement accounts
IRA eligibility
Generally yes for the .999 fine coins made since 2013. Older .958 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 silver is in a British Silver Britannia?
A British Silver Britannia (1 oz size) contains 1 troy oz (31.103 g) of pure silver at .999 fineness, in a coin weighing 31.21 g in total.
What is a British Silver Britannia worth?
At the latest silver spot price of $60.52 per troy ounce, the metal in one coin is worth about $60.52. Dealers sell above melt value (the premium) and usually buy back a little below it.
Can a British Silver Britannia go in an IRA?
Generally yes for the .999 fine coins made since 2013. Older .958 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 Silver Britannia is fake?
Compare it with the published specs: a genuine 1 oz coin weighs 31.21 g and is 38.61 mm across. Know which purity you're buying. Pre-2013 Britannias are .958 silver and different in weight and size from today's coins. 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.