Product Description
Specifications
2023 1oz Britannia Silver Coin – King Charles III
Product Overview
The 2023 1oz Britannia Silver Coin (King Charles III Edition) marks a historic milestone for The Royal Mint, introducing the first Britannia silver bullion coin to feature the effigy of King Charles III. Struck from 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver, this release combines one of Britain's most recognisable coin designs with an important change in the nation's coinage.
The year 2023 is particularly significant for the Britannia series, with coins issued bearing the portraits of both Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III. This King Charles III edition represents the beginning of a new chapter, making it an interesting choice for bullion buyers and collectors of British coinage.
Featuring Philip Nathan's celebrated Britannia design and four advanced security features, the coin brings together British heritage, modern minting technology and the convenience of a widely recognised 1oz silver bullion format.
Key Features & Benefits
- 1 Troy Ounce of Silver – Contains 31.1035g of .999 fine silver.
- First King Charles III Britannia – The first Britannia silver bullion issue featuring the new monarch's portrait.
- Historic 2023 Issue – Released during the transition from Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles III coinage.
- Four Security Features – Includes a latent image, surface animation, micro-text and tincture lines.
- Iconic Britannia Design – Features Philip Nathan's representation of Britannia holding a trident and shield.
- British Legal Tender – Issued by The Royal Mint with a face value of £2.
- Recognised Bullion Series – Part of The Royal Mint's longstanding Britannia gold and silver coin range.
Design & Craftsmanship
Obverse: Features the first definitive coinage portrait of King Charles III, designed by British sculptor Martin Jennings. The King faces left, following the traditional practice of alternating the direction of successive monarchs' portraits. Surrounding inscriptions identify the monarch and the coin's £2 denomination.
Reverse: Displays Philip Nathan's iconic standing Britannia, holding a trident and a shield bearing the Union Flag. First introduced to the Britannia bullion series in 1987, the design represents Britain's maritime heritage, strength and national identity.
The reverse incorporates four advanced security features developed by The Royal Mint:
- Latent Image – Changes between a trident and a padlock when viewed from different angles.
- Surface Animation – Fine background lines create the appearance of moving waves as the coin is tilted.
- Micro-Text – Features the Latin inscription DECUS ET TUTAMEN, meaning "An ornament and a safeguard".
- Tincture Lines – Detailed line patterns on Britannia's shield represent the colours of the Union Flag.
Together, these elements enhance the coin's visual detail while providing additional features that assist with authentication.
Authentication & Specifications
Mint: The Royal Mint
Country: United Kingdom
Year: 2023
Metal: Silver
Purity: 99.9% / .999 Fine Silver
Weight: 1 Troy Ounce (31.1035g)
Finish: Bullion
Denomination: £2 GBP
Series: Britannia
Obverse: King Charles III
Obverse Designer: Martin Jennings
Reverse: Standing Britannia
Reverse Designer: Philip Nathan
Edge: Reeded
Security Features: Latent Image, Surface Animation, Micro-Text and Tincture Lines
Packaging & Availability
Individual 2023 1oz Britannia Silver Coins are supplied without protective capsules unless purchased separately.
Mint tubes contain 25 coins and monster boxes contain 500 coins. Individual coins and bulk quantities are available, subject to stock.
Discover More
Explore our range of silver coins, featuring Australian and international bullion releases from leading mints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 2023 King Charles III Britannia Silver Coin significant?
The 2023 release marks the first Britannia silver bullion coin to feature King Charles III. It also belongs to a transitional year in which Britannia coins were issued with portraits of both Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III, giving the date particular historical interest.
What is the difference between the 2023 Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III Britannia coins?
The principal difference is the obverse portrait. Earlier 2023 Britannia coins feature Queen Elizabeth II, while the later issue features King Charles III. Both retain Philip Nathan's Britannia reverse and the same four advanced security features.
How do the Britannia's security features work?
The security features are incorporated directly into the coin's reverse design. Tilting the coin reveals the changing latent image and animated wave background, while micro-text and detailed tincture lines provide additional visual elements for examination.
Why is Britannia featured on British bullion coins?
Britannia has represented Britain for centuries, appearing on British coinage since the seventeenth century. Her trident, shield and maritime symbolism reflect Britain's history and identity, making her a natural choice for The Royal Mint's Britannia bullion series.