BRITANNIA 1OZ 2023 PCGS GRADED FIRST STRIKE – Queen Elizabeth II

Introducing the Britannia 1oz 2023 PCGS Graded First Strike, featuring the effigy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Crafted in the finest 24 carat gold with first strike denoting it being struck within the first 30 days of it being issued, this rare coin was released in late 2022 but ceased minting upon The Queen's passing, resulting in an extremely limited mintage.

Replaced with the new version featuring His Majesty King Charles III, this marks a significant numismatic milestone, as it is the first time in our history that Britannia coins have been minted for two different monarchs while featuring the same year.

Each coin is presented in a wooden box, offering a touch of elegance and ensuring its safekeeping. So, whether you are a seasoned numismatist, a history enthusiast, or simply appreciate commemorating royal figures, this coin serves as a fitting tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's enduring legacy.

First Strike

The term "First Strike" is a designation used by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) to identify coins that were struck by the mint within the first 30 days of it being issued. These coins are minted using new dies, which are believed to result in superior quality strikes due to the die's relative newness. Only a small number of the Queen Elizabeth 2023 Britannias were made available, adding to their exclusivity and value.

Britannia

The archetypical image of Britannia, seated with a shield, first appeared on Roman bronze coins of the 1st century AD, struck under Hadrian. But Britannia’s first appearance on British coinage was on the farthing in 1672.

The figure of Britannia was said by Samuel Pepys to have been modelled on Frances Teresa Stuart, the future Duchess of Richmond, who was famous at the time for refusing to become the mistress of Charles II, despite the king’s infatuation with her.

Britannia coins are bullion coins, issued by the Royal Mint in gold since 1987. Gold Britannias contain one troy ounce of gold and have a face value of £100. Gold Britannias are also issued in fractional sizes of one half, one quarter and one tenth of a troy ounce, with face values of £50, £25 and £10 respectively.

Since 2013, Britannia coins have been minted from 24-carat gold. In the same year, two additional sizes were introduced: a five-ounce coin of face value £500 and a fractional size of one twentieth with a face value of £1.