1/10 oz Britannia Charles III Platinum | 2024
Certainly, you are already familiar with the symbol of Britannia, the national figure of Great Britain, as she is depicted on many of Britain's coins. She symbolizes the glorification of the British people and portrays a goddess modeled after Greek ideals. As such, she symbolically represents English sea power and, therefore, the defense of the country. It is no surprise, then, that the venerable mint, "The Royal Mint," deemed this figure worthy to represent British coins. Due to her worldwide popularity among collectors and investors, the mint has equipped these coins with special anti-counterfeiting features.
The Obverse
You see Britannia, whose face is depicted in profile with a firm, proud gaze, armed with a trident, shield, and helmet that reveals a part of her flowing hair. In her right hand, she holds an olive branch, and the shield displays the coat of arms of Great Britain. As an anti-counterfeiting feature, you will notice a grooved circle on the lower left side. Depending on the perspective, you see either a padlock or a trident. The background and the goddess's shield are wave-patterned, further anti-counterfeiting features. Between the outer circle and the wave-patterned background, you will find a very small printed Latin inscription, "DECUS ET TUTAMEN," which translates to "Glory and Defense." Outside the depiction, you read the inscription: "BRITANNIA," the year of minting "2024," the fine weight and purity "1/10 oz 999.5 PLATINUM." Below the figure of Britannia, you will find, upon closer inspection, the name "NATHAN." This refers to Philip Nathan, the artist who designed this coin motif in 1987.
The Reverse
Here you see the portrait of the current British King Charles III, who, unlike his mother, Queen Elizabeth, is looking to the left. Around his likeness, you find the inscription "CHARLES III. D. G. REX. F. D" as well as the denomination of this coin "10 POUNDS." The letters are abbreviations of the Latin "Dei Gratia Rex Fidei Defensor," which translates to "By the Grace of God, King, Defender of the Faith.
About the Royal Mint
It is the mint of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, founded in London in 886. In addition to circulating coins, it also produces high-quality medals and coins for many other countries. It also minted the medals for the Olympic Games held in London in 2012.