Britannia 1 oz silver coin

The Britannia is the United Kingdom’s bullion coin. The reverse shows Britannia, helmeted, with shield and trident; the obverse carries the portrait of the reigning monarch, which means recent issues bear King Charles III and older ones Queen Elizabeth II. Both circulate side by side on the market and are priced the same way.

What you are paying for

One troy ounce of fine silver, guaranteed by a national mint. The coin is legal tender in the UK with a face value of two pounds, which is symbolic: its price follows the silver market, plus a premium that covers minting and distribution.

Why people choose it

The Britannia is easy to recognise and easy to resell across Europe. Recent issues include anti-counterfeiting features in the design, such as fine lines and a latent image that changes with the viewing angle. It is a sensible first silver coin for anyone who wants a familiar, widely traded piece.

Good to know

Silver coins bought in France are subject to VAT, unlike investment gold. That is one of the reasons the price per ounce of a silver coin sits well above the spot price of silver: compare the price shown at the retailer with the day’s silver price before buying.