The Royal Mints 2021 proof Britannia range breaks cover and it could be the best since 2014

One of the highlights of the numismatic calendar, the Royal Mint’s proof Britannia range has brought forth some beautiful designs over the last decade, none more so than the stunning 2014 coin by Jody Clark. For 2021, the mint has split the range in two, with a ‘Core’ range, and a ‘Premium Exclusive’ range, each with a completely different look.

Starting with the core design, it’s an attractive piece of work by designer P.J. Lynch, showing an enthroned Britannia with a lion at her feet. Dressed in a long flowing gown and carrying a trident and shield, the art incorporates all the elements you would expect, but the front angled view is one we don’t see very often. We’re not particular fans of the ‘sunburst’ radial pattern in the background, but in truth, it does little to distract from the overall look. A super piece.

There’s a seven coin range available to buy individually, which you can see in the specification tables lower down, but the mix of multi-coin sets the mint produces have some others in them, like the six-coin sets in which the biggest coin is an ounce, going down to a tiny 8 mm 1/40 oz variant. Also to arrive shortly will be a ¼ oz platinum coin with a 150 mintage.

New for 2021 is the Premium Exclusive range, carrying a completely different design by the same artist. This is a more traditional depiction, one we’ve seen done similarly before, but remaining a first-class piece of art, with shades of the recent Una & the Lion bullion bars, perhaps. The lion on the helmet is a nice touch and the stylised waves in the background a cool nod to the central theme.

This range is smaller, comprising of 2 oz and 1 kilo versions in gold and silver, as well as a 1 oz brilliant uncirculated silver coin, which is the cheapest way to pick up this design. It looks like the 1 kilo gold coin has already sold out! All told, a fine effort this year, with both coins being some of the better issues of the last decade, especially the core design, which offers a different angle than has been used before. Available now.

PRESS RELEASE

Each year The Royal Mint produces a new Britannia collection that is inspired by different aspects of the nation. This year the collection celebrates Britain’s spirit of innovation, and for the first time will feature two designs – a Core range and a Premium Exclusive range – both of which have been designed by artist P.J. Lynch.

The core Britannia range is a continuation of the collection, and features the iconic female next to her lion guardian whilst looking out to the horizon with a trident and shield. The Premium Exclusive range is a new addition to the collection. In contrast to the core range, she is shown up close and in profile, whilst new minting technology gives the impression of moving waves in the background. Over the next four years The Royal Mint will continue to explore diversity through the Premium Exclusive Britannia range.

Britannia has been an icon of the British people for over 2000 years, first appearing on coins under Emperor Hadrian. The Romans depicted Britain as a strong female – a symbol that has endured and continues to grace the nation’s coins today, including the definitive £2.

Clare Maclennan, Divisional Director of Commemorative coin for The Royal Mint, said: “Britannia is an enduring symbol of the people, and as the nation evolves it is right that her image should evolve too. Each year our Britannia series celebrates a different element of Britain and for 2021 we celebrate the spirit of innovation with two new designs.

“As well as continuing to offer our Core Britannia range, we have extended the collection to include a Premium Exclusive range which celebrates diversity and features the latest minting technology. We have also introduced a gold Proof kilo for the first time to meet the growing demand for larger, precious metal coins.”

P.J. Lynch, designer of the 2021 Britannia series, said: “Creating an original new design for an icon such as Britannia is a dream for an artist. For the core range, I started with a lot of sketching – lots and lots of thumbnail drawings of Britannia herself in different poses, sometimes with her lion guardian, and sometimes with her trident and shield on a rocky shore with waves splashing at her feet.

“For the Exclusive editions in the range, I decided it would be a good idea to go in close for a profile portrait of Britannia. I wanted her to look strong, resolute and attractive, but I also felt that her features should reflect something of the diversity of the people of Britain in the twenty-first century.”