Silver Britannia Specifications
Technical details for British Silver Britannia coins: 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver, £2 face value, and Royal Mint quality assurance.
Technical Specifications
| Purity | .999 fine silver (99.9% pure) |
| Silver Content | 1.0000 troy ounce (31.1035 grams) |
| Gross Weight | 31.21 grams (1.004 troy oz) |
| Diameter | 38.61 mm (1.52 inches) |
| Thickness | 3.00 mm (0.12 inches) |
| Face Value | £2 GBP (British legal tender) |
| Issuing Mint | Royal Mint, Llantrisant, Wales |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Obverse | Monarch portrait (King Charles III from 2023) |
| Reverse | Britannia motif with trident and shield |
| IRA Eligible | Yes (meets IRS .999 minimum) |
Royal Mint Security Features
Introduced in 2021, the Silver Britannia incorporates the Royal Mint's cutting-edge anti-counterfeiting technology, making it one of the most secure silver bullion coins in the world:
- •Surface Animation: The Britannia design appears to shift and move when the coin is tilted, creating a dynamic wave-like visual effect that is extremely difficult to counterfeit
- •Micro-Text: Tiny inscriptions around the design are visible only under magnification, requiring precision minting that is nearly impossible to replicate
- •Radial Sunburst: Fine lines radiating from the center create a distinctive background pattern unique to genuine Royal Mint Britannias
- •Latent Image: A trident and padlock symbol becomes visible only when viewed from specific angles, providing quick visual authentication
These features make authentication straightforward for dealers and investors, supporting the coin's strong liquidity. Learn more at Monex Silver Britannia
Legal Tender Status & Investor Appeal
The British Silver Britannia carries £2 legal tender status in the United Kingdom—a face value established by the Royal Mint that provides government backing and investor protections:
Royal Mint Guarantee
Weight (1 troy oz) and purity (.999 fine) guaranteed by the Royal Mint, with over 1,100 years of minting heritage since c. 886 AD.
Authenticity Assurance
Produced with strict quality controls and industry-leading security features for easy authentication.
Global Liquidity
Widely recognized and accepted by dealers worldwide, allowing easy buying and selling in major markets.
IRA Eligibility
Legal tender status and .999 purity meet IRS requirements for tax-advantaged Precious Metals IRAs.
IRA Eligibility Considerations
British Silver Britannias qualify for inclusion in a Precious Metals IRA (Self-Directed IRA). Key considerations:
- ✓Meets IRS purity requirement (.999 minimum)
- ✓Produced by an approved national mint (Royal Mint)
- ✓Must be held by an IRS-approved custodian and depository
- ✓Cannot be stored at home for IRA purposes
Note: This is general information, not tax or investment advice. Consult a qualified tax professional or IRA custodian for guidance specific to your situation.
Understanding Premium Drivers
Silver Britannias trade at a premium above the spot price of silver. Factors that influence premiums include:
Royal Mint Production
Advanced security technology, precision manufacturing, and strict quality control.
Distribution Chain
Authorized distributors and dealer margins that fund operations.
Supply & Demand
Royal Mint production capacity versus global investor demand.
Security Premium
Advanced anti-counterfeiting features command additional value for security-conscious investors.
Global Recognition
Royal Mint heritage and worldwide dealer acceptance support liquidity.
View current Britannia pricing at Monex Britannia Price Charts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purity of the British Silver Britannia?
The British Silver Britannia is .999 fine silver, meaning it contains 99.9% pure silver. This high purity was upgraded from the original .958 (Britannia silver) in 2013, ensuring maximum silver content and meeting IRS requirements for Precious Metals IRA eligibility.
How much silver is in a Silver Britannia?
Each British Silver Britannia contains exactly 1.0000 troy ounce (31.1035 grams) of pure silver. The gross weight is slightly higher at 31.21 grams due to the small amount of alloy metals.
Is the Silver Britannia legal tender?
Yes, the Silver Britannia carries legal tender status in the United Kingdom with a face value of £2 GBP. While its silver content is worth significantly more than face value, this government backing provides Royal Mint authenticity assurance and establishes the coin's official standing as British currency.
Can I hold Silver Britannias in an IRA?
Yes, British Silver Britannias meet IRS requirements for inclusion in a Precious Metals IRA. The .999 purity meets the IRS minimum fineness requirement. You will need a qualified custodian and approved depository to hold IRA-owned coins.
What security features do Silver Britannias have?
Modern Silver Britannias feature the Royal Mint's advanced security technology including: micro-text (visible under magnification), surface animation (image shifts when tilted), radial sunburst lines (background pattern), and a latent image feature. These make Britannias among the most secure silver coins available.
Why do Silver Britannias have a premium over spot price?
Premiums reflect Royal Mint production costs, distribution margins, and supply/demand dynamics. Britannias command premiums for their advanced security features, Royal Mint quality assurance, legal tender status, and strong global recognition.
How does the Silver Britannia compare to other silver coins?
The Silver Britannia offers .999 purity, industry-leading four-layer security features, and the heritage of the Royal Mint (operating since c. 886 AD). As British legal tender with £2 face value and the iconic Britannia design, it stands out among major government-minted silver coins for its anti-counterfeiting technology.
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