1988 2-Coin Gold Britannia Proof Set .35 oz (w/Box & COA)

 1988 2-Coin Gold Britannia Proof Set .35 oz (w/Box & COA) 

In 1988 the Royal Mint issued a strictly limited number of stunning two-coin Britannia Proof collections. The set contains .35 total ounces of gold.

The legendary figure of Britannia first appeared as a personification of the Roman province of Britain on a Roman Imperial coin of the Emperor Hadrian (117 -138 AD). She featured on the coinage of subsequent Roman emperors for the next 150 years, making her final appearance on a coin issued during the usurpation of Carausius (286-293 AD).

After a long interval of nearly fifteen hundred years Britannia was reintroduced on the reverses of the copper halfpennies and farthings of Charles II in 1672. At this period English coin designs were almost uniformly heraldic, and for a time the new Britannia coppers were said to have been hoarded for their beauty.

For the next three centuries famous coin designers were inspired to feature Britannia in their designs. Although she subtly changed her appearance to accommodate the styles and trends of the designers and artistic movements of the times, she remained fundamentally unchanged in character and form.

What distinguishes the latest Britannia from her illustrious predecessors is the fact that the designer, Philip Nathan, has depicted his personification of Britain as a standing figure. This upright pose is reminiscent of the much-acclaimed design by the Royal Mint engraver G.W. De Saulles for the Edward VII silver florin issued between 1902 and 1910, and the Trade Dollar first struck in 1895 for circulation in the Far East.

Although Philip Nathan has chosen to depict Britannia in an unfamiliar standing pose, she is nevertheless unmistakable as the personification of Britain. It is this continuity of a time- honoured traditional theme that will ensure popularity and a rightful place among the Britannias portrayed by eminent and renowned designers over the past three hundred years.

The obverse of the 1988 Britannia depicts the regal portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Raphael Maklouf. The inscription and the border of the obverse have, however, been specially modified to match the style of the reverse.

Like all of our other gold coins, this one is guaranteed to be 100% authentic. Item will be wrapped and packaged safe for delivery.