1997 1oz Gold Bullion BRITANNIA
The 1997 1oz Gold bullion Britannia certainly does exist, but when was it produced and issued ?
The 1997 Gold Proof Britannia with this stunning 'Britannia in Horse Drawn Chariot' design was issued in 1997 in 1oz, 1/4oz & 1/10thoz sizes, and in the full 4 coin set. If you had wanted to purchase a 1oz gold bullion version in 1997, could you do so ?
The answer to that is a definite NO.
The bullion version of this beautiful coin first appeared in the market as part of the 4 x 1oz Gold Britannia Set that was issued in 2003, to commemorate, at that time, the four different designs that had been used on the Britannia coins. About 6 months after the issue of these sets, distributors started offering the 1997 1oz Gold Britannia for sale on it's own, presented in the Royal Mint screw type capsule. At the time we questioned whether these coins were being broken from the 4 x 1oz coin sets, and the answer was a categorical NO. They had in fact been released by the Royal Mint for individual sale.
So the next question to be asked was:
Were these coins minted in 1997, or in 2003 (but dated 1997), for inclusion in the sets ?
Unfortunately, neither the distributors, nor the Mint would give (or could not give), a definitive answer. We however suspect the latter is the case, as the practice of minting earlier year coins in subsequent years is carried out by most of the Mints, especially where a coins individual issue limit was not realised in the year of issue, but further demand requires additional supplies.
Whatever the case, the coin certainly exists, is a superb design, and is sure to hold a higher premium over most other 1oz Gold Britannia coins. One to add to the collection (if you can find one).
Interested in buying Gold Britannia coins - why not see what we have in stock and visit our e-shop at www.weightoncoin.com
or use this direct link to the Gold Coins section.
PO Box 70, Market Weighton, YORK. YO43 3WR
Please feel free also to phone on
01430 879060 / 07905 467650
or email to enquiries@weightoncoin.com
We can then assist you in person - ask for Richard