royal mint britannia collection includes the UK's smallest coin

royal mint’s britannia collection includes the UK’s smallest coin
images courtesy of royal mint

the royal mint’s ‘britannia gold and silver proof collection’ includes the UK’s smallest coin, weighing just one fortieth of an ounce and measuring eight mm wide. it depicts an elegant yet powerful art deco interpretation of the goddess, standing proudly in front of a globe whilst accompanied by a lion. each set includes a distinguished and tailored case and booklet.

the limited edition is eight mm in length

royal mint engraver jody clark explains, ‘in approaching my design I started by researching what had gone before. britannia has appeared in so many different compositions and with such a variety of symbols, I wanted my design to recall her history and tradition but with the elements surrounding britannia, rather than weighing her down.’

‘although some of the elements are motionless – the globe as a backdrop, the shield and trident placed at her side – I feel there is a dynamism to the design. there is a sense of movement as britannia’s hair and robes flow, as does the mane of the lion, an iconic symbol of strength and pride that I was keen to include, and I hope that the two appear united as I intended them. although the lion is at britannia’s feet, its tail is curled around her, protective and tamed.’