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- Product ID: 44947
The 2021 One Ounce Platinum Britannia Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) coin is a stunning modern bullion issue from The Royal Mint, combining the historic legacy of Britannia with the intrinsic value and scarcity of platinum. As part of a prestigious and long-running series, the Platinum Britannia represents the United Kingdom’s official platinum bullion coin, struck from .9995 fine platinum and backed by the British government. The 2021 release continues the series’ tradition of high-quality craftsmanship while integrating cutting-edge security features that enhance both its appeal and protection against counterfeiting. With its combination of symbolism, precision minting, and precious metal purity, the 2021 Platinum Britannia is a standout piece for investors and collectors alike.
The Britannia series has its roots in 1987, when the first gold Britannia was issued to compete with other international bullion coins such as the American Eagle and the Canadian Maple Leaf. Silver Britannias followed in 1997, and platinum versions were introduced in 2018. Each coin features the enduring figure of Britannia—an emblem of British strength and unity since Roman times. Clad in a flowing gown, wielding a trident and shield, and often accompanied by symbols of maritime power, Britannia has long personified the island nation's stoic resolve and naval dominance. The Platinum Britannia thus serves as both a tribute to national identity and a vessel for tangible wealth.
The reverse design of the 2021 coin was created by The Royal Mint’s renowned artist Philip Nathan, who first sculpted this version of Britannia for the inaugural 1987 release. The image shows Britannia standing proudly on a windswept shore, wearing a Corinthian helmet and clutching a trident in her right hand while holding a Union Jack-emblazoned shield in her left. Her classical pose evokes a sense of dignity and vigilance, underscored by the surrounding waves and billowing drapery. The design is encircled by the inscriptions “BRITANNIA,” “2021,” “1 oz,” and “999.5 PLATINUM,” denoting the coin’s weight, metal content, and purity. These elements are arranged with elegant symmetry that complements the artwork's classical inspiration.
One of the most remarkable features of the 2021 Platinum Britannia is the incorporation of advanced anti-counterfeiting measures within the reverse design. This includes a set of four distinct security features: a latent image that changes from a padlock to a trident depending on the angle of view, surface animation that creates the illusion of rippling waves, micro-text that reads “DECUS ET TUTAMEN” (An ornament and a safeguard), and tincture lines used to differentiate heraldic elements. These features, previously introduced in the 2021 Gold and Silver Britannias, are now part of the platinum issue, making the coin among the most secure bullion products in the world.
The obverse features the fifth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Jody Clark and introduced in 2015. This right-facing effigy shows the Queen wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem, with intricate attention to detail in her hair, facial features, and jewelry. Surrounding the portrait are the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II,” “D.G. REG. F.D.” (Dei Gratia Regina Fidei Defensor—By the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith), and the denomination “£100.” The obverse maintains a frosted relief against a brilliant field, emphasizing the regality of the Queen’s likeness and providing a timeless contrast to the intricate reverse.
The coin is struck by The Royal Mint in Llantrisant, Wales, one of the world’s oldest and most respected mints, known for its adherence to excellence in both bullion and numismatic coinage. Each 2021 Platinum Britannia contains exactly one troy ounce (31.1035 grams) of 99.95% pure platinum. The coin has a diameter of 32.69 millimeters and a reeded edge, matching the dimensions of its gold and silver counterparts for uniformity across the series. Brilliant Uncirculated quality ensures that each coin was struck using fresh dies and handled with care to minimize marks, offering sharp details and brilliant surfaces ideal for display or investment.
The 2021 Platinum Britannia was issued without a declared maximum mintage, as is typical with bullion releases, but actual production figures tend to be much lower than those of gold or silver Britannias. Platinum’s higher price point and more limited demand contribute to the relatively low mintage, adding scarcity to the coin’s appeal. Though primarily intended for bullion investors, the detailed design and low mintages have also attracted strong interest from collectors. As platinum coins are less commonly produced worldwide, each issue commands attention and has the potential for long-term appreciation in both the metals and collectibles markets.
Condition is of paramount importance for BU coins, and the 2021 Platinum Britannia does not disappoint. Coins are typically delivered in mint-sealed capsules or tubes, preserving their pristine luster and fine detail. BU examples should show no evidence of wear and only minor handling marks, if any, from the minting process. The sharpness of the security features—particularly the latent image and wave pattern—is a good indicator of a well-preserved example. Many buyers opt to have their coins graded by NGC or PCGS, with high-grade examples achieving MS69 or the coveted MS70 rating, reflecting perfect or near-perfect quality.
From an investment perspective, platinum remains a compelling and strategic choice. As an industrial metal used in automotive catalysts, electronics, and clean energy technologies, platinum's price is influenced by both precious metal markets and industrial demand. This dual utility creates opportunities for both portfolio diversification and capital appreciation. The 2021 Platinum Britannia allows investors to acquire platinum in a format that is not only government-backed and widely recognized but also rich in symbolic and artistic value. Its one-ounce size offers liquidity, recognizability, and flexibility within a broader precious metals portfolio.
The 2021 One Ounce Platinum Britannia BU coin is a masterful combination of artistry, technology, and precious metal purity. It reflects The Royal Mint’s centuries-old tradition of craftsmanship while embracing modern security innovations that make it one of the most trusted platinum coins available. Whether acquired for its investment value, its patriotic imagery, or its status within the evolving Britannia series, this coin serves as both a store of wealth and a celebration of British identity. For collectors and investors alike, the 2021 Platinum Britannia remains a brilliant and dignified addition to any precious metals collection.