2017-06-20 Tue

For the first time, there is a new Britannia silver bullion coin, but it’s not from the Royal Mint.

The Pobjoy Mint has publically declared the first bullion coin for the Falkland Islands. The Reverse Proof 2017 1-crown showcases a helmeted version of Britannia, the representation signifies Great Britain.

A Reverse Proof finish offers mirrored devices and frosted field, which is the complete opposite of traditional Proof that has frosted devices and mirrored fields.

According to the Pobjoy, the coin is being launched to coincide with the 35th anniversary of the British defence of the Falklands when they were at war with Argentina. It also honours the soldiers who laid their lives for the pride of the country.

The foreground showcases Britannia holding a trident; it symbolises the values of unity, liberty and strength. The background depicts the waves of the sea.

The obverse features Pobjoy effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Royal Mint’s gold and silver bullion program is called Britannia. However, the symbol has some history attached to it, with coinage appearing on ancient British coins.

James Thomson wrote a poem “Rule, Britannia” which soon became Britain’s patriotic song and was set to music in 1740 by Thomas Arne.

The song has always been strongly associated with Royal Navy. The naval forces played an important role in the Falklands Liberation.

Britannia is a particularly strong British national emblem and the words from the song “Britannia Rules the Waves” are particularly resonating in relation to the Falklands Liberation.

The Britain and Argentina dispute over the ownership of Falkland Islands culminated into a war after 50 Argentines landed on South Georgia Island and hoisted their flag.

Argentina’s President Leopoldo Galtieri, released an order to invade the Falkland Islands, after which the war started.

In 43 A.D., Great Britain was given the Latin name Britannia, when it was occupied by the Romans. She was then personified and turned into a goddess whose bare-breasted, spear-wielding figure has appeared on coins.

The 1-ounce .999 fine silver 1-crown coin measures 38.6 millimeters in diameter and has a mintage limit of 50,000 pieces.

The 2017 Falkland Islands Britannia bullion coins are available in individually heat-sealed packs, or in capsules.

Major bullion distributors are offering the coin, in addition to it being sold through the Pobjoy Mint’s website.