First image of the 2010 Silver Britannia - New Design

pendragon1998 · November 21, 2009 8:32AM

This is the first image I've seen of the new silver britannia

Notice that the coin says "fine gold" - this just illustrates the design - but that's what
Royal Mint Website has to illustrate their Silver Britannias for sale. They're currently up for sale at £22.50 + £2 shipping (UK) or £19.57 + £10 shipping (USA).

Also new, "the coin is held in an attractive gift box with a Certificate of Authenticity," which may hopefully mean that the RM has finally heard everyone's complaints about their horrible packaging for earlier years. Could this be the year when they start to do it right?

This may be my new, favorite issue in the series. I can't wait to see it in-hand.

<< For the Britannia family of 2010, a new serene portrait has been created by Suzie Zamit who explains: I wanted to portray Britannia as strong (almost Amazonian) and courageous looking, but not overly warlike; more peaceful and protective. I have given her a Corinthian-style helmet and incorporated a lion on the design: the lion being the national symbol of courage - I wanted to emphasize the strong and watchful connotations - and this also links in with Greek and Roman coinage which display many animals.

* Large and handsome, the Britannia silver £2 contains a full ounce of fine silver

* Boasts a new, serene profile portrait of Britannia

* New for 2010, the coin is held in an attractive gift box with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Making a very patriotic gift, the Britannia £2 coin in its attractive gift box would make an ideal memento of a special family occasion due in 2010 >>

trozau · November 21, 2009 9:00AM

EEEwww!

Tootawl · November 21, 2009 9:35AM

I guess it's ordering time!!!

Not sure if I like the design but it's need to keep the collection complete.

newsman · November 21, 2009 9:37AM

Given the direction Britain is moving in these days, I'm surprised Britannia isn't wearing a burqa. Maybe next year....

Tootawl · November 21, 2009 9:49AM

They should have used this cutie as their model:

pendragon1998 · November 21, 2009 9:51AM

I'm surprised to hear that at least two of you aren't that taken with the design. I think it's pretty.

pendragon1998 · November 21, 2009 9:54AM

<< They should have used this cutie as their model:

>>

She reminds me of the 2003 Britannia:

Tootawl · November 21, 2009 9:55AM

I guess I need to see it in person. Based on the picture, it' OK. Not great, not "eeewwwwww", but for right now it's OK.

7Jaguars · November 21, 2009 10:00AM

I think there is some real depth of emotion to Britannia and like it. She looks a bit worried and tired, maybe reflecting on the loss of empire and all of the problems of the 21st Century. Very nice treatment of the drapery that looks almost like a medal.

Tootawl · November 21, 2009 10:28AM

I just placed my order!

ajaan · November 21, 2009 11:37AM

I find the design quite attractive.

farthing · November 21, 2009 11:56AM

I like it!

ASUtodd · November 21, 2009 12:13PM

I think its as ugly as the Churchill's....

pendragon1998 · November 21, 2009 12:21PM

Compare the top photo to the one silvereaglecoins got from the RM press release - I think that lighting angle makes a big difference with this coin. Harsh shadows don't seem to be as flattering to it, but I still think the design's better than old Churchill!

Appears to have a texture to the field behind Britannia, doesn't it?

Tootawl · November 21, 2009 12:29PM

Pendragon, Have you placed your order yet?

pendragon1998 · November 21, 2009 12:37PM

I'm going to wait a while - I'll definitely be picking this issue up, I just have to decide how I want to acquire them.

Aethelred · November 21, 2009 1:00PM

Creepy, looks like the "Bride of Frankenstein" to me.

Tootawl · November 21, 2009 1:55PM

I'll post a photo as soon as I get my Britannias.

lordmarcovan · November 21, 2009 2:17PM

There's undeniably a little bit of "Bride of Frankenstein" goin' on there, but I think it's OK.

Edit to add: I think a lot of that has to do with her rather gaunt features and less than happy facial expression. Maybe it suits the times.

pendragon1998 · November 21, 2009 2:58PM

I think the 'Bride of Frankenstein' effect is due to folks misinterpreting her helmet. Britannia is depicted wearing a Corinthian helmet with a lion motif on the crown. It also seems to be tilted back on her head, instead of covering her face.

It's an old design:

Another guy wearing it that way:

lordmarcovan · November 21, 2009 3:01PM

Nah. I recognize a Corinthian helmet when I see it. So does Aethelred. In fact, he sold me one of those Corinthian staters like that, once.

It's her facial expression.

I dunno. Maybe the helmet does have something to do with it, too. All in all I don't think it's a bad design, except she looks a little haggard and malnourished.

pendragon1998 · November 21, 2009 3:24PM

Well, if you wanna see a chubby old woman, there's always the obverse. lol

ajaan · November 21, 2009 8:34PM

Whatever! But I've got to like the fact that the Brits change the design of their silver bullion coin unlike other countries.

SaorAlba · November 21, 2009 8:44PM

I rather prefer her over any cold metal coins.

trozau · November 21, 2009 9:34PM

<< I think the 'Bride of Frankenstein' effect is due to folks misinterpreting her helmet. Britannia is depicted wearing a Corinthian helmet with a lion motif on the crown. It also seems to be tilted back on her head, instead of covering her face. It's an old design: >>

The Bride of Frankenstein actually has more interesting features. Nope - That Britannia is just plain-looking - Period.

Like I posted before, all the other Britannia designs NOT done by Philip Nathan were lacking (third try at bat and they have struck out - BIG TIME).

GritsMan · November 21, 2009 11:26PM

I give it a "B". Would have graded higher but for that goiter on top of her head. Looks very strange and destroys the composition. Tootawl's post is much more like it, but who's the guy lurking in the background? Very creepy.

7Jaguars · November 21, 2009 11:51PM

Sir, that would be an occipitoparietal leonoma; no goiters on the head, even metastatic.

I still like it, not perfect, but at least interesting. The drapery is very well treated and the face is a bit haggard so not as good as the model but think Britannia may have been through a bit more over the years. Didn't see the guy in the background though.

Aethelred · November 22, 2009 12:26AM

This Britannia could rule my waves anytime she likes!

Aethelred · November 22, 2009 12:28AM

<< Whatever! But I've got to like the fact that the Brits change the design of their silver bullion coin unlike other countries. >>

They do have that going. I think it is better to change like England and China do (and perhaps have a design that is not so good every now and then) than to issue the same old thing every year (USA and Canada) and never take a chance.

gummibear · November 22, 2009 4:21AM

She looks like she's a little depressed.

Maybe it is the British economy that makes her so sad.

wybrit · November 22, 2009 6:07AM

This Britannia could rule my waves anytime she likes!

I'm telling Mrs. aethelred on you.

wybrit · November 22, 2009 6:10AM

As for the design, it's OK, but not something that motivates me to purchase it. She looks like Tilda Swinton - the white witch Jadis in "Narnia."

lordmarcovan · November 22, 2009 6:55AM

Wow, that is a rather remarkable resemblance.

HTubbs · November 22, 2009 7:03AM

<< As for the design, it's OK, but not something that motivates me to purchase it. She looks like Tilda Swinton - the white witch Jadis in "Narnia." >>

Hmmm,I see what you mean. An acceptable design, but personally one I don't find overly attractive.

pendragon1998 · November 22, 2009 7:35AM

Oh, the haters! Y'all are killing me!

mudskippie · November 22, 2009 9:35AM

I like previous issues, but this Britannia is really unattractive. The hat is ridiculous and Britannia's face is old and liveless. Not to mention her homeless gown, If I have to give it a letter grade, it would be a D

ca0100000 · November 25, 2009 11:49AM

They didn't want to scare the customers with a photo but looks like
apmexhas them in stock .
$34.99
Buy 20 - 99 for $32.99 Each
Buy 100 or more for $29.99 Each

goossen · November 27, 2009 10:40PM

Really ugly. One of the worst designs. JMO.

JamesMurray · November 28, 2009 6:11AM

<< Given the direction Britain is moving in these days, I'm surprised Britannia isn't wearing a burqa. Maybe next year.... >>

Much truer than many of us might think.Wouldnt surprise me one bit,im sure there will be a commemorative soon enough if not already for the immigrants.

ElKevvo · December 1, 2009 9:24AM

I am not a big fan of it...still I will get one.

K

coinsarefun · December 2, 2009 2:01PM

I love it and ordered three

And...................whats wrong with Churchill?
I think he looks great with some color

StubbyMcNumbthumbs · December 2, 2009 3:38PM

I don't really care for it.

She looks gaunt, tired and impoverished. Not the image of strength and beauty she used to project.

Like others have said, I guess it's a reflection of current state of things.

Walmann · December 2, 2009 11:52PM

<< They didn't want to scare the customers with a photo but looks like
apmexhas them in stock .
$34.99
Buy 20 - 99 for $32.99 Each
Buy 100 or more for $29.99 Each >>

Ordering directly from the Royal Mint, an order of 5, including the cost of shipping, comes out to $35.76 at current exchange rates.The website shows £22.50 per coin, but when I order it reduces the price to £19.57 per coin.

Ordering directly from the Royal Mint in this manner also includes individual packaging unlike Apmex.

First image of the 2010 Silver Britannia - New Design

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