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The One Ounce Platinum Britannia 2020 BU coin represents a powerful fusion of British tradition, cutting-edge minting technology, and investment-grade precious metal. Struck by The Royal Mint, the official mint of the United Kingdom, this coin is part of the larger Britannia bullion series that has become a hallmark of British numismatics since its inception in 1987. The platinum version of the Britannia was introduced in 2018, offering investors and collectors a way to own one of the most iconic bullion designs in one of the rarest and most valuable metals. The 2020 issue continues this legacy, showcasing the classic image of Britannia while delivering exceptional purity, security features, and brilliance in a Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) finish.
Britannia has long served as a personification of Britain itself, first appearing on Roman coins during the reign of Emperor Hadrian and reintroduced to British coinage in the 17th century. Over time, Britannia has become a symbol of national pride, strength, and maritime heritage. The Royal Mint’s Britannia bullion series capitalized on this symbolism by pairing it with modern investment demand, beginning with gold in 1987 and silver in 1997. The introduction of platinum in 2018 signified the Mint’s commitment to offering bullion products across all major precious metals. The 2020 platinum Britannia marks the third year of issue for the platinum series and offers a combination of collectibility, tradition, and raw intrinsic value.
The obverse of the 2020 One Ounce Platinum Britannia features the official effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Jody Clark. This fifth definitive portrait shows the Queen facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem, with lifelike detail in the facial features and jewelry. The legend encircling the portrait reads “ELIZABETH II • D • G • REG • F • D • 100 POUNDS,” indicating her titles in Latin and the coin’s face value of 100 British pounds. On BU examples, the obverse is impeccably struck, with matte-finished relief and lightly reflective fields that showcase the queen’s image with sharp precision and no evidence of wear or handling.
The reverse design, also by Philip Nathan, portrays Britannia in her classic pose, standing firm with a trident in her right hand and a shield emblazoned with the Union Flag in her left. Her helmeted figure faces into a strong breeze, with the folds of her robe flowing dynamically. Around her, a finely reeded border contains the inscriptions “BRITANNIA,” “2020,” “1 oz,” “999.5 PLATINUM.” This 2020 issue continues to use the security features introduced in prior years, including radial lines behind Britannia that deter counterfeiting and give the design a unique visual texture. On Brilliant Uncirculated examples, all the details—from the texture of the trident to the intricate folds in Britannia’s gown—remain sharp and unmarred.
The coin is struck from one full troy ounce of 999.5 fine platinum, conforming to the highest purity standards for investment-grade platinum coins. With a diameter of 32.69 millimeters and a thickness of approximately 1.58 millimeters, the coin offers a solid and substantial feel in the hand. The edge is milled, consistent with other Britannia bullion coins, and contributes to the piece’s security and authenticity. Platinum, being denser and more durable than gold or silver, lends the coin a notable heft and a distinctive bluish-white luster that is appreciated by investors seeking portfolio diversification and collectors attracted to less common precious metals.
The Royal Mint did not declare an official mintage limit for the 2020 Platinum Britannia BU coin, instead striking them to meet ongoing demand. However, platinum coins generally see far lower production volumes than their gold and silver counterparts due to the metal’s scarcity and higher market price. As a result, even without a fixed mintage, the number of one-ounce 2020 platinum Britannias in existence is considerably smaller than that of gold or silver Britannias, increasing their appeal for collectors. Over time, this relative scarcity may enhance the coin’s value on the secondary market, particularly for those in pristine BU condition.
In terms of condition, the 2020 Platinum Britannia in Brilliant Uncirculated form represents the highest quality available to non-proof buyers. These coins are struck with meticulous precision using specially prepared dies and planchets, ensuring crisp edges, fully struck details, and radiant surfaces. BU coins are handled with care throughout the minting process to avoid marks, scratches, or blemishes, and are typically encapsulated or sealed in protective packaging to preserve their finish. A 2020 BU Britannia will display uninterrupted fields, full radial lines, and clean surfaces with strong eye appeal, making it suitable for both display and investment storage.
The Britannia’s design also carries deep cultural and historical weight. Britannia has appeared on coins throughout British history, and her presence here symbolizes continuity between the past and the present. Her trident, shield, and flowing robes evoke Britain’s naval strength, steadfastness, and enduring sovereignty. This artistic continuity makes the Platinum Britannia not just an investment in metal, but also in British heritage. Collectors around the world appreciate the symbolism, and the consistent reappearance of Britannia on British coinage has solidified her as one of the most recognized national allegories in numismatics.
From an investment perspective, the 2020 One Ounce Platinum Britannia serves as a valuable tool for diversification. Platinum is rarer than gold and silver, with most global supply coming from a handful of countries, including South Africa and Russia. Its use in automotive catalysts and high-tech industries introduces unique supply and demand dynamics that are distinct from other precious metals. As such, adding platinum coins to a collection or portfolio can provide balance against shifts in gold and silver prices. Furthermore, being legal tender backed by the British government and produced by the Royal Mint, the Platinum Britannia offers liquidity and recognition in international bullion markets.
The 2020 issue also benefits from The Royal Mint’s emphasis on innovation and anti-counterfeiting measures. The radial sunburst pattern that surrounds Britannia is not only visually attractive, but also makes unauthorized reproduction extremely difficult. This commitment to security, combined with the Mint’s global reputation for excellence, gives buyers added confidence in the authenticity and long-term value of their coins. Collectors and investors alike value these features when purchasing platinum bullion, especially when planning to hold assets over an extended period.
The One Ounce Platinum Britannia 2020 BU is an exceptional example of modern British bullion, combining the enduring legacy of Britannia with the modern appeal of platinum. Struck in one of the world’s most prized metals and featuring cutting-edge security features, the coin delivers both substance and style. Its BU condition ensures it retains full design detail, brilliant surfaces, and long-term desirability. Whether acquired as part of a broader Britannia collection, for its platinum content, or for its symbolic significance, the 2020 Platinum Britannia continues to command interest and admiration from collectors and investors across the globe.