Published 2 June 2026
The silver Britannia in plain terms
The Royal Mint silver Britannia is a 1oz coin first struck in 1997. From 1997 to 2012 the coin was struck at .958 fine, the Britannia silver standard, slightly higher than sterling. From 2013 onwards the coin has been struck at .999 fine silver, and more recent issues are .9999. Each coin carries a £2 face value, making it UK legal tender.
The reverse design is the standing Britannia figure with shield and trident, originally by Philip Nathan and refreshed several times since. The obverse carries the reigning monarch.
CGT-exempt status, the factual position
Silver Britannias are UK legal tender, which means they share the CGT exemption that applies to UK individuals selling UK legal tender coins. Any gain on resale, regardless of size, is exempt from Capital Gains Tax for UK individuals. American Silver Eagles, Canadian Silver Maple Leafs and other foreign silver coins do not share this exemption.
This section is the published HMRC rule, not personal tax advice. If your sale is large enough that CGT is relevant, talk to your accountant.
Pre-2013 versus post-2013
Pre-2013 Britannia silver coins (.958) and post-2013 coins (.999 or .9999) both trade on the secondary market. Pre-2013 coins contain very slightly less silver per coin by content. They sometimes carry a small numismatic premium with collectors who like the older alloy. Post-2013 coins trade closer to spot because they match the international .999 bullion standard.
How an offer is calculated
Final offers depend on inspection, item weight, purity, hallmarks, stones, non-gold components, condition and the live precious-metal market. For silver Britannias the inputs are weight, XRF reading, year of issue and condition. Proof Britannias in original Royal Mint cases with certificates carry a numismatic premium over bullion.
Posting silver Britannias
- WhatsApp photos of every coin and any presentation case to 07763 741067.
- Wait for the shape-of-offer reply and the prepaid Royal Mail Special Delivery label.
- If tubed, leave the coins tubed. If loose, use individual flips.
- Pad inside a jiffy bag and use a rigid outer mailer.
- Drop off at a Post Office counter and keep the receipt.
- Send the tracking number on WhatsApp.
Insurance, decline and payment
Your parcel is insured up to £2,500 via Royal Mail Special Delivery. A tube of silver Britannias is heavy and bulky but typically sits inside that cap. Larger parcels are split across more than one label. Accept and Faster Payments leaves the same working day. Decline and the coins are returned by tracked post at our cost.
Common questions
Are silver Britannias CGT-exempt?
For UK individuals, yes, because they are UK legal tender. Ask your accountant if it matters to your sale.
Do you buy pre-2013 Britannias?
Yes. They are slightly lower fineness but fully accepted.
Are proof Britannias worth more?
Usually yes, especially with the original Royal Mint case and certificate.
Is the parcel insured?
Your parcel is insured up to £2,500 via Royal Mail Special Delivery. Larger parcels travel under more than one label.
Do you buy tarnished Britannias?
Yes. Tarnish does not affect the silver content or the offer.
When am I paid?
By Faster Payments on the working day you accept the valuation.
Do you take walk-ins?
No. The service is by post, UK-wide.
Do I need the original tube?
No, but please send it if you have it.