Ive thought about buying one, seem them for the $40s range. I dont care much for Liz II & her mug on coins but the reverse is nice for a modern. I love the 2009 one also.
I have 4 of them. They were $38.00 each. They are outstanding and would easily pass for proof, even though they are BU. I really can't say that about any other country's bullion coin. I don't like having Smiley on the obverse of them either. I'm hoping to see Kate Middleton on the front of next year's Britannia.
got em at Modern http://www.moderncoinmart.com/cart1/product.php?productid=24764&cat=69&page=1 looks like they're 38.95 now
The amazing thing about these coins, if I remember correctly (and I'm not guaranteeing that) is the annual mintage is a mere 100,000 compared to 40,000,000 Silver Eagles.
I picked up 3 of the 2012 ones from a dealer in late 2011 when they released in the UK. 1 for myself and the other went to friends back in the US. Ken
The issue limit for the standard one is 100,000. They also make a proof one with lower mintage amounts (2500 in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011) - have yet to see a proof one in person.
This is where I got my standard issue ones from: http://www.24carat.co.uk/frame.php?url=2012silverbritannias.php No way, I would think about spending £75 for the proof one.
The good news is I have read it is difficult to tell the difference between the BU and the Proof. I'd just save a bunch of money and get the BU; it looks very good.
I believe it. Of course the proof has a contrasting foreground. it's every bit as good as a maple if not better. I buy what I like.
I got a few from apmex which totaled $40 each including s&h. They came in saf-t-flips, so I left them that way. I got a few 2009s--driving the chariot--also drop-dead gorgeous. I'm hoping the 2007 style will come out again in 2013: seated Ms. Brit with a lion at her feet. I don't like the other designs as well as those three. As stated above, the finish is far superior to any other bullion I've seen, and certainly worth the higher premium IMHO. ETA: Oh, and I don't think the maple comes close
2012 is the first year that Britannias will not have a mintage cap, following suit of the 2011 and 2012 pandas. Prior years with the mintage limited will likely fetch higher premiums as a result. I did pick up a 2012 Britt just to have one. I much prefer the 2012 throwback design to the 2011, and I like that they're unique, being comprised of sterling silver with a full oz of 999 pure silver mixed in.