Well, I just recieved my 2010 Uncirculated Silver Britannia today! Here are the pictures: There are no flaws that I have been able to detect so far. There is some glare though from the plastic airtite case it is in.
You can go directly to the RCM . http://www.royalmint.com/store/BritishSilver/BR10AGN.aspx For other earlier issues, you might check AMPEX
I collect them but do not have the 2011 yet and yes it is the removal of the VAT that lowers the price for those outside of the EU If I have to pick one (well 2) it would be the 2003 and the 2007
I spoke to a rep from the Royal Mint, and yea like De Orc said it is VAT that is removed. They also said that: "As a customer in the United States of America we are delighted to offer a service which I hope will be of benefit to you, GovMint have been appointed as our distributors. For you this would mean 27/7 service with no British GMT time zone delays, Lower Shipping costs, customs, duties and taxes, quicker despatch times, prices in dollars so no sterling charges. Please visit www.royalmint.com/USA" But I didn't really understand, because the site ends up reverting to the regular site anyway...
I have been looking at them for a while and really would like a 2003 UNC. What is the best way to buy these if you live in the USA? Also what's the cheapest way?
Here are 2 more that I received on Christmas Eve! 2011 Silver Bullion? Britannia I ordered this from the mint under the impression it was the standard bullion coin however when it arrived this definitely appears to be the proof coin as it has a very distinguishable mirror finish. Anyone else order this from the Royal Mint? 1997 Silver Britannia Proof I ordered this one on ebay and was quite happy with the coin. The obverse and reverse are very nice and I had asked the seller if there were any problems with the coin and he said that he did not know of any. So I left him some positive feedback after recieving the coin and then as I was transferring it to its current airtite holder I noticed this: It appears to be a dark spot and there is another smaller one on the edge too. It looks to me like some gunk built up in the reeded edge. Oh well guess I have now learned my lesson about inspecting the coin when I recieve it. I am still quite happy with the coin though and will not be returning it based on this minor flaw. I just hope it doesn't affect the value too greatly since the obverse and reverse are still great.
I've Proof Britannias from the years 2001, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011. Also a 2005 Britannia in UNC. I got home from work today, delighted to see 2 parcels on my front table. 2010 When the 2010 came out I initially didn't purchase it because I wasn't a fan, but I have warmed to it. In fact, I think it looks absolutely fantastic. Sold Out at the Mint, on eBay they were all for sale for £100+. So I did some searching I found one online for £65 still sealed in the mint packaging. 2011 Just had a look, the least expensive 2007 Proof Britannia (A design I don't have) on eBay is £190!!!!
I believe the Britannias to be one of the most beautiful series ever. I have an example of each design since 1997. They are the showcase of my World silver collection. I usually order direct from the RM, and yes, shipping is expensive, but their customer service is superb. I got a flawed 2010 and they replaced it at no charge without having to return the flawed coin.
I've found others like me I love these coins. The Britannia was the first coin I bought. I dont think I have proof ones. I have the 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010. I'll be buying the 2011 soon. I really want toe 2005.
They also do gold versions in different sizes have you had a look at the Australian Kookaburras? they are rather lovely
I bought my first proof yesterday! I thought I would bite the bullet and do it! 2011 Britannia. OK, its a newer version, but I'm excited. Id love to get a gold coin, but I havent the money to do it. I'll check out the Kookaburras.
I bought a 2003 awhile back and loved it so much that when I walked into the coin store this week and saw a 2010 in a ANACS MS 70 slab I had to pick it up for the outlandish price of $45.00. I might want to get more of these things. Who knows the history of Britannia?
Score. Awesome find. I bought one recently off of ebay, but it has a mark on the cheek. I assume it was that way when it was made. It looks like Elizabeth has a war scare.
Just thought I'd rez the thread and show some Britannia pride! Here's some better pics that I just took of my three Britannias. Currently waiting to see when the 2012 proof will be available! 2011 BU 2010 BU 1997 Proof
On a side note, would getting them graded bring an increase in value? I'm considering it but the differences betweent the TPG's and the costs involved make it a little confusing and difficult to decide.