2021 1/2 oz Gold Britannia Coin | CGT Free UK Bullion

Coin Specifications

• Year: 2021
• Mint: The Royal Mint
• Metal: 999.9 Fine Gold
• Weight: 15.55g (½ troy oz pure gold)
• Face Value: £50 (Legal Tender)
• Obverse: Queen Elizabeth II Fifth Portrait by Jody Clark
• Reverse: Britannia by Philip Nathan
• Security: Animated surface waves, micro-detailing, trident-to-padlock latent image
• CGT Status: Exempt for UK Residents — see our CGT-free gold guide
• VAT Status: VAT Free Investment Gold

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The 2021 Half Ounce Gold Britannia from The Royal Mint introduced an advanced range of security features — animated surface waves, micro-detailing, and a trident-to-padlock latent image — making it one of the most secure bullion coins ever produced. Struck from 15.55 grams of 999.9 fine gold, it contains exactly ½ troy ounce of pure gold and carries a legal tender face value of £50. As UK legal tender, the Gold Britannia is exempt from Capital Gains Tax for UK residents and VAT-free — combining outstanding security, iconic design, and genuine tax efficiency. Read: Britannia vs Sovereign: Which Is Best? and CGT-Free Gold Coins in the UK.

Obverse Design

The obverse carries the fifth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by sculptor Jody Clark, introduced in 2015. The portrait shows a mature, right-facing bust of the Queen wearing the George IV State Diadem, with the inscription "ELIZABETH II · D · G · REG · F · D · 50 POUNDS". This was the final definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II to appear on Royal Mint bullion coins.

Reverse Design

The reverse features Philip Nathan's iconic seated Britannia, first introduced on the Gold Britannia series in 1987 and refined for the 2021 issue with enhanced security. Britannia is shown helmeted, holding a trident and shield, with a lion at her side — against a background of animated surface waves. The 2021 reverse also incorporates a trident-to-padlock latent image and micro-text security features, making it one of the most advanced anti-counterfeiting designs in bullion coinage.

Why Choose the 2021 ½oz Gold Britannia?

• CGT-exempt for UK residents — read our CGT-free gold guide
• VAT-free investment gold
• Advanced security features — among the most secure bullion coins available
• 999.9 fine gold — highest purity commercially produced at scale
• Fractional size — lower entry cost than a full ounce, same purity
• Iconic Britannia design — globally recognised and highly liquid
• Collector appeal — final QE II fifth portrait issue

Comparing Britannia and Sovereign? Read: Britannia vs Sovereign: Which Is Best? See also: New vs Pre-Owned Bullion and Understanding Gold Purity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 ½oz Gold Britannia CGT-free?

Yes. The Gold Britannia is UK legal tender with a face value of £50, making it exempt from Capital Gains Tax for UK residents. See our CGT-free gold coins guide for full details.

How much gold is in the 2021 ½oz Gold Britannia?

The coin contains exactly ½ troy ounce (15.55 grams) of 999.9 fine gold — the highest purity achievable at commercial scale, purer than the 22-carat gold used in Sovereigns.

What security features does the 2021 Gold Britannia have?

The 2021 Britannia was the first Royal Mint bullion coin to feature animated surface waves visible as the coin is tilted, along with a trident-to-padlock latent image and micro-text detailing. These features make it exceptionally difficult to counterfeit and straightforward to authenticate without specialist equipment.

What is the difference between the ½oz and 1oz Gold Britannia?

Both coins are struck from 999.9 fine gold to the same specification and are CGT-free UK legal tender. The ½oz contains 15.55g of gold versus 31.1g in the 1oz, at roughly half the price — making it an accessible entry point for investors who want the same purity and security at a lower outlay per coin.

Why is the 2021 Britannia particularly collectible?

The 2021 issue was struck during the final years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign and features the fifth and final Jody Clark portrait of the Queen. It also introduced the landmark animated security feature series, making it historically significant both as the first coin in a new security era and as a late QE II issue.

Why Buy From 888 Bulion?

• ✔ Every coin inspected for authenticity — XRF testing
• ✔ Competitive pricing — check Today's Prices
• ✔ Secure UK delivery, fully insured — see Shipping Policy
• ✔ Trusted Hatton Garden precious metals dealer established 1982
• ✔ Verified customer reviews
• ✔ Buy Back Guarantee
• ✔ Expert support — contact our team

Also Consider

• All Gold Britannias
• Best Value Mixed Year Gold Sovereign (CGT-Free)
• Best Value 1oz Krugerrand
• 20g Gold Bar (.9999 Fine)

Related Guides

• Britannia vs Sovereign: Which Is Best?
• CGT-Free Gold Coins in the UK
• Best Gold Coins for UK Investors
• How to Invest in Gold for Beginners
• How to Verify a Gold Coin Is Genuine
• New vs Pre-Owned Bullion
• Understanding Gold Purity
• Learning Hub — All Guides