2005 Great Britain £100 Britannia Gold Proof Coin NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo
The 2005 Great Britain £100 Gold Proof Britannia represents one of the most visually striking modern issues in The Royal Mint’s celebrated Britannia series. Combining one troy ounce of fine gold with an exceptional proof finish, it features Philip Nathan’s elegant Seated Britannia design, widely regarded as one of the finest artistic interpretations in the history of the Britannia collection.
Certified NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo, this example has achieved the highest grade awarded by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), confirming a flawless proof strike with deeply mirrored fields and heavily frosted design elements that create outstanding visual contrast.
With only 28 examples graded PF70 Ultra Cameo by NGC at the time of writing, and no higher grades recorded, this coin represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of the finest certified examples of this sought-after Britannia issue.
Containing one troy ounce of fine gold, it combines intrinsic precious metal value with genuine numismatic appeal, making it equally attractive to collectors of modern British coins and investors seeking exceptional certified gold.
Why This Coin Stands Out
By 2005, The Royal Mint had firmly established the Britannia series as Britain’s flagship modern gold coin programme. Annual reverse designs had become a defining feature of the collection, with each new interpretation adding further collectability to the series.
The 2005 release introduced Philip Nathan’s beautiful Seated Britannia design, depicting Britannia resting confidently upon a rocky shoreline while overlooking the sea. The composition conveys quiet strength, vigilance and stability, offering a distinctive contrast to the more familiar standing depictions seen on earlier issues.
Unlike many bullion coins that retain the same artwork year after year, changing Britannia designs have become highly desirable among collectors seeking complete date and design sets.
Specifications
- Year: 2005
- Denomination: £100
- Country of Issue: Great Britain
- Metal: 22-Carat Gold (.9167)
- Gross Weight: 34.05g (1.0947 Troy oz)
- Fine Gold Weight: 31.103g (1.0000 Troy oz)
- Diameter: 32.69mm
- Finish: Proof
- Legal Tender: United Kingdom
The Royal Mint published an issue limit of 1,500 for the 2005 Four-Coin Gold Proof Britannia Set, with 1,439 sets sold. These official figures illustrate the limited availability of the 2005 proof issue and its continued appeal among collectors.
Why NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo Matters
Professional grading provides collectors with confidence in both authenticity and condition.
This coin has been independently certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) as:
PF70 Ultra Cameo
PF70 is the highest numerical grade awarded to a proof coin, indicating a flawless example under 5× magnification with no post-production imperfections.
The Ultra Cameo designation recognises the exceptional contrast between the deeply mirrored fields and heavily frosted design elements, producing the dramatic appearance expected from the finest proof coins.
At the time of writing:
- NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo Population: 28
- Higher Grades: 0
With only twenty-eight examples achieving PF70 Ultra Cameo, this issue is considerably scarcer in top grade than many other one-ounce Britannia proofs, making it especially desirable for collectors pursuing registry-quality collections.
The Story Behind the 2005 Britannia
Since its introduction in 1987, the Britannia series has become one of the world’s most respected modern gold coin collections. Annual design changes have transformed many proof issues into highly collectable works of numismatic art, with certain reverse designs becoming particularly admired by collectors.
The 2005 issue features Philip Nathan’s acclaimed Seated Britannia, portraying Britain’s national figure overlooking the coastline with calm authority.
Rather than emphasising conflict, the design celebrates enduring national strength and stability.
Britannia’s:
- Trident symbolises Britain’s maritime heritage.
- Shield represents protection and resilience.
- Laurel branch reflects peace secured through strength.
The balance, elegance and symbolism of the design have made it one of the most popular Britannia reverses produced during the series’ changing-design era.
The Design
Obverse
The obverse features Ian Rank-Broadley’s definitive portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, introduced in 1998 and used on British coinage for almost two decades.
The portrait is surrounded by the Queen’s titles together with the denomination of One Hundred Pounds.
Reverse
The reverse showcases Philip Nathan’s iconic Seated Britannia.
Positioned on the British coastline, Britannia gazes confidently towards the horizon while holding her shield and trident.
The highly detailed engraving demonstrates The Royal Mint’s exceptional craftsmanship, while the proof striking process produces beautifully mirrored fields that contrast dramatically against the frosted devices.
In PF70 Ultra Cameo, every detail of Nathan’s artwork is presented exactly as intended, creating one of the finest visual representations of the Britannia series.
Why Buy from Sterling Bullion Partners?
Every certified coin we offer has been carefully selected for collectors who value quality, rarity and authenticity.
When purchasing from Sterling Bullion Partners, you benefit from:
- Carefully selected certified coins.
- Independently authenticated and graded examples.
- High-resolution images of the actual coin wherever possible.
- Fully insured UK delivery.
- Secure packaging.
- Experienced customer support.
- A trusted UK precious metals dealer committed to accuracy, transparency and exceptional service.
Whether you are completing a Britannia collection or acquiring one of the finest certified modern British gold proof coins available, this 2005 Britannia represents an outstanding addition.
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