1988 Great Britain £100 Britannia Gold Proof Coin NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo | First Generation Britannia
£5,495.00
The 1988 Great Britain £100 Britannia Gold Proof Coin represents one of the earliest issues in The Royal Mint’s iconic Britannia series. Struck in one troy ounce of fine gold and certified NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo, this flawless example combines exceptional quality with genuine collectability. At the time of writing, only 69 examples have achieved the coveted PF70 Ultra Cameo grade, with no higher grades recorded. Featuring Philip Nathan’s original Standing Britannia design and Raphael Maklouf’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, it remains one of the defining modern British gold proof coins.
Description
1988 Great Britain £100 Britannia Gold Proof Coin NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo
Introduced just one year after the launch of the Britannia series, the 1988 Great Britain £100 Gold Proof Britannia represents an important chapter in modern British numismatics. While Britannia has become one of the world’s most recognised gold coin series, these early proof issues remain highly sought after by collectors due to their historic significance, exceptional craftsmanship and comparatively small surviving populations in the highest certified grades.
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 beautifully frosted design elements that create exceptional visual contrast.
Containing one troy ounce of fine gold, this coin combines intrinsic precious metal value with the collectability of one of Britain’s most iconic modern proof issues.
Why This Coin Stands Out
Issued during only the second year of The Royal Mint’s Britannia programme, the 1988 Britannia forms part of the foundation of what has become Britain’s flagship modern gold coin series.
Unlike today’s Britannias, these early issues were struck in 22-carat gold (.9167 fineness) while still containing a full one troy ounce of fine gold, achieved by increasing the overall weight of the coin.
Specifications
- Year: 1988
- 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 1988 £100 Gold Proof Britannia was available both as an individually presented coin and as part of The Royal Mint’s 1988 Four-Coin Gold Proof Britannia Set. Royal Mint records show that 626 individually presented examples were struck, while 3,305 four-coin proof sets were sold, each containing the same £100 Gold Proof Britannia. This reflects the different ways in which the coin was issued rather than a single overall mintage figure.
Why NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo Matters
Independent grading provides collectors with confidence in both authenticity and condition.
This coin has been 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 outstanding contrast between the deeply mirrored fields and heavily frosted design elements, creating the dramatic appearance that collectors associate with the finest proof coins.
At the time of writing:
- NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo Population: 69
- Higher Grades: 0
For collectors seeking the finest certified examples available, this places the coin among the highest-quality examples currently recorded.
The Story Behind Britain’s Modern Icon
The Britannia series was introduced by The Royal Mint in 1987, creating a modern British gold bullion and proof programme centred around one of Britain’s oldest national symbols.
Britannia has represented Britain for almost 2,000 years, symbolising strength, resilience and maritime power. Since the Roman occupation of Britain, she has appeared on coins in many different forms, becoming one of the country’s most enduring allegorical figures.
The 1988 issue continues the original Standing Britannia design created by acclaimed sculptor Philip Nathan, a design that has become one of the defining images of modern British coinage.
As only the second release in the Britannia series, the 1988 proof issue occupies an important place within the history of Britain’s flagship gold coin programme.
The Design
Obverse
The obverse features Raphael Maklouf’s portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, used on British coinage between 1985 and 1997.
Surrounding the portrait are the monarch’s titles together with the denomination of One Hundred Pounds.
Reverse
The reverse showcases Philip Nathan’s iconic Standing Britannia.
Standing confidently against the British coastline, Britannia holds:
- A trident representing Britain’s maritime heritage.
- A shield bearing the Union Flag, symbolising protection and national strength.
- An olive branch representing peace.
This elegant composition has become one of the most recognisable modern coin designs produced by The Royal Mint and remains a favourite among Britannia collectors worldwide.
Why Buy from Sterling Bullion Partners?
At Sterling Bullion Partners, we specialise in carefully selected certified coins that combine outstanding quality with long-term collectability.
When you purchase from us, 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.
- Knowledgeable customer support.
- A trusted UK precious metals dealer committed to accuracy, transparency and exceptional service.
Whether you are building an early Britannia collection or adding one of the finest certified proof examples available, this 1988 Britannia represents an exceptional addition.
Related Guides
To help you learn more about certified and collectable coins, you may also find these guides useful:
Additional information
| Weight | 1 oz |
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