The 1997 1oz Silver Britannia Proof Coin is the first silver Britannia proof issue and marks the beginning of The Royal Mint's silver Britannia programme. Struck in .958 Britannia silver with a proof finish, it is a key debut date for the series.
The reverse features Philip Nathan's Britannia design with frosted detail and mirrored fields, while the obverse carries Queen Elizabeth II's portrait. The proof finish gives the design greater depth and contrast than a standard bullion strike.
As the opening silver Britannia date, the 1997 proof is one of the most important coins in the wider series and is especially desirable for collectors building a complete Britannia collection.
