2003 Britannia Bust Half-Ounce Gold Proof Coin | NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo
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2003 Britannia Bust Half-Ounce Gold Proof Coin – NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo
This 2003 Britannia carries a striking departure from the familiar full-length standing figure: a side-facing bust of Britannia wearing a helmet, her profile overlaid with a rippling wave pattern that nods to her seafaring, maritime associations. Created by veteran Royal Mint sculptor Philip Nathan — his fourth Britannia design and the penultimate of his career on the series — the coin uses the same distinctive typeface as his 2001 "Britannia and the Lion" issue, but introduces an unusual tessellated, jigsaw-like effect to the surrounding waves that sets it apart from every other Britannia year.
The traditional crenellated border, present on every Britannia design since the range began in 1987, is retained here, tying this one-year departure back to the series' original identity even as the central portrait breaks from convention entirely.
The obverse carries Ian Rank-Broadley's fourth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, used on UK coinage between 1998 and 2015.
Graded NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo — the maximum attainable grade, reflecting a flawless strike with no imperfections under magnification and strong cameo contrast between the frosted devices and mirrored fields.
Coin Highlights
- One-year-only "Britannia Bust" reverse by Philip Nathan — his fourth Britannia design
- Helmeted side profile of Britannia, overlaid with a distinctive tessellated wave pattern
- Retains the crenellated border used across every Britannia design since 1987
- Obverse: Ian Rank-Broadley's fourth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II
- Struck in 22 carat gold to proof finish by The Royal Mint
- Certified NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo — the highest possible grade
- Encapsulated in a tamper-evident NGC holder for authenticity and protection
Specifications
| Year | 2003 |
| Mint | The Royal Mint, Llantrisant |
| Composition | 22 carat gold (91.67% fine) |
| Weight | 16.97 grams |
| Fine Gold Content | 0.5 troy oz (15.55 grams) |
| Diameter | 27.00 mm |
| Edge | Milled |
| Finish | Proof |
| Obverse Designer | Ian Rank-Broadley (fourth portrait) |
| Reverse Designer | Philip Nathan (one-year-only "Britannia Bust" design) |
| Grading | NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo |
Why This Coin Stands Out
The 2003 bust design stands apart from every other year in the Britannia range — it's the only issue to abandon the full standing figure entirely in favour of a close helmeted portrait, and the tessellated wave treatment is unique to this single year. A PF70 Ultra Cameo certification represents the technical ceiling of the issue, making this a strong pick for collectors building out the full run of Philip Nathan's varied Britannia designs alongside the 2001 Lion and 2009 Chariot issues.
As UK legal tender gold, this coin is exempt from Capital Gains Tax for UK residents and free from VAT under current investment gold rules. Browse our full range of graded gold Sovereigns to explore more one-year-only designs and historic Britannia issues.
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Delivery Information
We offer free insured delivery across the UK on all orders. Every coin is carefully inspected, securely packaged, and sent using Royal Mail Special Delivery - a fully tracked, next-day service that requires a signature on receipt.
All parcels are shipped discreetly and fully insured for peace of mind.
We currently do not ship internationally. Orders can only be delivered to the UK address provided at checkout, and we’re unable to send to PO Box addresses.
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Returns Policy
For non-bullion items (such as proof coins, graded coins or accessories), we’re happy to accept returns within 14 days of receipt if you feel your coin is not as described and provided the item is returned in its original condition, please contact us and we’ll be glad to help.
If an item is returned for reasons other than being not as described, return postage will be the responsibility of the buyer.
Important Notes
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Yes. Every NGC-certified coin has a unique certification number visible on the slab label. You can verify the grade, coin details and population data at NGCcoin.uk using the cert number shown.
The NGC census records how many examples of each coin have been graded at each level. A Top Pop coin means no other example has achieved a higher grade — making it the finest certified specimen in existence for that issue.
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