Description

Introducing the 2013 SS Gairsoppa British Britannia 1/4 oz Silver Coin, a remarkable piece of history encapsulated in fine silver. This unique coin is crafted from silver recovered from the SS Gairsoppa, a British steam merchant ship that was torpedoed by a German U-boat in 1941. The shipwreck was discovered in 2011, and 48 tons of silver were recovered in what became “the deepest, largest precious metal recovery in history.” The Royal British Mint utilized this recovered silver to mint this extraordinary 50 pence coin in both 2013 and 2014.

The 2013 S.S. Gairsoppa Silver Britannia Coins were the first in the Royal Mint’s S.S. Gairsoppa Silver Britannia series. Each coin has been carefully struck from actual silver recovered from the infamous S.S. Gairsoppa Shipwreck. The original 1,000 oz silver ingots recovered from the shipwreck have been refined by the Royal Mint and turned into these .999 pure 1/4 oz silver coins.

The image of Britannia has been associated with the British Isles since she was first minted on a coin in the first century AD during the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian. Today, Britannia continues to be celebrated as a symbol of Britain’s illustrious history and might.

Each 2013 1/4 oz S.S. Gairsoppa Silver Britannia struck from S.S. Gairsoppa silver is stamped with its year, 2013. Each coin has been minted with 1/4 oz .999 pure silver. Owning this beautiful coin that is stamped with “S.S. Gairsoppa” along its outer edge is, indeed, like owning a genuine piece of British history. The obverse side of every coin showcases a profile view of Elizabeth II. The reverse, of course, reflects the beautiful image of Britannia as she stands along Britain’s shores with her helmet, trident, and shield.

The Royal British Mint has long been known for its high-quality minting and stunning designs. By transforming shipwreck silver into investment-worthy coins, the mint continues to cement its reputation for innovation and outstanding artistry.