The 1997 Gold Proof Britannia One Hundred Pounds coin is a significant release from The Royal Mint, marking the inaugural year of the Britannia gold series. Achieving a perfect grade of PF70 Ultra Cameo from the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) further enhances its desirability among collectors.
 
Design Details:
 
Obverse: Features the third crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Raphael Maklouf. The inscription reads "ELIZABETH II D G REG FID DEF 100 POUNDS," signifying "Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith."
 
Reverse: Depicts Britannia standing in a chariot drawn by two horses along the seashore, symbolizing Britain's strength and maritime heritage. This dynamic design was created by Philip Nathan and is unique to the 1997 edition.
 
Grading Significance:
 
The PF70 Ultra Cameo grade denotes a coin in perfect condition, with no post-production imperfections visible under 5x magnification. The "Ultra Cameo" designation highlights the coin's deeply frosted devices and mirrored fields, resulting in a striking contrast.]