The model for 2003 proof Britannia?

[RDHC]

Has anybody else noticed that the profile of the face on the 2003 proof gold Britannia seems to be rather/very like the profile (and likewise hair style) of the new Princess of Wales? Or am I completely deceiving myself? It is certainly unlike the faces/profiles that Philip Nathan used on his other designs - all excellent and highly original in my opinion, by the way

If I happen to be right - an unusual state of affairs, I admit - does this enhance the attractions of this particular coin or add nothing to them? I can't believe that any similarity would actually detract from the coin, unless you were a particularly ardent anti-monarchical, gold coin collector (which might be considered something of a contradiction in terms, given the number of monarchs, princes etc., who feature on gold coins).

[SheepStacker]

They didn't start dating until 2003, and I imagine the design for the 2003 Proof Britannia would have been completed in 2002.

I can see some resemblance. Maybe Philip Nathan was Catherine's beau before she met William? 

[TeaTime]

I always thought it was based on Joely Richardson and it's my favourite Britannia design 😍

[GoldStatue]

I'm not seeing the resemblance myself, if that did happen at least Meghan wasn't on the scene, what an eye sore that would be 😀

I think the Royal Mint could re-do the 2001 and 2003 proof Britannia's, I don't think they work with one side being a matte finish and the other side being proof.

Really nice coin designs and subject matter though.

[RDHC]

1 hour ago, TeaTime said:

I always thought it was based on Joely Richardson 

Yes, that is a plausible alternative.

[RDHC]

1 hour ago, GoldStatue said:

I'm not seeing the resemblance myself, if that did happen at least Meghan wasn't on the scene, what an eye sore that would be 😀

I think the Royal Mint could re-do the 2001 and 2003 proof Britannia's, I don't think they work with one side being a matte finish and the other side being proof.

Really nice coin designs and subject matter though.

Entirely agree about Meghan, but I suspect that Philip Nathan, being an artist with obvious taste, would not have considered her, especially for a profile as her nose looks like a ski slope, to my eyes anyway.

3 hours ago, SheepStacker said:

They didn't start dating until 2003, and I imagine the design for the 2003 Proof Britannia would have been completed in 2002.

 

Good point. I had vaguely wondered about that angle.

[LawrenceChard]

3 hours ago, SheepStacker said:

They didn't start dating until 2003, and I imagine the design for the 2003 Proof Britannia would have been completed in 2002.

I can see some resemblance. Maybe Philip Nathan was Catherine's beau before she met William? 

I'm sure I've seen some gold Britannias dated before 2003!

😎

[sovereignsteve]

3 hours ago, GoldStatue said:

Meghan wasn't on the scene, what an eye sore that would be

 

1 hour ago, RDHC said:

especially for a profile as her nose looks like a ski slope, to my eyes anyway.

like this?

[Britannia47]

The 2003 is not my favourite, although I do have a bullion version. I take the point about the profile - attractive enough at second glance. However the upturned coal bucket on her head looks wrong to me!

Re the 2021 ‘Person of colour’ version of Britannia by the RM, that is part of their diversity program, at least that’s what I read in their annual report. 

Anyway, a pic of the 2003 Brit…..

 

[RDHC]

1 hour ago, sovereignsteve said:

 

like this?

I must admit I was thinking of the slopes that end with some kind of ramp!

[RDHC]

1 hour ago, Britannia47 said:

The 2003 is not my favourite, although I do have a bullion version. I take the point about the profile - attractive enough at second glance. However the upturned coal bucket on her head looks wrong to me!

Re the 2021 ‘Person of colour’ version of Britannia by the RM, that is part of their diversity program, at least that’s what I read in their annual report. 

Anyway, a pic of the 2003 Brit…..

 

Yes, not my favourite either. I agree that the helmet would look better with a hinged visor (never mind the plume), it lacks the trident, and the abstract waves are not entirely convincing. A brave attempt, but the 2001 is considerably more successful as a modern approach (though I know that that year's design is slightly retro i.e. somewhat 'Art Deco', if I have got my period styles correct). My personal favourite is the 2005 proof design with the peaceful, contemplative Britannia (also, dare I say it, apparently  rather an attractive lady). Of course the first Philip Nathan, the 1987 Britannia, thankfully still not superseded, is absolutely peerless. But I digress.

[Britannia47]

Personally, I’ve lost track of all the different Britannia designs. It seems that many prefer the 2014 design simply because she seems more ‘lady-like’ than ‘warrior’ if you know what I mean!  Having stopped collecting on 2 occasions it would be mission impossible now to catch up, apart from the expense, so it’s about enjoying what you have. 
My last Brit is on my Avatar, as you can see.

All this would warrant its own topic, so I won’t digress further……