Coin United Kingdom 1 Ounce Silver Britannia GB 2025 - 2 Pounds - Silver - Tilawa Privy Mark

The silver Britannia coin, minted by the Royal Mint in 2025, has a face value of 2 pounds and is made of pure silver. It weighs 31.1 grams, which is equivalent to one troy ounce. Its diameter is 38.61 millimeters.

The obverse of the coin features the effigy of King Charles III. The reverse features the classic Britannia motif, an allegorical figure representing the maritime strength and sovereignty of the United Kingdom. Britannia is depicted standing, holding a trident in her hand and a shield at her side.

A distinctive element of this edition is the addition of a privy mark, a special discreet mark. This privy mark represents an anchor accompanied by the inscription "SS Tilawa 1942". It commemorates the sinking of the SS Tilawa liner in 1942, a tragic event that occurred during World War II. The SS Tilawa, belonging to the British India Steam Navigation Company, was carrying a cargo of 60 tons of silver bullion. On November 23, 1942, the ship was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in the Indian Ocean. The sinking resulted in the loss of 280 lives and the entire silver cargo.

For over 70 years, the wreck of the SS Tilawa remained undiscovered before being located and partially recovered. Due to the human tragedy and the value of its lost treasure, the SS Tilawa is nicknamed the "Titanic of the Indian Ocean". The privy mark on the 2025 Britannia coin pays tribute to this historical event.