The Silver Britannia is capital gains tax free in the UK, making is a very popular choice with UK investors
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In the fascinating world of numismatics—the study of coins and currency—every detail etched into a coin holds historical and artistic value. From the imagery on the obverse and reverse to the often-overlooked edge, each component can offer insight into a country’s history, technology, and even efforts to combat crime. One such detail is the Latin inscription “Decus et Tutamen,” found on the edge of several British coins, notably the one pound coin minted in 1983 and 1996. Though subtle, this inscription is rich in meaning and historical significance, and its presence on modern currency connects us to a centuries-old story of innovation, protection, and punishment.
Intriguingly, the Vigo Guinea coins are the only Guineas known to be struck from gold that was not mined in Guinea which adds to their uniqueness and the story behind the coins.
The Vigo hallmarked variation is so rare than most Guinea collectors will be unaware of their existence. Equally, the Vigo Anne Guineas have an intriguing history which is something that increases the allure of this numismatic coin.
“Decus et Tutamen” translates from Latin as “an ornament and a safeguard,” though some interpret it more loosely as “glory and defence.” This short phrase was not added to coins as a mere decorative flourish. Instead, it served a dual purpose: to beautify the coin and, more importantly, to protect it from a once-common crime known as “coin clipping.”
To modern readers, the idea of shaving the edge off a coin might seem odd, even futile. In the 17th and 18th centuries, coins were made from precious metals like gold and silver, and their value was determined by their weight. Coin clipping was a frequent and lucrative offense where individuals trimmed small fragments from the edges of coins. Over time, these accumulated metal shavings could be melted down to create counterfeit coins or even solid bars of precious metal. This practice resulted in significant currency debasement, eroding public confidence in the monetary system.
To combat this, authorities began experimenting with methods to make tampering with coins more obvious. One such innovation was the reeded or milled edge—tiny grooves carved into the edge of the coin—and, eventually, the use of inscribed messages like “Decus et Tutamen.” If a coin had been clipped, the inscription would appear damaged or partially missing, providing a clear and immediate sign that the coin had been altered. This clever solution turned a simple phrase into a functional safeguard against fraud.
The British government took coin clipping extremely seriously, considering it an act of high treason. One notorious case involved Thomas and Anne Rogers, who were convicted of coin clipping in 1690. Their crime was deemed so serious that both were sentenced to death. At the time, the stability of the currency was seen as critical to national security, and tampering with coinage was viewed as a direct attack on the Crown’s authority
The phrase “Decus et Tutamen” is believed to have been coined—both literally and figuratively—by the English writer and diarist John Evelyn on January 10, 1662. Evelyn proposed this inscription during the reign of King Charles II, at a time when the monarchy was overseeing a new series of coins to replace older, debased currency. Evelyn proposed engraving the phrase onto the newly minted five-guinea gold coin, which was being introduced as part of a broader recoinage initiative. The proposal reportedly gained royal approval and was implemented, though the use of the phrase fell out of circulation after the king’s death.
Though it disappeared from coinage for some time, “Decus et Tutamen” re-emerged centuries later, appearing on coins produced during the reigns of subsequent British monarchs. In the modern era, it found a permanent place on the edge of the round, gold-coloured British one pound coin introduced in 1983. This coin replaced the old Bank of England one pound note and quickly became a staple of daily transactions across the UK.
Because the inscription is located on the coin’s milled edge, it is often overlooked by the casual observer. Nonetheless, it remains an enduring feature—a silent guardian against fraud and a nod to the artistry and integrity of British coinage.
The phrase’s roots stretch even further back than the 17th century. Scholars generally agree that Evelyn drew the phrase from classical Latin literature, most likely from Virgil’s Aeneid. In one passage, the words “viro decus et tutamen in armis” appear, describing a richly adorned breastplate worn in battle—a source of both pride and protection. By invoking this phrase, Evelyn connected Britain’s currency to the grandeur and tradition of the ancient world, emphasizing the symbolic and practical strength of the coinage.
Investing in Guineas
Considered the elite British Gold coins, the Gold Guineas are akey piece of British history and have maintained their premiums through the ages
