In November 1942, the SS Tilawaa British cargo and passenger ship operated by the British India Steam Navigation Companywas on a journey from Bombay to Durban when it was sunk by a Japanese submarine. Its cargo included nearly 2,400 silver bars weighing close to 60 tons. After spending decades on the ocean floor, the silver was recovered in 2017 and used to mint a distinctive 2025 British Silver Britannia with a commemorative privy mark. BGASC is proud to offer the 2025 1 oz Tilawa Privy British Silver Britannia Coin featuring this historic silver.

Highlights:

• Comes in an individual plastic flip!
• 29th year of the British Silver Britannia release!
• Contains silver salvaged from the SS Tilawa shipwreck!
• Special edition with a Tilawa anchor privy!
• 1 Troy oz of .999 pure silver in Brilliant Uncirculated condition.
• Legal tender of 2 Pounds (GBP), backed by the UK.
• Obverse shows King Charles III.
• Reverse shows Britannia and the Tilawa privy.
• A coin with both history and craftsmanship!

The 2025 1 oz Tilawa Privy British Silver Britannia Coin is available here in Brilliant Uncirculated condition and comes with a protective flip. These coins were created by The Royal Mint using silver recovered from the SS Tilawa after more than 70 years underwater. A unique privy mark has been added to commemorate the coins link to the lost treasure.

Obverse

The obverse of the coin displays King Charles III in a left-facing profile. This portrait, designed by Martin Jennings, does not include a crown, in keeping with other Commonwealth mint designs. Its the first depiction of the king to appear on Royal Mint coinage.

Reverse

On the reverse, the classic Britannia image is joined by a special Tilawa-themed privy. Britannia, originally designed by Philip Nathan in 1987, holds her standard position while the privy mark showcases an anchor encircled by the words S.S. Tilawa and the year 1942.

History

Argentum Exploration Ltd., a professional recovery company, led the successful operation to bring the silver back to the surface. Using high-tech sonar and robotic vehicles, the team recovered the treasure from a depth of over 2,700 meters. Sadly, 280 lives were lost in the attack, with 732 people aboard the vessel at the time.

Ordering

For any questions about this collectible release, BGASC customer service is here to help at 888-992-4272, through our web chat, or via email.