Britannia and the Romans
It was perhaps Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and of war, who set the pattern for the powerful maidens who, like Britannia, personify the traits and characteristics of the nation they represent. Read more...
Her Debut on English Coins
By the seventeenth century, nearly 1,500 years had passed since the figure of Britannia had graced the coins of the Roman Emperors. Her revival for Charles II after such a long absence is not perhaps as curious as it seems. Read more...
Britannia in the Queen's Reign
By the time the Queen came to the throne in 1952, Britannia had, for almost 300 years, been an enduring feature of British coinage. Having graced the copper halfpennies and farthings since the time of Charles II, Read more...
The evocative figure of Britannia has long been a symbol of national pride. She made her debut on the coins of the Romans and has, from Tudor times, beautifully symbolised an empire based on maritime power. Britannia - great and free - has fascinated artists and sculptors throughout her long history and remains today a favourite icon for stamps, medals and, of course, coins.
Find out more about her enduring presence on our coinage in these three revealing articles.