Britannia is arguably the oldest and most famous symbol of Britain, with the invading Romans bringing the name and depiction of a female warrior to the country 2,000 years ago.  She was revived as the personification of Britain in Elizabethan times. This signalled the beginning of her naval associations and role as protector of the seas and shoreline, making her an increasingly important symbol of identity among Britons. However, it wasn’t until Charles II borrowed the figure from Elizabethan literature to use on his farthing and halfpenny coins that Britannia re-joined the nation’s coinage, where she has remained ever since.

Fine art student Louis Tamlyn’s Britannia for 2017 retains her ancient warrior queen attributes, representing a modern Britain that is evolving while rooted in history. To celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the gold Britannia coin, the design also features an anniversary trident mint mark with the number 30. The coin has a diameter of 50mm, is struck in five ounces of 999.9 fine gold and is finished to Proof standard. Presented in a Royal Mint case, it is accompanied by a booklet that explores the history of Britannia and inspiration behind the design, with 125 limited editions available.