Three Gold Coins Presented Side by Side

Embodiment of the nation 

A unifying symbol, the image of Britannia was revived for the coinage of Charles II in a bid to inspire the nation in the face of impending crisis. Even today she remains a rallying point during uncertain times or moments of celebration. Over the years the Britannia coin has served as a canvas for some of Britain’s most talented artists. For 2018, David Lawrence, whose designs include contributions to our five-year series commemorating the centenary of the First World War, turns to Ancient Rome for inspiration, restoring Britannia to her roots in this unashamedly classical portrait.