Who is Britannia on the Coins?
04/09/2024Daniel Fisher
Britannia gold and silver coins are amongst our most popular bullion coins as they represent great value and tax efficiency. They’re also hugely admired for their stunning aesthetics and detailing. But who exactly is the figure depicted as Britannia who features not only on these precious metal coins, but also on some of the UK’s currency coinage?
Britannia has long been a symbol of strength and unity for the British Isles, but it’s more than just an image on coins; she embodies the spirit and resilience of Britain, a symbol that has evolved over centuries yet remains as relevant today as ever. In this blog post, we’ll explore the fascinating history of Britannia, her role on British coins, and why she continues to be an enduring emblem of British identity.
The Origins of Britannia
Britannia is a long-standing symbol, stretching back to ancient times. To understand her significance on modern coins, we first need to explore her roots in Roman mythology and how her image transformed through the centuries.
Britannia in Roman Mythology
The story of Britannia begins with the Roman Empire, where she was first conceived as a personification of the British Isles. In 43AD Romain Britain referred to the area of land below what is known today as Scotland. In 197AD this became divided into 4 provinces, two of which were classed as Britannia Superior, with the other two as Britannia Inferior.
The name “Britannia” itself is derived from the Latin term “Britannicae”, used by the Romans to describe the land they encountered across the English Channel. Roman mythology portrays a goddess called Minerva, who is popularly known as the torchbearer of arts, commerce, strategy and wisdom. The image of Britannia was based on the goddess Minerva and came to personify the British Isles over the years. Depicted as a goddess-like figure, Britannia was often shown wearing a helmet, holding a spear, and seated beside a shield, symbolizing the strength and protection of the Roman province.
In Roman mythology, Britannia was not just a geographical term but a symbol of the Roman conquest and control over the British Isles. The earliest depictions of Britannia appeared on Roman coins issued during the reign of Emperor Hadrian around AD 119. These coins featured a seated female figure representing the Roman province, marking the beginning of Britannia’s long association with currency.
Britannia’s Evolution Through the Ages
As the centuries passed and the Roman Empire’s influence waned, Britannia evolved beyond her origins in Roman mythology. After the invasion of England by the Anglo-Saxons, the ethnicity of the country changed drastically, with the exodus of the original Celtic Britons. However, years later, Queen Elizabeth I combined England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. This significantly increased the nation’s naval power, and the image of Britannia was restored as a representation of the nation’s formidable power.
This evolution continued through the Victorian era, when Britannia became a key symbol of the British Empire. During this period, she was often depicted as a guardian of the seas, reflecting Britain’s dominance as a maritime nation. This period reinforced the meaning of the song “Rule, Britannia”, which as we all know, “ruled the waves”! Britannia’s image during this era expanded to coins, stamps, and other official representations, solidifying her role as a national icon.
Through these transformations, Britannia retained her core attributes—strength, unity, and resilience—while her image adapted to the changing tides of history. Today, Britannia continues to be a powerful symbol on British coins, representing the enduring legacy of a nation steeped in history and tradition.
Britannia’s Appearance on British Coins
Britannia’s iconic image has graced British coins for centuries, symbolizing the nation’s strength and unity. From her earliest depictions during Roman rule to her continued presence on modern currency, Britannia’s appearance on coins reflects both her historical significance and her enduring role in British culture.
Early Appearances of Britannia on Coins
Britannia first appeared on coins during the Roman occupation of Britain, around AD 119. These early coins, issued under Emperor Hadrian, depicted Britannia as a seated figure holding a spear and shield, symbolizing Roman authority over the British Isles. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Britannia’s image faded from currency, only to be revived in the 17th century during the reign of King Charles II. In 1672, Britannia was reintroduced on the farthing, marking the start of her long-standing association with British coinage.
Britannia on Modern British Currency
In modern times, Britannia has continued to be a prominent figure on British coins. Her most notable reappearance came with the decimalization of the British pound in 1971, where she was featured on the 50p coin. Over the years, Britannia’s image has evolved, with various artists offering their interpretations of this timeless symbol. In 1987, the Royal Mint introduced the Britannia bullion coins, where her image is updated regularly, showcasing her enduring legacy in British currency.
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Which Coins Currently Feature Britannia?
Britannia remains a central figure on several of today’s British coins, symbolizing the nation’s enduring strength and heritage. Her image graces not only everyday currency but also special bullion and commemorative coins, each with unique designs that keep the tradition alive.
The Britannia Bullion Coins
The Britannia bullion coins are among the most iconic representations of Britannia in modern British currency. Introduced by the Royal Mint in 1987, these coins are available in gold, silver, and platinum, with Britannia’s image updated regularly. The designs often depict her standing strong against the waves, reflecting Britain’s naval history. Each coin possesses a Sterling face value, qualifying them as legal tender.
In 2021, the Royal Mint introduced high-tech security features to the Britannia bullion coins, making them some of the most secure in the world. These new features include micro-text, a latent image that changes from a trident to a padlock depending on the angle, and a surface animation effect that brings the waves around Britannia to life. These innovations increase the value of Britannia coins by ensuring their authenticity.
Since 2013, Britannia bullion coins were upgraded from 22 carat precious metals to 24 carat. This change was implemented to widen their appeal to the lucrative Asian market who prefer coins to be pure rather than allowed with lesser metals. This contributes to the Britannia’s appeal as an investment when compared to the Royal Mint’s smaller bullion coin the Sovereign, which is 22 carat.
The £2 Coin
Britannia made a significant return to circulating currency in 2015 when she was reintroduced on the £2 coin. This marked the first time Britannia had appeared on a circulating coin since the decimalization of the pound in 1971. The design shows Britannia standing with a shield and trident, embodying strength and protection. Her presence on the £2 coin symbolizes the stability and resilience of the British nation, and she continues to be a permanent feature on this denomination.
Commemorative Coins
In addition to the bullion and £2 coins, Britannia often appears on special commemorative coins released by the Royal Mint. These limited-edition coins celebrate significant events and milestones in British history, often featuring unique and intricate designs of Britannia. While there has been no official confirmation that Britannia will return to the 50 pence piece in the near future, her image remains a powerful and adaptable symbol that could very well make another appearance on circulating 50p coins.
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Symbolism and Significance of Britannia
Britannia is more than just a figure on coins; she embodies the spirit, strength, and values of the British nation. Her symbolism has evolved over the centuries, but she remains a powerful representation of Britain’s identity and influence, both at home and abroad.
What Britannia Represents
Britannia symbolizes a range of ideals that have been central to the British identity for centuries. She is often associated with strength, resilience, and unity, representing the enduring spirit of the British people. Her trident reflects Britain’s naval prowess, while the shield she carries signifies protection and defence. Britannia’s image is also a nod to Britain’s imperial past, evoking the nation’s once-vast empire and its role as a global power. Over time, Britannia has come to symbolize not just military strength but also peace, stability, and the rule of law.
Some of the frequently updated depictions of Britannia on the bullion coins, stretches the symbolisation further. For instance, the 1997 “Charioteer” version is suggestive of the famous female warrior queen Boudicca. Meanwhile 2001s design with “Una & the Lion” was inspired by Queen Victoria’s power and sovereignty.
Britannia in British Culture
Beyond her appearance on coins, Britannia has become a cultural icon, woven into the fabric of British art, literature, and even propaganda. During times of war, Britannia was often depicted in posters and artwork, rallying the nation with her steadfast presence.
She has appeared in various forms, from statues and paintings to stamps and banknotes, always representing the core values of the British Isles.
In literature and music, Britannia is frequently invoked as a symbol of national pride. The famous patriotic song “Rule, Britannia!” celebrates her as a protector of British freedom and dominance of the seas.
Today, Britannia remains a beloved figure, her image instantly recognizable and deeply connected to the British national identity. Her continued presence on coins and in other forms of media reflects her lasting significance in British culture.
Fun Facts About Britannia on Coins
Britannia’s presence on British coins is not just historically significant but also full of interesting tidbits that add to her charm. Here are some fun facts about Britannia’s journey on coins through the years:
Britannia’s First Appearance
Britannia first appeared on Roman coins nearly 2,000 years ago, making her one of the oldest figures to be featured on currency.
A Royal Inspiration
The design of Britannia on the farthing coin in 1672 was inspired by Frances Stewart, Duchess of Richmond, a celebrated beauty at the court of King Charles II.
Decimalization Era
With the decimalization of British currency in 1971, Britannia was featured on the 50p coin, making her a familiar sight in everyday transactions for many Britons.
Britannia Coin Tax Benefits
All precious metal versions of the Britannia coin, including fractional coins, have their own Sterling face value. This addition deems any profits made on buying and selling bullion Britannias as Capital Gains Tax free.
Security Innovation
The 2021 Britannia bullion coins introduced state-of-the-art security features, including micro-text and a latent image, setting a new standard for coin security. These details put the Britannia coin as top-of-class for production expertise.
Changing Faces
Over the centuries, Britannia’s image has been reimagined numerous times, with each artist bringing their own interpretation to her appearance, from serene and peaceful to strong and resolute.
Special Editions
Britannia has been featured on several limited-edition coins, including commemorative coins celebrating events such as the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar in 2005.
Global Reach
While Britannia is a symbol of Britain, her coins, especially the Britannia bullion coins, are popular with collectors and investors around the world, showcasing her international appeal. This global reach is enhanced by the collectability of the frequently redesigned Britannia image and the upgrade to using pure gold and silver.
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View productsFAQs
Why is Britain called Britannia?
Britain is called Britannia because the name originates from the Latin term “Britannia”, used by the Romans to describe the British Isles. It stems from the native Brittonic word “Pretani”, meaning “the painted ones.” Over time, Britannia was personified as a symbol of Britain, depicted as a warrior goddess with a helmet, shield, and trident.
Who is Britannia based on?
Britannia is based on the Roman goddess Minerva, symbolizing wisdom and warfare. The figure represents the British Isles and was inspired by Roman depictions of conquered provinces. Over time, Britannia evolved into a national symbol of strength, unity, and maritime power, often depicted with a helmet, shield, and trident.
How did Britannia become England?
Britannia, the Roman province established in AD 43, became the foundation for modern England after the Romans withdrew in the early 5th century. The subsequent Anglo-Saxon settlement transformed the region, leading to the formation of early English kingdoms, which eventually unified to become England.
Is Britannia’s shape meant to look like Britain?
No, Britannia’s shape is not meant to resemble the geographical outline of Britain. Instead, she is a personification of the British Isles, depicted as a warrior figure with a helmet, shield, and trident, symbolizing strength, protection, and maritime power rather than the land’s physical shape.
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