HELP, IM STUMPED

[Martymart]

Hello,

Im looking at an 1877 British Penny. To the left of Britannia is a lighthouse, to the right of Britannia there is a ship. Google may be good but it cannot answer this question. What is the significance of the lighthouse and the ship on British coins?

Any clues or pointers on this quest would be most appreciated

[1949threepence]

"Britannia rules the waves" - in the Victorian era the British empire was truly at its height, and we actually did "rule the waves". The reverse design of the bun penny features Britannia seated and the accompanying ship and lighthouse reflect the ruling the waves sentiment (fact as well).

That would be my theory at any rate, although I must confess I can't find too much written down about it. 

  

[1949threepence]

Just as a rider to the above.

In his book "The Bronze coinage of Great Britain", Michael Freeman says that the lighthouse is believed to represent the Eddystone Lighthouse (which is about 12 miles SSW of Plymouth Sound), and the ship is thought to represent "The Golden Hind" (Drake's 16th century ship which circumnavigated the globe).    

  

Edited February 1, 2016 by 1949threepence
typos

[Bronze & Copper Collector]

On 2/1/2016 at 3:52 AM, 1949threepence said:

"Britannia rules the waves" - in the Victorian era the British empire was truly at its height, and we actually did "rule the waves". The reverse design of the bun penny features Britannia seated and the accompanying ship and lighthouse reflect the ruling the waves sentiment (fact as well).

That would be my theory at any rate, although I must confess I can't find too much written down about it. 

  

I would concur with this assessment.....

[Coinbuyer555]

Nice design on the old 2d coins though.

[copper123]

Maybe the lighthouse signifies the fact we are an island nation allbeit in a very different form.