The Britannia Designs

[damian1986]

I've just finished reading an article written by Katherine Eustace entitled Britannia: Some High Points in the History of the Iconography on British Coinage. It traces the history of the Britannia designs and suggests that the designs evolution was greatly inspired by significant social, political and economic factors. It's an interesting read with a handful of plates.

So I'm wondering - which of the Britannia designs is your favourite?

Britannia first appears in Roman coins.

With the restoration of the monarchy Britannia appears first in a medal (1660)

and then in a number of farthing patterns.

[damian1986]

The 1665 pattern, inscription Quatuor Maria Vindico ("I claim the four seas"),



was probably the one used for the 1672 currency farthing.

[damian1986]

1797 saw the introduction of the trident to the pennies and two pence coins.



The William Wyon designs are a whole discussion in themselves. My (overwhelming) favourite is the reverse of the Pestrucci-head farthings of George IV.

[damian1986]

Later we see the Victorian bunhead reverse



and in 1953 the penny reverse got a slight redesign, borrowing form the Victorian bunhead Britannia (a lighthouse appears and more drapery).

[damian1986]

The 1902 florin - Britannia emancipated...



In 1987 52 designs by 14 designers were submitted to the mint. The winner was Philip Nathan. His 1987 Britannia design is based on the 1902 florin.



Credit to Coin Gallery and Coin Quest for some of these images.

[Peckris]

I've always liked the 'wardrobe slip' B ritannias

[Rob]

This is my favourite Britannia design.

[Peckris]

Me too Rob - I was holding back on my post

[Coinery]

This is my favourite Britannia design.

Where's the olive branch?

[Rob]

Dunno.

Who cares?

Edited January 26, 2014 by Rob

[Garrett]

Where's the olive branch?

Where's the king ??

[Accumulator]

Excellent, Rob. That'll take some beating!

[Garrett]

As far as circulation coins go I really like the Edwardian florin Britannia.

I like the first reverse of the George IV farthing too (as a whole).

But any Britannia where her face doesn't look too male will do.

cheers Garrett.

[Rob]

Or if you feel uncomfortable with such a blatant show, here is a semi-clad Britannia.

[Coinery]

Where's the olive branch?

Where's the king ??

'Round the back!

[Rob]

Or for the more reserved.

[Coinery]

Or if you feel uncomfortable with such a blatant show, here is a semi-clad Britannia.

This is my favourite Britannia so far! You'd have to have it in UNC, though, it wouldn't be the same otherwise!

[Rob]

That one went as I had a nicer one.

[Rob]

Here is the halfpenny struck from the dies as originally acquired by Taylor before the rust was polished off. For those who like Britannia a bit rough - geddit.

[Accumulator]

Another example of the wardrobe malfunction posted by Peck. A bit less flat-chested than Rob's!

Edited January 26, 2014 by Accumulator

[Colin G.]

This is my favourite Britannia design.

I like the way Britannia is picking George out as the culprit for removing her clothing!!

[Accumulator]

Or there's Britannia on the 'throne':

[Sword]

Or if you feel uncomfortable with such a blatant show, here is a semi-clad Britannia.

This is my favourite Britannia so far! You'd have to have it in UNC, though, it wouldn't be the same otherwise!

This is indeed a beautiful design with a graceful Britannia.

[Sword]

This is my favourite Britannia design.

I have zero knowledge with copper coins. Is this a token of some kind or an official pattern?

[Colin G.]

Or there's Britannia on the 'throne':