Description

Though she graced coins of the Roman Emperors, Britannia began to feature prominently in contemporary drama and literature during the reign of Elizabeth I, symbolizing the growing maritime empire of the Tudor Queen. In 1636, John Selden defended Britain’s claim to the four surrounding seas by pointing out that Roman coins showed Britannia seated amidst the waves thus putting her on the coinage of Charles II solidified Britain’s claim as a naval power. She has graced Britain’s coinage ever since. When the Royal Mint entered the bullion market in 1987 it is only fitting that the immortal lady Britannia provide both the coin’s name and serve as its iconic representation of Britain itself.