The most recent Britannia.

Obverse

In 2015, the UK redesigned their coins to include a new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The fifth crowned portrait was designed by Jody Clark. With the £2 coin being bimetallic, the portrait neatly fits in the central area with the text around the edge. The text reads “ELIZABETH II·DEI·GRA·REG·FID·DEF·2020·”, which expands to “Elizabeth II Dei Gratia Regina Fidei Defensatrix”. This translates to “Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God Queen Defender of the Faith”.

Reverse

The reverse features the value around the top-left edge, but most of the area is devoted to a close up of Britannia holding her trident and shield. It is a different image of the personification of Britain, bringing a modern look to an ancient image. So who is Britannia?

Britannia

One of the most well-known designs on coins is that of “Brittania“. The personification of Great Britain goes back to Roman times. In depicting Britania as a goddess, and in defeating part of the British Isles, it presented the Roman victory as defeating not only another piece of land, but defeating a goddess. She appeared on several Roman coins, particular starting with Hadrian, who built a wall across the area of Britain he conquered. Following the decline of the Roman Empire, the symbol could be reclaimed by the British as a symbol of national pride and power. She reappeared during the reign of Elizabeth I (Reign: 1558-1603). Britannia first appeared on British coins in 1672 under Charles II.

The last Britannia?

In late 2023, the Royal Mint unveiled a new Definitive coin set. That is, a new regular circulating set of coins the nation will use. Circulating commemorative designs will still be struck each year, but the definitive coins are the standard set of coins otherwise produced. This new set, featuring King Charles III, is based around flora and fauna. It no longer features Britannia. So, is this £2 the last time Britannia will grace currency? While we are yet to find out, for now, she is still to be found on UK Bullion coins produced by the Royal Mint.

Britannia is still found on the new UK Banknotes which will feature King Charles III. (Look in the security circle in the bottom-left of each banknote image on that page).