One of the most powerful symbolic figures in the world, Britannia was the symbol of one of history’s greatest empires, and particularly of the powerful navy that kept it alive. Well known in numismatic circles for many years, most recently on the Royal Mint’s silver and gold bullion coins, as well as its impressive new proof series, of which the 2014 entrant was arguably the finest coin design of last year. Long seen as the personification of British values, it was back in 1740 that James Thomson penned the poem that was set to music by Thomas Augustine Arne, and a rousing patriotic song was born.

The coin is struck in a standard ounce of sterling silver and depicts Britannia in the way that we expect, wearing the famous helmet and carrying the trident. With the inscription ‘BRITANNIA RULES THE WAVES’ around the upper rim, we’re left in no doubt what the subject of the coin is. Limited to a maximum of 10,000 pieces, this is possibly the finest design the Pobjoy Mint has released over the last few month’s and is always a popular subject matter. Selling for £58.29 plus tax (£69.95 in the UK), a cheaper copper-nickel version is also available for £12.46 plus tax, although that has an unlimited mintage. Available to order now.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

Pobjoy Mint is delighted to announce the release of a stunning new commemorative coin on behalf of the Falkland Islands Government which commemorates the 275th Anniversary of the Composition of Rule Britannia and features an image of the iconic female figure, Britannia.

‘Rule, Britannia!” is a patriotic British song which originated from the poem Rule Britannia by James Thomson and was set to music by Thomas Arne in 1740.  The song is strongly associated with the Royal Navy, but also used by the British Army.  This British tune was originally included in Alfred, a performance about Alfred the Great was first performed at Cliveden, the country home of Frederick, Prince of Wales on 1st August 1740, to commemorate the accession of his father George II and the third birthday of the Princess Augusta.

The design on the coin features a side portrait of Britannia in the foreground holding a trident, the female personification of the British Isles who is seen as a symbol of British unity, liberty and strength.  The waves of the sea are shown in the background. The obverse of the coin features an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley.

This stunning new coin is available in Cupro Nickel and Proof Sterling Silver.  The coins are struck to the highest quality with the precious metal versions being produced with a stunning ‘proof’ finish.  The design on each coin is in relief with a glorious mirror-finish background.

Unique presentation box and certificate.

RULE BRITANNIA

Rule, Britannia! Britannia, rule the waves!
Britons never, never, never shall be slaves.

When Britain first, at heaven’s command,
Arose from out the azure main,
This was the charter of the land,
And Guardian Angels sang this strain:

(Chorus)

The nations not so blest as thee
Must, in their turn, to tyrants fall,
While thou shalt flourish great and free:
The dread and envy of them all.

(Chorus)

Still more majestic shalt thou rise,
More dreadful from each foreign stroke,
As the loud blast that tears the skies
Serves but to root thy native oak.

(Chorus)

Thee haughty tyrants ne’er shall tame;
All their attempts to bend thee down
Will but arouse thy generous flame,
But work their woe and thy renown.

(Chorus)

To thee belongs the rural reign;
Thy cities shall with commerce shine;
All thine shall be the subject main,
And every shore it circles, thine.

(Chorus)

The Muses, still with freedom found,
Shall to thy happy coasts repair.
Blest isle! with matchless beauty crowned,
And manly hearts to guard the fair.

(Chorus)
Rule, Britannia! Britannia, rule the waves!
Britons never, never, never shall be slaves.

ADVERTISEMENTS

icon
icon
iconicon
iconicon

SPECIFICATION

DENOMINATION COMPOSITION WEIGHT DIAMETER FINISH MINTAGE BOX / COA
ONE CROWN 0.925 SILVER 28.28 g 38.60 mm PROOF 10,000 YES / YES