In a nice change from the tsunami of popular culture coins it produces, the New Zealand Mint debuted a series in May, of one-ounce coloured silver coins, called Women in History. The first of them was a literal giant of the scientific world – the double Nobel Prize winning physicist, Marie Curie. A great first subject, but women’s contribution to civilisation isn’t just in the world of science, but also in war.

Boudicca was a first century Celtic queen, specifically of the Iceni tribe in Briton, who led her people in an attempt to overthrow the Roman occupiers. Her husband was an ally of Rome, but on his death, he left his kingdom jointly to his daughters, and to Rome. But typically, Rome just annexed the land, flogging Boudicca and raping her daughters. Understandably, she initiated an uprising, brutally rampaging through the south-east, and levelling both Colchester, and London. She was defeated by a smaller, but more disciplined Roman force, allegedly committing suicide soon after. She remains a British icon to this day.

A nice image of Boudicca adorns the reverse, flame-haired, and wearing the blue wode dye on her face. In the background is a scene from before her fateful battle, where she is depicted on a chariot, dressed in garb associated to her by the Victorians, and similar to that of many national personifications today. Packaging is excellent, and the 2,000 mintage seems sensible. An interesting series, and one that seems to be spreading its net wide for subjects. Available from today.

LINKS: NEW ZEALAND MINT