England 1 penny - II

1 penny, 1913

Metal: Bronze
Diameter: 30.8mm
Ruler:George V
Reverse: Britannia seated


1 penny, 1964

Metal: Bronze
Diameter: 30.8mm
Ruler: Elizabeth II
Reverse: Britannia seated

Britannia is an ancient term for Great Britain, and also a female avatar of the country. The Roman empire began its conquest of Great Britain in 43 AD,they established a province called Britannia. The group of islands of and around Britain were called as Britannia on the name of the Roman colony. Later on Britannia came to be used for Britain alone, and the Celts were called Britons. Britannia was personified as a goddess armed with a shield and spear in the 2nd century, and this name and symbolism survived the withdrawal of the Romans in the fifth century.

1 penny, 1996

Reverse shows a portcullis, an old gate used as a last line of defence in fortresses.