THE COINS & TOKENS OF BRITANNIA

For the copper coinage of George IV, Britannia, for some reason was turned around to face right instead of left. The sea, waves and ship also disappeared, although the trident remained. On the ‘First Issue’ copper farthings, from 1821 to 1826, a lion is shown seated at Britannia’s feet.

She is also shown wearing a corinthian helmet, which, combined with the notable absence of the olive branch of peace indicates a military aspect, bragging about Britain’s naval power. The helmet was to remain as a permanent feature. The Union Flag was more accurately rendered with three crosses, previously it was only shown with two. This version of Britannia was engraved by William Wyon

These farthings were the first British coins issued bearing the