Falkland Islands 2007 - 25th Anniversary of the Liberation - Unc. Cupro Nickel Coin

To commemorate the deliverance by British Forces of the Falklands Islands from Argentine occupation on 14th June 1982, Pobjoy Mint released a stunning coin on behalf of the Falkland Islands Government, depicting Britannia – the figure of national personification of the United Kingdom.

The name Britannia originates from around 300BC in a reference from Greek Explorer, Pytheas and was the preferred Roman term for Great Britain following the Island’s invasion by Julius Caesar in 55BC.  Britannia was personified by the Romans as a Goddess and in early portraits she appears as a beautiful young woman, wrapped in a white garment and wearing the helmet of a Centurion.  She often appeared seated on a rock and holding a spear with a spiked shield propped beside her.

Other representations exist including her riding on the back of a Lion or seated on a globe above the waves.  This spectacular coin depicts the Goddess of the British Isles against a map of the Falkland Islands, wearing her white robe and Roman helmet with the Union Flag cascading from her shoulders. Standing in a triumphant upright pose, Britannia holds Poseidon’s three-pronged trident in her outstretched arm and leans on a shield which bears the Falkland Islands Coat of Arms.