The reign of Queen Elizabeth II was one of rapid modernisation, as the post-war years gave way to the vibrant fashion, music, film and creativity that has dominated the cultural landscape since the 1960s.
Britannia also adapted to reflect the ever-changing world of the nation’s longest reigning monarch, moving in step with the evolving nature of Britain and her people, the epitome of ‘Cool Britannia’.
Britannia also holds a long association with British coinage, first appearing on farthings issued in 1672. She was a constant presence on the nation’s coins until 2008, when a new set of definitive designs were revealed that did not feature this great female symbol of British identity.
Britannia remained a notable absentee from the nation’s change until 2015 when, in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II becoming the longest reigning monarch in British history, a new definitive £2 coin was released featuring a bold Britannia on its reverse, complete with her familiar helmet, trident and shield.