Description:
English copper penny, second issue, 1797
Diameter 35mm
The obverse is very worn but features the draped laureate bust of George III facing right. The inscription reads 'GEORGIUS III.D:G.REX', Latin for 'George III By the Grace of God, King'. The reverse is also barely legible but features Britannia seated and facing left. She holds an olive branch in her right hand and has a shield at her side with the Union Jack, representing the union of England and Scotland. Britannia is seated on a boulder by the sea with Poseidon's trident in her left hand. The inscription reads 'BRITANNIA' and the date is below. The coin bears the Soho mintmark and is part of the 'Cartwheel' coinage, so called because of the raised ridge around the outside.