The Royal Mint has unveiled the first coin depicting Britannia as a woman of colour.

The limited edition coin is one of two new designs created by the artist PJ Lynch to .

Britannia, the national personification of Britain, first appeared on coins under the 2nd century Roman emperor Hadrian, when she was depicted carrying a spear and shield. The use of Britannia on coins was revived under King Charles II when her shield bore the crosses of St George and St Andrew and she carried an olive branch as well as a spear. Later modifications have included the replacement of her spear with a trident and the addition of a lion.

Last year the Royal Mint announced a commitment to ensuring greater diversity on British coins and unveiled a new 50 pence, with the phrase . Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, said that he requested the mint introduce the 50p to celebrate the campaign, which works for fair representation of minorities' contributions in all walks of life.

Mint officials said that the 2021 Britannia builds on its commitment, .

Describing both the design showing Britannia as a woman of colour, in profile, and a design, depicting a white Britannia with a lion, Lynch, said:

Lynch added:

Lynch, who is also a children's book illustrator, added:

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All change for coin that reflects modern Britain from Royal Mint(https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/all-change-for-coin-that-reflects-modern-britain-from-royal-mint-5pdb2sznj)