Old british penny reverse

High Resolution JPEG Picture of Old British penny (reverse). In 1904, when this coin was minted, small-value British coins such as this one were known as 'coppers'. This is the reverse (back) of the coin, displaying the lady Britannia. Britannia has been a symbol of Britain since the early 1700s, a personification of the martial Britannia and an emblem of British imperial power and unity. The obverse (front) of this coin, in worn / used condition and photographed in natural window light, shows the head of King Edward VII who reigned from 1901 to 1910. It displays the Latin words EDWARDVS VII DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX FID: DEF: IND: IMP: This translates to (Edward VII by the grace of God King of all the British territories, Defender of the Faith and Emperor of India). The old British penny is the source of many well-known phrases, such as 'penny-pinching' (tight with money) and 'penny wise, pound foolish' (considerate over small purchases, but rash with large ones).