Jernegan's Lottery Medal 1736

John Sigismund Tanner created this medal in the 18th century to commemorate Jernegan’s Lottery. At the heart of this silver medal stands Britannia, spear in hand, a figure born from ancient Roman personifications of the British Isles. She signifies the nation itself. But notice how she has metamorphosed over centuries, from a fierce warrior queen to this more graceful, almost maternal symbol. This transformation echoes in other symbols of power. Consider the fallen weapons at her feet, reminiscent of vanquished foes in triumphal Roman reliefs. The globe symbolizes Britain's global reach. The subconscious pull of such imagery is undeniable. The lottery was an emotional gamble, a collective hope for fortune, cleverly packaged under the guise of national prosperity. Britannia promises stability and triumph, emotions as pertinent then as they were in ancient Rome. The medal encapsulates a cyclical narrative: symbols of power are resurrected, adapted, and imbued with new life. This lottery medal is a powerful symbol—it reveals Britain's imperial ambitions during the reign of King George.