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⚓ Hidden beneath HMS Victory’s foremast for more than 130 years, six coins and tokens have finally been brought back into the light. Discovered during HMS Victory: The Big Repair, the finds include Victorian pennies and a remarkable 1835 Canadian token bearing the words Ships, Colonies and Commerce.
For centuries, placing coins beneath a ship’s mast was a maritime tradition believed to bring good fortune to the vessel and crew. The coins beneath HMS Victory then endured 132 years under around 50 tonnes of mast, rigging and history before being uncovered by specialist conservation teams.
From 23 May, see these extraordinary finds on display in the Victory Gallery at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and discover:
🪙 The six newly discovered coins and token beneath HMS Victory’s foremast
🔎 The X-ray analysis and conservation techniques used to reveal their identities beneath decades of corrosion
⚓ The maritime traditions linked to luck, protection and life at sea
🏴 HMS Victory: The Big Repair and the ongoing work preserving Nelson’s flagship for future generations These small objects carry big questions and offer a rare glimpse into the people who cared for HMS Victory long after Trafalgar. Included with a Portsmouth Historic Dockyard ticket. HMS Victory remains open throughout The Big Repair.
📅 On display from 23 May throughout summer
📍 Victory Gallery, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
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Event Venue
Visitor Centre, Victory Gate, PO1 3LJ Portsmouth, United Kingdom, The Hard Interchange, 34 The Hard, Portsmouth, PO1 3DT, United Kingdom
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