Letter to Britannia
Sir: May I add a small postscript to Strix's ad- mirable `Letter to Britannia' (2 February)? Upon my recently upending a collection bag, thought to contain only West German five and ten pfennig pieces, there was immediately and proudly revealed to view among them our 'Lady of the Rock.' Her blunter barbs seemed no impediment, her now more sober headgear quite appropriate. Strix would indeed have been proud of her at that
moment. The way in which she effortlessly lorded (or should it be ladied?) it over her small, drab, utilitarian companions did this exile's heart good! The pound may be in a parlous state, most coinage only a cupro-nickel mockery, but Britannia, bless her, can still most ably hold her own. • Let's start a movement, Brother Strix—away with trends to decimalise, devalue and demote. Why not a band devoted to the penny? A trifle cumber- some, perhaps, in international finance, to have our dealings all in pence. But if this goal is un- attainable, at least we could try to ensure her living on when new coins try and jostle this grand lady from our hearts.
T. E. W. Baldry
483 Gutersloh, Alsen Strasse 14A, West Germany
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