Six 19th-century coins and tokens were unearthed beneath HMS Victory’s foremast during a phase of a decade-long, 42 million restoration. A 750-tonne crane removed the mizzen, foremast, and bowsprit from Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson’s flagship at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Conservationists discovered the coins after the masts were lifted. The coins were traditionally placed beneath a ship’s mast to bestow good fortune and protection on the vessel and its crew. The find links the ship to a maritime tradition stretching back thousands of years. The discovery was made by museum operations staff and conservationists working on the restoration process.
"A fascinating glimpse into maritime superstition has emerged from HMS Victory, as six 19th-century coins and tokens were unearthed beneath the warship's foremast. The discovery came during the latest phase of a decade-long, 42 million restoration, which saw a 750-tonne crane meticulously remove the mizzen, foremast, and bowsprit from Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson's iconic flagship at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Conservationists made the find after the masts were lifted, revealing the coins, which were traditionally placed there to bestow good fortune upon the vessel and its crew."
"Conservationists made the find after the masts were lifted, revealing the coins, which were traditionally placed there to bestow good fortune upon the vessel and its crew. Andrew Baines, executive director of museum operations at Royal Navy Museums, said: We are incredibly excited to have discovered six coins beneath the fore lower mast of HMS Victory. This find connects us directly to a maritime tradition stretching back thousands of years."
"The placing of coins beneath a ship's mast has long been seen as a symbolic act, often associated with protection and good fortune for the vessel and her crew. After their removal, conservationists found the coins which had been placed under the for"
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