Pobjoy Mint — British Indian Ocean Territory: Final £2 coin in popular “Queen’s Beasts” series features Falcon of Plantagenets  

The treasury of the British Indian Ocean Territory has released the 10th and final coin which is part of the 2021-dated commemorative coin series entitled the “Queen’s Beasts.” Commissioned as part of the Queen’s coronation festivities, 10 statues representing the genealogy of Queen Elizabeth II were placed at the Sovereign’s entrance of Westminster Abbey in 1953. Based on 10 heraldic mythical or actual animals, each one is depicted as a loyal supporter of England and is accompanied by a shield or crest bearing the badge or arms of a family associated with the ancestry of the British monarch.

The 10th and final coin depicts The Falcon of the Plantagenets. Known for their formidable speed and strength, falcons often symbolise ambition, aspiration, dominance, and victory. In some cultures, the falcon is associated with the sun, standing for its light and positive energy. As a symbol of freedom and victory, The Falcon of the Plantagenets is passed to the Queen through King Edward III (reigned 1327–1377), who used it first from the House of Plantagenet as his badge due to this love of hawking. The Falcon of the Plantagenets passed to Edward IV, who then took it on as his personal badge, with the falcon standing within an open fetterlock. Originally depicted as closed, the change to open referred to the struggle Edward IV had to obtain the throne.

The bi-metallic coins are produced by the Pobjoy Mint at their facilities in Surrey, England, on behalf of the treasury of the British Indian Ocean Territory. The design on the coin shows the falcon as it comes in for a landing, talons extended. The shield depicts a falcon sitting atop a golden fetterlock — a common symbol in heraldry. Originated by Edward III’s younger sons John of Gaunt and Edmund of Langley, it was previously shown locked in recognition of the line of succession. This one is partially open, signifying Edward’s claim to the throne and his struggle to advance it — he pushed the lock and took the throne. Above the primary design is the text THE FALCON OF THE PLANTAGENETS and below is the denomination of TWO POUNDS. The obverse side includes an effigy of HM Queen Elizabeth II as created by the Pobjoy Mint and is an exclusive design. The issuing authority BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY surrounds the Queen’s likeness and the year of issue 2021 is seen just below.

Denom.	Metal	Weight	Diameter	Quality	Mintage Limit
Two pounds	Bi-metallic	12 g	28.4 mm	Brilliant Unc.	2,750
Two pounds	.925 Silver	12 g	28.4 mm	Proof with gold plating	475

Each Brilliant Uncirculated coin is presented in a blister-type coin card format with informative text and images pertaining to the Black Bull of Clarence. The sterling silver Proof examples are encapsulated and presented in a custom case accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. For additional information about this coin and the others in the series, please visit the website of the Pobjoy Mint.

Orders will be dispatched from the 13th December 2021

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