Pobjoy Mint — British Indian Ocean Territory: Ninth £2 coin in “Queen’s Beast” series features the Black Bull of Clarence

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The treasury of the British Indian Ocean Territory has released their ninth coin which is part of the 2021-dated commemorative coin series entitled the “Queen’s Beasts.” Based on 10 heraldic mythical or actual animals representing the genealogy of Queen Elizabeth II, each one is depicted as a royal 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. As part of the Queen’s coronation festivities, 10 statues representing the beasts were commissioned and placed at the sovereign’s entrance of Westminster Abbey in 1953.

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 bull’s torso with a shield at the right-hand side showing the Royal Arms of England used for over 200 years. The shield has two quarters with the gold lions of England, adopted by Richard I, and the other two with the golden lilies of France, added by Edward III to support his claim to the French throne. Above the primary design is the text THE BLACK BULL OF CLARENCE 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 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 other coins in the series, please visit the website of the Pobjoy Mint.

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