United Kingdom: First gold and silver bullion release in popular “Tudor Beasts” collector series features Lion of England 

The Royal Mint has released the first design which begins the bullion version of their new “Tudor Beasts” coin series. This range follows the immense success of the “Queen’s Beasts” series issued from 2016 to 2021, which included Proof gold and silver releases, later the release of bullion gold and silver versions. The Tudor Beasts focus on the heraldry associated with the Tudor Dynasty which reigned in England until 1603. The dynasty began with the accession of Henry VII Tudor in 1485 and saw the infamous Henry VIII succeed his father in 1509. The Tudors are also remembered in history for England’s first Queen Regnant, Mary I, who succeeded her brother Edward VI in 1553. She was succeeded by her younger sister, the famed Elizabeth I (known as Gloriana), who reigned from 1558 until her death in 1603. The dynasty was succeeded on the English throne by the Stuarts in the person of Scottish King James VI, known in England as James I.

The series will comprise 10 mythical and ancestral beasts which are prevalent in Heraldry and depict the statues displayed at Hampton Court Palace, chosen by King Henry VIII to line the approach of the Great Gatehouse over the Moat Bridge of his favourite home. With two designs released each year until completion, the series is scheduled to conclude towards the end of 2026.

Designed by David Lawrence, the motif on the reverse recreates one of the first beasts to flank the parapets of the Moat Bridge. The stone statue of the Lion of England is depicted holding a shield bearing a combination of two coats of arms of Henry VIII and his third wife, Jane Seymour, symbolising the strength of the couple’s union. The text above the primary design reads LION OF ENGLAND with the bullion versions also including the metal, weight, and fineness. Below is the year of release, 2022. The obverse side depicts the fifth effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Jody Clark and in use of all British commemorative and circulation type coins since 2015. The coins’ denomination is included as part of the legend surrounding the Queen’s likeness.

Denom.	Metal	Weight	Diameter	Quality	Maximum Mintage
Five pounds	.9999 Silver	62.2 g	38.6 mm	Bullion	To meet demand
25 pounds	.9999 Gold	7.77 g	22 mm	Bullion
10 pounds	.9999 Gold	31.1 g	32.6 mm	Bullion

Each individual gold quarter-ounce and one-ounce coin is encapsulated or available in sealed tubes in quantities of 10 coins and 10 tubes (one ounce) and 25 coins and 20 tubes (quarter ounce). Each individual silver two-ounce coin is enclosed in a vinyl flip or available in tubes of 10 coins and 20 tubes per strongbox. Both options are also available in quantities of up to 100 coins enclosed in secure cases. For additional information, please visit the website of the Royal Mint.

The coins are also available from a network of international bullion distributors.

The Lion of England Proof collector range is available from the Royal Mint here.

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