1/4 oz Great Britain Queen’s Beast Gold Coin (Year/Design Varies)

The Queen's Beasts gold coin series represents one of the Royal Mint's most ambitious and visually striking collections, drawing upon centuries of British royal heraldry. Launched in 2016, this ten-coin series pays homage to the magnificent statues that stood guard at Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953. Each statue, crafted by sculptor James Woodford, represented the ancestral noble families in Her Majesty's lineage through mythical and real creatures that have become synonymous with British royal power.

The tradition of heraldic beasts in British monarchy stretches back to the Middle Ages when kings first adopted symbols to represent their strength and legitimacy. The lion, for instance, became associated with English royalty during the reign of Richard I (Richard the Lionheart) in the 12th century, symbolizing courage and might. These creatures weren't merely decorative—they communicated power and lineage in an era when literacy was uncommon among the general population.

Each coin in the Queen's Beasts series invites collectors to explore a chapter of Britain's royal history. The collection begins with the Lion of England, the most recognized symbol of British strength, before introducing lesser-known but equally fascinating creatures like the Yale of Beaufort and the Falcon of the Plantagenets. These beasts represent the great noble houses whose bloodlines converged in Queen Elizabeth II, telling the story of Britain's monarchy through symbolic imagery.

The series was designed entirely by renowned engraver Jody Clark, who holds the distinction of having created both sides of these coins. Clark had already established his reputation by creating the fifth definitive coinage portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, making him uniquely positioned to craft this collection that celebrates her heritage. His detailed renderings bring these heraldic creatures to life with a modern aesthetic while honoring their historical significance.

What makes the Queen's Beasts particularly significant in numismatic circles is that they represent several firsts for the Royal Mint. The silver variant was the first two-ounce United Kingdom silver bullion coin ever produced, breaking new ground in British coinage. The series culminated in 2021 with the release of the "Completer Coin," which brought all ten beasts together in a single design, creating a magnificent finale to this heraldic journey. This final release included a remarkable 10 kg gold coin valued at £10,000—the heaviest gold coin ever produced by the Royal Mint at that time, requiring 400 hours to produce and four days to polish.

Design Features

The obverse of each Queen's Beast gold coin features Jody Clark's portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, the same effigy that appeared on the fifth definitive coinage portrait of her reign. This portrayal shows the monarch wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem Crown, which she traditionally wore during the State Opening of Parliament. The inscription includes "ELIZABETH II • D • G • REG • F • D" along with the coin's denomination of 25 POUNDS.

The reverse designs showcase Clark's interpretation of each heraldic beast in a bold, stylized manner that captures both movement and power. Each creature is depicted supporting a shield bearing the royal arms associated with the family it represents. The bullion versions feature a distinctive chain-link background pattern that adds texture and symbolism—historically, chains on heraldic beasts demonstrated strength, suggesting a powerful creature tamed in service to the monarch. The detailed craftsmanship is particularly evident in the muscular definition of the Lion of England, the intricate feathers of the Griffin of Edward III, and the scaled texture of the Red Dragon of Wales. Each reverse also bears the weight, metal content, and year of minting along with the name of the featured beast.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: Gold
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem Crown with accompanying inscriptions.
• Reverse: One of ten heraldic beasts from the Queen's Beasts series, depicted supporting its respective shield of arms.

Investment Appeal

The 1/4 oz Queen's Beasts gold coin represents an exceptional opportunity for both collectors and investors seeking to own a piece of British royal history in precious metal form. The series has demonstrated remarkable appreciation since its introduction, with early releases commanding significant premiums in the secondary market—particularly the proof versions, which were minted in smaller quantities.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these coins carry the full backing of the British government and are produced to the exacting standards of the Royal Mint, an institution with more than 1,100 years of minting history. This pedigree ensures consistent quality and global recognition, making them highly liquid assets that can be easily traded worldwide.

The limited nature of the Queen's Beast series—just ten designs plus the Completer Coin—creates natural scarcity that appeals to collectors. Each coin tells a distinct story of British royal lineage, allowing collectors to build a set that represents the complete heraldic heritage of the monarchy. For investors focused on diversification, these coins offer exposure to gold while potentially capturing additional numismatic premium as the series becomes increasingly sought after in coming years.