2017 1/4 oz Great Britain Queen’s Beast Gold Coin – Dragon

The 2017 1/4 oz Great Britain Queen's Beast Gold Coin – Dragon stands as a testament to the rich heraldic legacy of the British monarchy. This exquisite piece draws inspiration from the ten majestic statues that stood guard during Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953, each representing a facet of the royal lineage. Among these proud beasts, the Welsh Dragon holds a place of particular significance, embodying centuries of Celtic tradition and royal symbolism.

The dragon, a creature of myth and legend, has been intertwined with Welsh identity since time immemorial. Its roots in British heraldry can be traced back to the 6th century, where it served as a powerful emblem of sovereignty and strength. The red dragon, known in Welsh as "Y Ddraig Goch," gained prominence during the reign of Cadwaladr, King of Gwynedd, and has since become an enduring symbol of Welsh pride and resilience.

In the tapestry of British history, the dragon's significance grew further when Henry Tudor, later King Henry VII, adopted it as his battle standard. As the first monarch of the Tudor dynasty, Henry's Welsh heritage brought the dragon to the forefront of royal iconography. This connection solidified the creature's place in the royal arms, where it has remained a steadfast guardian of the crown's authority.

The Queen's Beasts series, of which this coin is a part, pays homage to this rich heraldic tradition. Each beast in the series represents a chapter in the story of British royalty, with the Welsh Dragon standing as a powerful reminder of the nation's Celtic roots and the enduring bond between Wales and the Crown. This coin not only celebrates the dragon's fierce majesty but also commemorates the unbroken line of British monarchs who have carried this symbol through the ages.

As we hold this coin, we are not merely possessing a piece of precious metal, but cradling a fragment of history. It connects us to the ancient tales of Welsh bards, the political machinations of Tudor courts, and the pomp and circumstance of modern royal ceremonies. In this way, the 2017 Queen's Beast Dragon coin serves as a tangible link to a heritage that spans over a millennium, inviting collectors and enthusiasts to become part of this ongoing narrative of power, tradition, and national pride.

Design Features

The obverse of this magnificent coin features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, rendered with exquisite detail by the talented Jody Clark. This portrait, the fifth definitive coinage portrait of Her Majesty, captures the Queen's regal bearing with remarkable precision. The Queen is depicted wearing the King George IV State Diadem, a crown traditionally worn for the State Opening of Parliament. Surrounding this central image are the inscriptions of the Queen's name, the coin's face value, and the year of issue, all presented in a clear, elegant typeface that complements the portrait's refined artistry.

On the reverse, the Welsh Dragon takes center stage in a design that brilliantly marries traditional heraldry with contemporary numismatic art. The dragon is portrayed in a fierce, dynamic pose, its wings unfurled and its tail coiled, ready to defend the shield it guards. This shield bears the coat of arms of Llewelyn the Last, the final native Prince of Wales, featuring four lions rampant. The dragon's scales are intricately detailed, catching the light with each turn of the coin and bringing this mythical beast to life. Encircling this powerful image are the words "RED DRAGON OF WALES" and the coin's weight and fineness, anchoring the design firmly in both its cultural heritage and its status as a precious metal coin.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: Gold
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark
• Reverse: Welsh Dragon with shield bearing coat of arms of Llewelyn the Last

Investment Appeal

The 2017 1/4 oz Great Britain Queen's Beast Gold Coin – Dragon presents a compelling opportunity for both collectors and investors. Its gold content provides intrinsic value, offering a hedge against economic uncertainty and inflation. The coin's limited mintage enhances its numismatic appeal, potentially driving appreciation beyond its metal value over time.

As part of the prestigious Queen's Beasts series, this coin benefits from global recognition and demand. The Royal Mint's reputation for quality and authenticity lends additional credibility, ensuring ease of liquidity in the secondary market. The coin's unique design, blending historical significance with artistic excellence, appeals to a wide range of collectors, from those focused on British history to enthusiasts of mythological themes in numismatics.

Moreover, the fractional weight of 1/4 oz makes this coin more accessible to a broader range of investors and collectors, allowing for greater flexibility in portfolio diversification or collection building. The combination of its precious metal content, historical significance, and artistic merit positions this coin as a smart addition to any investment strategy or numismatic collection, offering the potential for both long-term value appreciation and the joy of owning a piece of British royal history.