2018 1 oz Great Britain Queen’s Beast Gold Coin – Unicorn

The 2018 1 oz Great Britain Queen's Beast Gold Coin – Unicorn stands as a magnificent testament to Britain's royal heraldry and numismatic excellence. This coin connects modern collectors to centuries of royal tradition through its exquisite design and historical significance.

When Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953, ten majestic statues known as the Queen's Beasts stood guard at the entrance to Westminster Abbey. These heraldic creatures, each representing a thread in the young queen's royal lineage, symbolized the power and heritage that passed to her on that momentous day. Among these proud guardians was the Unicorn of Scotland, a creature of myth and legend that has featured prominently in Scottish heraldry since the 15th century.

The unicorn's journey into British royal symbolism began with King James I, who united the crowns of England and Scotland in 1603. He chose the Unicorn of Scotland to stand alongside the Lion of England in supporting the royal arms, creating a powerful visual representation of the union between these two nations. These twin beasts have appeared together in British heraldry ever since, standing as eternal sentinels of the united crown.

Long believed to be real by medieval Europeans, the unicorn represented purity, innocence, and strength. Sailors would often return from voyages with narwhal tusks, presenting them as evidence of unicorn horns and further cementing the creature's place in popular imagination. In Scottish heraldry, the unicorn is typically depicted with a crown around its neck and bound by a golden chain, symbolizing the power of Scottish kings to tame even the most untamable of beasts.

The Royal Mint's Queen's Beasts collection, which began in 2016, commemorates these ten royal protectors through a series of exquisite coins. The Unicorn of Scotland, featured in this 2018 release, is the fourth design in this celebrated series. Crafted with the Royal Mint's renowned precision and artistry, this coin serves as both a piece of investment-grade gold and a tangible connection to centuries of British royal history.

Design Features

The obverse of this stunning coin features the fifth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, created by the talented Jody Clark of the Royal Mint. This portrait shows Her Majesty wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem, the same crown she wore for her coronation procession. The inscriptions include "ELIZABETH II," "D.G. REG F.D." (Dei Gratia Regina Fidei Defensor – By the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith), and the denomination "100 POUNDS." The background features the Royal Mint's guilloché pattern, adding texture and security to this magnificent coin.

The reverse showcases Clark's masterful interpretation of the Unicorn of Scotland. This mythical beast is portrayed in a dynamic pose, rearing majestically while holding a shield adorned with the Scottish royal arms. The shield displays the Lion Rampant of Scotland, a symbol dating back to the reign of William I of Scotland in the 12th century. The unicorn's chain and crown are clearly visible, staying true to traditional Scottish heraldic imagery. Surrounding this powerful design are the inscriptions "UNICORN OF SCOTLAND," the year "2018," and "1 OZ FINE GOLD 999.9," confirming the coin's weight and exceptional purity.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: Gold
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II designed by Jody Clark, along with the denomination of 100 pounds.
• Reverse: Displays the majestic Unicorn of Scotland holding a shield with the Lion Rampant, designed by Jody Clark.

Investment Appeal

The 2018 Queen's Beast Unicorn Gold Coin represents an exceptional opportunity for both collectors and investors. As part of the prestigious Queen's Beast series from the Royal Mint, it carries significant numismatic appeal that often translates to premium appreciation beyond its gold content. The coin's historical significance, coupled with its limited mintage, creates a strong foundation for potential long-term value growth.

The exquisite craftsmanship of this coin showcases the Royal Mint's centuries of minting expertise. Jody Clark's designs on both the obverse and reverse create a harmonious artistic whole that stands out in any collection. This level of detail and artistry is particularly valued by serious collectors who recognize quality numismatic work.

For investors focused on precious metals, this coin offers the security of government-backed, investment-grade gold from one of the world's most respected minting institutions. The Queen's Beast series has developed a dedicated following among numismatists worldwide, ensuring strong secondary market demand and liquidity. Whether you're expanding a collection of British commemorative coins or diversifying a precious metals portfolio, the Unicorn of Scotland represents British heritage, artistic excellence, and investment wisdom in one magnificent gold piece.