2019 1/4 oz Great Britain Queen’s Beast Gold Coin – Yale

In the annals of British heraldry, few creatures capture the imagination quite like the Yale of Beaufort. This mythical beast, with its distinctive antelope-like body and swiveling horns, stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of England's royal lineage. The Yale's journey from obscure medieval legend to a prominent symbol on a prestigious gold coin series is a tale that spans centuries of British history.

The Yale's association with the English monarchy can be traced back to Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of King Henry VII and matriarch of the Tudor dynasty. As a key figure in the tumultuous Wars of the Roses, Lady Margaret's influence on the course of English history cannot be overstated. Her heraldic badge, featuring the Yale, became a powerful symbol of legitimacy for the Tudor claim to the throne.

When Henry VII ascended to power in 1485, he brought with him not only a new era of peace after decades of civil war but also a fresh iconography of royal power. The Yale, once a relatively unknown heraldic beast, was elevated to new prominence as a symbol of the Tudor right to rule. Its inclusion in the royal arms spoke volumes about the interconnectedness of English noble houses and the complex web of alliances that underpinned the monarchy.

Fast forward to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, and we find the Yale standing proud among the ten heraldic beasts that guarded the entrance to Westminster Abbey. These statues, each representing a facet of the new monarch's lineage, were a visual reminder of the continuity and strength of the British royal line. The Yale, with its connection to the Tudor dynasty, served as a bridge between England's medieval past and its modern monarchy.

In 2019, the Royal Mint breathed new life into these ancient symbols with the Queen's Beasts coin series. The Yale of Beaufort, rendered in exquisite detail on a quarter-ounce gold coin, once again took its place in the pantheon of royal iconography. This modern interpretation of a centuries-old emblem serves not only as a collector's item but as a tangible link to Britain's storied past, encapsulating the enduring power of heraldic symbolism in the digital age.

Design Features

The obverse of the 2019 1/4 oz Great Britain Queen's Beast Gold Coin – Yale showcases the masterful fifth portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, created by the talented Jody Clark. This regal effigy depicts Her Majesty wearing the George IV State Diadem, a crown traditionally worn for the State Opening of Parliament. The intricate details of the Queen's features and the crown's jewels are testament to Clark's skill and the coin's superb minting quality.

On the reverse, the Yale of Beaufort takes center stage in a design that balances historical accuracy with artistic flair. The creature is depicted in a rampant pose, its body resembling that of an antelope but with the tusks of a boar and the tail of a lion. The Yale's most distinctive feature, its swiveling horns, are prominently displayed, capturing the mythical beast's unique ability to rotate its horns in battle. Behind the Yale stands a shield bearing the arms of Lady Margaret Beaufort, featuring a portcullis—a symbol later adopted by Henry VII and subsequent Tudor monarchs.

The coin's edge is milled, a security feature that also adds to its aesthetic appeal. The combination of frosted and polished surfaces creates a striking contrast, enhancing the coin's visual impact and highlighting the intricate details of both the obverse and reverse designs.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: Gold
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Features the fifth portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark.
• Reverse: Displays the Yale of Beaufort in a rampant pose, with the shield of Lady Margaret Beaufort.

Investment Appeal

The 2019 1/4 oz Great Britain Queen's Beast Gold Coin – Yale represents an exceptional opportunity for both numismatists and investors. As part of the highly regarded Queen's Beasts series, this coin carries the weight of British royal history and the prestige of the Royal Mint, one of the world's oldest and most respected minting institutions.

For collectors, the coin's limited mintage and its place within a larger series make it a coveted addition to any collection. The Yale's unique design, rooted in centuries of heraldic tradition, offers a tangible connection to British history that goes beyond mere precious metal content.

Investors will appreciate the coin's gold composition, which provides a hedge against economic uncertainty and inflation. The Royal Mint's reputation for producing coins of the highest quality ensures that this piece will maintain its value and liquidity in the global precious metals market.

Moreover, the coin's association with the British monarchy and its limited availability could potentially lead to appreciation beyond its intrinsic gold value. As the Queen's Beasts series continues to gain popularity among collectors worldwide, early entries like the Yale of Beaufort may see increased demand, potentially driving up premiums in the secondary market.

In essence, the 2019 1/4 oz Great Britain Queen's Beast Gold Coin – Yale offers a unique blend of historical significance, artistic merit, and investment potential. It's not just a coin; it's a piece of British heritage, a work of art, and a sound financial asset all rolled into one exquisite package.