2019 1 oz Great Britain Queen’s Beast Gold Coin – Falcon

In the annals of British heraldry, few symbols command as much respect and admiration as the Falcon of the Plantagenets. This majestic bird of prey, with its keen eyes and razor-sharp talons, has long been associated with the power and prestige of one of England's most influential royal dynasties. The Plantagenet line, which ruled England for over three centuries, left an indelible mark on the nation's history, shaping its laws, culture, and very identity.

The falcon's significance in Plantagenet heraldry dates back to Edward III, one of the most celebrated monarchs of medieval England. Known for his military prowess and political acumen, Edward III adopted the falcon as his personal badge, a symbol of the swift and decisive action that characterized his reign. The bird, perched upon an open fetterlock, became a powerful emblem of royal authority and ambition.

As the Plantagenet line evolved, so too did the symbolism of the falcon. During the tumultuous Wars of the Roses, both the House of York and the House of Lancaster – rival branches of the Plantagenet family – incorporated the falcon into their own heraldic devices. The bird came to represent not just royal power, but the fierce determination and adaptability required to navigate the treacherous waters of medieval politics.

The legacy of the Plantagenet falcon extends far beyond the confines of medieval history. It has become a enduring symbol of English heritage, embodying the nation's rich tapestry of royal traditions and its continuous evolution through the ages. From the Tower of London to Windsor Castle, traces of the falcon's influence can still be found in the architectural and artistic remnants of Britain's royal past.

In the realm of numismatics, the Falcon of the Plantagenets holds a special place. Its inclusion in the Queen's Beasts series pays homage to the ten heraldic creatures that stood guard at Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953. These beasts, sculpted in plaster by James Woodford RA, represented the various strands of royal ancestry that converged in the person of the young queen, connecting her reign to the grand sweep of British history.

The 2019 1 oz Great Britain Queen's Beast Gold Coin featuring the Falcon of the Plantagenets is more than just a precious metal investment; it is a tangible link to this rich historical narrative. Each coin serves as a miniature canvas, bringing to life centuries of royal symbolism and artistic tradition in exquisite detail.

Design Features

The obverse of this magnificent coin showcases the fifth official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, created by the talented Royal Mint engraver Jody Clark. This portrait, introduced in 2015, presents a mature and dignified image of the Queen, wearing the King George IV State Diadem. The intricate details of the crown and the Queen's features are rendered with remarkable precision, a testament to the skill of modern minting techniques.

On the reverse, the Falcon of the Plantagenets takes center stage in a design that masterfully blends historical accuracy with artistic flair. The falcon is depicted in a heraldic pose, its wings spread wide in a display of strength and vigilance. Clutched in its talons is a shield bearing the badge of Edward III – a falcon perched on an open fetterlock. This 'badge within a badge' design creates a fascinating visual depth, inviting the viewer to explore the layers of symbolism embedded in the image.

The background of the reverse features the Royal Mint's signature guilloche pattern, a series of intricate, interlocking lines that add both security and aesthetic appeal to the coin. The inscriptions around the edge include the year of minting, the weight and purity of the gold, and the face value of the coin, all executed in a crisp, modern typeface that complements the traditional imagery.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: Gold
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark
• Reverse: Falcon of the Plantagenets holding a shield with Edward III's badge

Investment Appeal

The 2019 1 oz Great Britain Queen's Beast Gold Coin – Falcon represents an exceptional opportunity for both collectors and investors. As part of the highly regarded Queen's Beasts series, this coin benefits from the global recognition and trust associated with the Royal Mint's products. The use of .9999 fine gold ensures that each coin maintains its intrinsic value, providing a hedge against economic uncertainty.

For numismatists, the historical significance and limited mintage of this coin make it a prized addition to any collection. The artistry and symbolism embedded in its design offer rich material for study and appreciation, potentially enhancing its value over time. Investors, meanwhile, will appreciate the coin's liquidity in the precious metals market, as well as its potential for premium appreciation beyond the spot price of gold.

Furthermore, as part of a larger series, this Falcon coin presents opportunities for those looking to build a complete set of Queen's Beasts coins. The anticipation surrounding each new release in the series can drive demand and potentially increase the value of earlier issues, including this 2019 Falcon coin.

In an era where digital assets dominate headlines, there's something profoundly reassuring about holding a piece of history in your hands. The 2019 Queen's Beast Falcon gold coin offers not just the security of precious metal, but a tangible connection to centuries of British royal heritage. Whether you're expanding your numismatic collection or diversifying your investment portfolio, this coin stands as a testament to the enduring allure of gold and the timeless appeal of masterful craftsmanship.