2020 1/4 oz Great Britain Queen’s Beast Gold Coin – White Lion

In the heart of British heraldry lies a tale of power, loyalty, and royal lineage. The White Lion of Mortimer, a symbol steeped in medieval lore, emerges from the mists of time to grace the 2020 1/4 oz Great Britain Queen's Beast Gold Coin. This majestic creature, unlike its crowned counterpart, the Lion of England, stands as a testament to the complex tapestry of Britain's monarchical history.

The story of the White Lion begins with Anne de Mortimer, a pivotal figure in the royal bloodline. As the great-granddaughter of Lionel of Antwerp, Duke of Clarence, Anne's lineage became a cornerstone in the Yorkist claim to the English throne during the tumultuous Wars of the Roses. Her grandson, Edward IV, would later use the White Lion as a powerful emblem, symbolizing his right to rule.

Interestingly, the White Lion's seated posture on this coin is not merely an artistic choice but a deliberate heraldic statement. Unlike the rampant Lion of England, the Mortimer lion sits, tail tucked, in a pose of dignified submission. This posture harks back to the 14th century when Roger Mortimer, 4th Earl of March, adopted it to reassure King Richard II of his loyalty, distancing himself from his family's ambitious past.

The coin's design intertwines this rich history with exquisite artistry. The White Lion clutches a shield bearing the 'white rose en soleil' – a combination of the white rose of York and a blazing sun. This emblem gained significance after a parhelion, or 'sun dog', appeared to Edward IV's troops before a crucial battle, interpreted as a divine omen favoring the Yorkist cause.

By acquiring this coin, collectors and investors alike hold a piece of Britain's royal narrative. It's not just a precious metal investment; it's a tangible connection to centuries of power struggles, family legacies, and the enduring symbols that have shaped a nation's identity.

Design Features

The obverse of this stunning coin showcases the definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, created by the renowned artist Jody Clark. This effigy, the fifth and final to grace British coinage during Her Majesty's reign, captures the Queen's regal bearing with remarkable detail. The inscription encircling the portrait reads "ELIZABETH II · D · G · REG · F · D · 25 POUNDS", affirming the coin's legal tender status and the monarch's titles.

On the reverse, the White Lion of Mortimer takes center stage, a masterpiece of numismatic art. The lion, uncrowned yet noble, sits proudly behind a shield bearing the white rose encircled by a golden sun. This 'white rose en soleil' is not just a beautiful design element but a powerful historical symbol, combining the white rose of York with a sun motif that echoes the celestial omen said to have favored Edward IV. The intricate detailing of the lion's mane, the sharp clarity of the shield's design, and the overall composition speak to the exceptional craftsmanship of the Royal Mint.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: Gold
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark
• Reverse: White Lion of Mortimer with shield bearing 'white rose en soleil'

Investment Appeal

The 2020 1/4 oz Great Britain Queen's Beast Gold Coin – White Lion stands as an exceptional investment opportunity for both numismatists and precious metal enthusiasts. As part of the highly acclaimed Queen's Beasts series, this coin benefits from global recognition and collector demand, potentially enhancing its long-term value beyond its gold content.

Its limited mintage adds an element of scarcity, a key factor in numismatic appreciation. The coin's exquisite design, rooted in centuries of British history, appeals to collectors worldwide, ensuring sustained interest in the secondary market. For investors, the coin's gold content provides a hedge against economic uncertainties, while its status as legal tender in the UK offers additional security and potential tax advantages.

Moreover, as the eighth release in the Queen's Beasts series, this coin is part of a larger collection, potentially increasing its appeal to series completists. The Royal Mint's reputation for quality and the coin's connection to British royal history add layers of intrinsic value that transcend mere precious metal content.

In essence, this White Lion coin represents more than just a fraction of an ounce of gold; it's a piece of history, a work of art, and a strategic addition to any diversified investment portfolio or numismatic collection.