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

In the annals of British heraldry, few symbols command as much respect and intrigue as the White Lion of Mortimer. This majestic beast, with its regal bearing and storied past, stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of England's royal lineage. The 2020 1 oz Great Britain Queen's Beast Gold Coin featuring the White Lion of Mortimer brings this powerful emblem to life, offering collectors and investors alike a tangible piece of history.

The White Lion's journey through time began in the tumultuous era of the Wars of the Roses, a period that saw the houses of York and Lancaster locked in a bitter struggle for the English throne. It was during this time that the White Lion emerged as a potent symbol of the Mortimer family's claim to royal succession. Anne Mortimer, great-granddaughter of Lionel of Antwerp, Duke of Clarence, carried this heraldic device into the House of York through her marriage to Richard of Cambridge.

As the sands of time shifted, so too did the allegiances of the realm. When Edward IV ascended to the throne in 1461, he proudly incorporated the White Lion into his royal iconography, solidifying its place in the pantheon of English heraldic beasts. This act not only honored his Mortimer ancestry but also served as a powerful statement of his right to rule, tracing his lineage back to the second son of Edward III.

The White Lion's significance extends beyond mere familial pride. Unlike its crowned counterpart, the Lion of England, the White Lion of Mortimer is depicted in a seated position, a posture that speaks volumes in the language of heraldry. This seated stance symbolizes loyalty and submission, a subtle yet crucial distinction that reflects the complex relationships within the royal court of medieval England.

In the centuries that followed, the White Lion continued to play a role in the evolving narrative of British monarchy. Even as the Tudor dynasty supplanted the Yorkist line, Henry VII wisely chose to retain the White Lion as part of his heraldic menagerie, recognizing its power to legitimize his reign and bridge the divide between warring factions.

Now, encapsulated in gleaming gold, the White Lion of Mortimer stands ready to captivate a new generation of numismatists and history enthusiasts. This coin not only preserves a crucial chapter of England's past but also serves as a bridge between ancient traditions and modern collecting pursuits.

Design Features

The obverse of this magnificent coin showcases the masterful artistry of Jody Clark, featuring his iconic portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty is depicted with regal poise, adorned with the George IV State Diadem, a crown steeped in its own rich history. The intricate details of the Queen's features are rendered with exceptional clarity, from the delicate lines of her profile to the subtle textures of her hair and jewelry.

On the reverse, the White Lion of Mortimer takes center stage, a testament to the skill of the Royal Mint's engravers. The lion is portrayed in its traditional seated position, a pose that speaks to its unique heraldic significance. Its muscular form is captured with remarkable precision, from the flowing mane to the powerful paws that grip the shield bearing the Mortimer arms. The background field is adorned with a fine texture that enhances the overall visual impact, creating a stunning interplay of light and shadow across the coin's surface.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: Gold
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark
• Reverse: White Lion of Mortimer in seated position, holding a shield

Investment Appeal

The 2020 1 oz Great Britain Queen's Beast Gold Coin – White Lion represents a compelling opportunity for both collectors and investors. As part of the esteemed Queen's Beast series, this coin carries with it the prestige and reliability associated with the Royal Mint, one of the world's oldest and most respected minting institutions.

For numismatists, the coin's historical significance and exquisite design make it a must-have addition to any collection focused on British coinage or heraldic themes. The limited mintage of these coins ensures their scarcity, potentially enhancing their numismatic value over time.

Investors will appreciate the coin's gold content, which provides a tangible store of value in an uncertain economic landscape. Gold has long been considered a safe-haven asset, and this coin offers a way to diversify one's portfolio with a product that combines precious metal content with collectible appeal.

Moreover, the global recognition of the Queen's Beast series adds to the coin's liquidity, making it easier to buy, sell, or trade on international markets. As the series progresses, early issues like the White Lion of Mortimer may become increasingly sought after, potentially leading to premiums above the spot price of gold.

In essence, this coin is more than just a beautiful piece of art or a store of value—it's a golden key that unlocks a fascinating chapter of English history, offering its owner a tangible connection to the grand narrative of British royalty and heraldry.