2021 1/4 oz Great Britain Queen’s Beast Gold Coin – Greyhound

In the grand tapestry of British heraldry, few symbols carry the weight of history and royal lineage quite like the White Greyhound of Richmond. This elegant creature, immortalized in the 2021 Queen's Beast Gold Coin series, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Tudor dynasty and the intricate web of alliances that shaped the English monarchy.

The story of the White Greyhound begins in the tumultuous era of the Wars of the Roses, a period of civil strife that tore England asunder. As the dust settled on the battlefield of Bosworth in 1485, a new king emerged: Henry Tudor, soon to be crowned Henry VII. With his ascension, the White Greyhound of Richmond—long associated with his father, Edmund Tudor, the 1st Earl of Richmond—became a powerful symbol of legitimacy and unity.

Henry VII's strategic use of heraldry was masterful. By incorporating the White Greyhound into his royal iconography, he not only paid homage to his paternal lineage but also emphasized his claim to the throne. The greyhound, known for its speed, loyalty, and noble bearing, perfectly encapsulated the qualities Henry wished to project as the founder of a new royal dynasty.

But the significance of the White Greyhound extends beyond mere familial pride. It represents the culmination of a long-standing tradition in English heraldry, where animal symbols were imbued with deep political and cultural meaning. The greyhound, in particular, had been a favorite in northern England, reflecting the region's passion for coursing and hunting—pursuits that were as much about social status as they were about sport.

As the Tudor rose united the red rose of Lancaster with the white rose of York, so too did the White Greyhound of Richmond come to symbolize the reconciliation of warring factions. It stood as a silent sentinel, watching over a new era of peace and prosperity that would usher in the English Renaissance and set the stage for the nation's emergence as a global power.

Now, centuries later, this noble beast finds new life in the exquisite craftsmanship of the Royal Mint's Queen's Beast series. The 2021 gold coin bearing its image is not merely a piece of currency or a collectible; it is a tangible link to a pivotal moment in history, when the fate of a kingdom hung in the balance and was secured by the cunning and determination of a Welsh earl's son who would become the architect of Tudor England.

Design Features

The obverse of this magnificent coin features the definitive portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, created by the talented Jody Clark. This effigy, the fifth to grace British coinage during Elizabeth's long reign, captures the dignity and grace of the monarch in her later years. The Queen is depicted wearing the George IV State Diadem, a piece of regalia steeped in its own rich history, having adorned the heads of British monarchs since 1821.

On the reverse, the White Greyhound of Richmond takes center stage in a design that is both dynamic and regal. The greyhound is depicted in a salient pose, its lithe body poised as if ready to leap into action. It supports a shield bearing the Tudor rose, a powerful symbol of unity that combines the red rose of Lancaster with the white rose of York. This emblem is crowned, emphasizing its royal status and the greyhound's role as a guardian of the monarchy's legitimacy.

The artistry of the coin is further enhanced by the intricate background, featuring the Royal Mint's signature guilloche pattern. This fine latticework not only adds depth and texture to the design but also serves as a security feature, making the coin more difficult to counterfeit. The inscription "WHITE GREYHOUND OF RICHMOND" arches above the main design, while the year of minting, weight, and gold purity are noted below, framing the central image and completing this masterpiece of numismatic art.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: Gold
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Portrays the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II designed by Jody Clark.
• Reverse: Features the White Greyhound of Richmond supporting a shield with the Tudor rose.

Investment Appeal

The 2021 Queen's Beast Gold Coin featuring the White Greyhound of Richmond represents a unique confluence of historical significance, artistic excellence, and precious metal value. For the discerning investor and collector, this coin offers multiple layers of appeal that extend far beyond its intrinsic gold content.

Firstly, as part of the highly acclaimed Queen's Beast series, this coin benefits from the global recognition and reputation of the Royal Mint. The series has garnered significant attention in the numismatic world, creating a strong collector's market that can drive premiums well above the spot price of gold.

Moreover, the limited mintage of these coins enhances their potential for appreciation. As the series concludes, completists will be eager to acquire each beast, potentially increasing demand and value over time. The White Greyhound, with its rich historical associations, may hold particular appeal for those interested in Tudor history or British heraldry.

From an investment perspective, gold coins of this caliber offer a hedge against economic uncertainty. The stability of gold as a store of value, combined with the coin's artistic and historical significance, provides a dual benefit: the security of precious metal ownership and the potential for numismatic appreciation.

Lastly, the coin's exquisite design and craftsmanship make it a joy to own and display. Unlike many forms of investment, a Queen's Beast coin can be appreciated daily, serving as a tangible connection to centuries of British history and a conversation piece that educates as well as impresses.

For those looking to diversify their portfolio with an asset that marries the timeless value of gold with the rich tapestry of British royal history, the 2021 Queen's Beast Gold Coin featuring the White Greyhound of Richmond stands as an exemplary choice. It is not merely an investment in precious metal, but in the enduring legacy of one of the world's most storied monarchies.