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

In the grand tapestry of British heraldry, few symbols capture the essence of loyalty and nobility quite like the White Greyhound of Richmond. This majestic creature, immortalized in the 2021 1 oz Great Britain Queen's Beast Gold Coin, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Tudor dynasty and the rich history of the British monarchy.

The story of the White Greyhound begins in the tumultuous era of the Wars of the Roses, a period that saw the houses of Lancaster and York locked in a bitter struggle for the English throne. Amidst this conflict, a young Henry Tudor emerged as an unlikely contender for the crown. As the Earl of Richmond, Henry adopted the White Greyhound as his personal badge, a symbol that would come to represent not only his claim to the throne but also the unity and strength of a new royal dynasty.

When Henry Tudor defeated Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, he ascended to the throne as King Henry VII, ushering in the Tudor era. The White Greyhound, once a simple heraldic device, now stood proudly alongside the other royal beasts as a symbol of the new king's authority and lineage. Its presence in the royal arms served as a constant reminder of Henry's journey from exile to kingship, and the unification of the warring houses under the Tudor rose.

Throughout the Tudor period, the White Greyhound continued to feature prominently in royal iconography. It appeared on everything from royal seals to architectural embellishments, becoming an integral part of the visual language of Tudor power. The greyhound's qualities of speed, loyalty, and nobility made it an ideal representation of the values the Tudors sought to embody in their rule.

As centuries passed, the White Greyhound of Richmond remained a cherished part of British heraldry, its significance undiminished by the passage of time. When Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in 1953, the White Greyhound stood among the ten heraldic beasts that guarded her coronation, a living link to the monarchs who had come before her.

Now, this noble beast finds new life in the Queen's Beast coin series, a collection that celebrates the rich heraldic heritage of the British monarchy. The 2021 edition featuring the White Greyhound of Richmond offers collectors and investors alike the opportunity to own a piece of this storied legacy, cast in pure gold and crafted with the exquisite attention to detail for which the Royal Mint is renowned.

Design Features

The obverse of this magnificent coin features the fifth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, created by the talented Royal Mint engraver Jody Clark. This portrait, introduced in 2015, depicts the Queen with regal poise, wearing the King George IV State Diadem. The intricate details of Her Majesty's features are rendered with remarkable precision, from the gentle lines of her face to the delicate curls of her hair. Surrounding the portrait are the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II," "D.G. REG. F.D." (Dei Gratia Regina Fidei Defensatrix, meaning "By the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith"), and the denomination "100 POUNDS."

The reverse side of the coin showcases the White Greyhound of Richmond in all its heraldic glory. The greyhound is depicted in a powerful, rampant pose, its lithe body conveying both strength and grace. In its forepaws, it clutches a shield bearing the Tudor rose, a symbol of the unification of the houses of Lancaster and York. The greyhound's collar is adorned with small roses, a subtle nod to its Tudor associations. The background features a textured pattern reminiscent of chainmail, adding depth and visual interest to the design. The inscriptions "WHITE GREYHOUND OF RICHMOND" and "1 OZ FINE GOLD 999.9" encircle the central image, along with the year of minting, "2021."

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: Gold
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Features the fifth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark.
• Reverse: Depicts the White Greyhound of Richmond in a rampant pose, holding a shield with the Tudor rose.

Investment Appeal

The 2021 1 oz Great Britain Queen's Beast Gold Coin – Greyhound represents an exceptional opportunity for both numismatists and investors. As part of the highly regarded Queen's Beast series, this coin combines historical significance with the inherent value of pure gold, making it a prized addition to any collection.

The coin's design, steeped in centuries of British heraldry, appeals to collectors who appreciate the rich symbolism and artistry of royal iconography. The White Greyhound of Richmond, with its connections to the Tudor dynasty and the unification of England, tells a compelling story that resonates with history enthusiasts and coin collectors alike.

For investors, the appeal lies in the coin's gold content and its association with the Royal Mint, one of the world's most respected minting institutions. The 1 oz weight and .9999 fine gold purity ensure that the coin's intrinsic value remains strong, providing a hedge against economic uncertainty. Moreover, as part of a limited series, these coins have the potential for appreciation beyond their gold content, particularly as the Queen's Beast collection nears completion.

The combination of historical significance, exquisite design, and precious metal content makes the 2021 White Greyhound of Richmond gold coin a smart choice for those looking to diversify their portfolio with tangible assets. Whether acquired for its numismatic value or as a long-term investment, this coin offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and financial prudence, embodying the enduring appeal of British coinage in the modern era.