2022 1 oz Great Britain Queen’s Beast Platinum Coin – White Greyhound of Richmond

In the annals of British heraldry, few symbols carry the weight of history and royal prestige quite like the White Greyhound of Richmond. This noble beast, a paragon of speed and grace, has stood as a stalwart guardian of the English crown for centuries. Its legacy, intertwined with the Tudor dynasty, speaks volumes of loyalty, courage, and the enduring spirit of a nation.

The story of the White Greyhound begins in the tumultuous era of the Wars of the Roses. As the Houses of Lancaster and York battled for supremacy, a young Henry Tudor emerged from the shadows of exile. Carrying the emblem of the White Greyhound, inherited from his father Edmund Tudor, Earl of Richmond, Henry marched to claim his destiny. In 1485, on the fields of Bosworth, the last Plantagenet king fell, and Henry VII rose to establish the Tudor dynasty, with the White Greyhound by his side.

This regal canine, known for its swiftness and keen sight, became more than a mere heraldic device. It embodied the very virtues that the new Tudor monarchy sought to project: vigilance, loyalty, and the pursuit of glory. As Henry VII consolidated his rule, the White Greyhound of Richmond stood proudly among the king's beasts, a testament to the Tudor claim to the throne and a symbol of their rising fortunes.

Throughout the Tudor era, the White Greyhound appeared on royal seals, adorned palaces, and featured prominently in courtly pageantry. It witnessed the reign of Henry VIII, the tumultuous times of the English Reformation, and the golden age of Elizabeth I. Even as the Tudor line came to an end, the White Greyhound's significance endured, a lasting reminder of a dynasty that had fundamentally shaped the course of English history.

Centuries later, as Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in 1952, the White Greyhound of Richmond once again took its place among the Queen's Beasts. These ten heraldic creatures, sculpted for her coronation, represented the rich tapestry of royal lineage and the enduring legacy of the British monarchy. Now, in the twilight of Elizabeth II's historic reign, the White Greyhound emerges once more, this time immortalized in precious metal, ready to captivate a new generation of collectors and history enthusiasts.

The 2022 1 oz Great Britain Queen's Beast Platinum Coin featuring the White Greyhound of Richmond is not merely a numismatic treasure; it is a tangible connection to centuries of British royal history. As you hold this coin, you cradle in your hands the legacy of kings and queens, the triumphs and tribulations of a nation, and the enduring symbolism that continues to inspire and awe.

Design Features

The obverse of this magnificent coin showcases the definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, created by the talented Jody Clark. This effigy, introduced in 2015, captures Her Majesty with regal poise, wearing the George IV State Diadem. The intricate details of the Queen's features are rendered with exceptional clarity, a testament to the skill of modern minting techniques. Surrounding the portrait are the inscriptions that affirm the coin's legal tender status and the monarch's titles.

On the reverse, the White Greyhound of Richmond takes center stage in a design that beautifully balances heraldic tradition with contemporary artistry. The greyhound, depicted in a proud and alert stance, supports a shield bearing the Tudor rose, a symbol that unites the red rose of Lancaster with the white rose of York. This powerful imagery not only pays homage to the Tudor legacy but also represents the unification of a once-divided kingdom. The background, filled with a fine texture of lines, adds depth and sophistication to the overall composition, while the coin's weight, purity, and year of issue are clearly stated, framing this historic beast.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: Platinum
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark
• Reverse: The White Greyhound of Richmond supporting a shield with the Tudor rose

Investment Appeal

The 2022 1 oz Great Britain Queen's Beast Platinum Coin – White Greyhound of Richmond represents a unique convergence of historical significance, artistic excellence, and precious metal investment. As the final release in the Queen's Beasts series, this coin holds particular appeal for collectors seeking to complete their sets. Its platinum composition offers diversification for precious metal portfolios, providing a hedge against economic uncertainties.

The coin's limited mintage enhances its numismatic value, potentially leading to increased premiums over time. The prestige of the Royal Mint, coupled with the global recognition of British coinage, ensures liquidity and acceptance in international markets. For investors and collectors alike, this coin offers not just a store of value, but a piece of living history—a tangible connection to the grand narrative of British royalty and a testament to the enduring allure of numismatic art.