2022 2 oz Silver Great Britain Tudor Beasts – Lion of England

The Lion of England roars to life in this magnificent 2022 2 oz Silver Great Britain Tudor Beasts coin, embodying one of the oldest and most iconic royal beasts in British heraldry. This impressive silver bullion coin captures the majesty of a symbol that has represented England since the early twelfth century, during the reign of Richard I (1189-99), when heraldry was formally established. As one of the ten Royal Tudor Beasts that lined the Moat Bridge at Hampton Court Palace, the Lion of England held particular significance for Henry VIII, who took great interest in heraldry as a means to convey the power of the Tudor dynasty and legitimize his right to the English throne.

The Lion of England has featured on the shield of England for as long as one has existed, standing as a traditional emblem of courage, strength, dignity, and pride. Historically known as the "king of beasts," this heraldic creature first appeared in the twelfth century and has remained an enduring symbol of English sovereignty ever since. The lion's association with the monarchy was further cemented when it became one of the supporters of the Royal Arms during the reign of Edward IV (1461-1483).

At Hampton Court Palace, Henry VIII's original Privy Garden featured ninety royal beasts above green and white striped poles, emphasizing his ancestry and royal lineage. The Lion of England on the Moat Bridge held a shield bearing the combined arms of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour, symbolizing the strength of their union. This deliberate display demonstrated how the Tudors used beasts as a form of branding—each animal carefully chosen to represent specific qualities and strengths of the Tudor lineage.

In 2022, The Royal Mint revived this powerful symbol as part of their Royal Tudor Beasts Collection, allowing collectors and investors to build their very own collection celebrating these ten magnificent royal beasts. The Lion of England stands proudly as a cornerstone of this impressive series, continuing its centuries-old tradition of representing English courage, valor, and strength.

This particular 2 oz silver coin marks an exciting addition to The Royal Mint's bullion offerings, combining exceptional craftsmanship with historical significance. The introduction of the Royal Tudor Beasts onto bullion coins represents not just an opportunity to own a piece of English heraldic history, but also a tangible investment in precious metals crafted with remarkable skill and attention to detail.

Design Features

The obverse of this magnificent 2 oz silver coin features the definitive portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, showcasing the monarch in exquisite detail. This side of the coin includes the monarch's effigy along with the face value, reinforcing its status as legal tender in Great Britain.

The reverse displays the majestic Lion of England in a powerful, heraldic pose reminiscent of its appearance at Hampton Court Palace. The design captures the lion in the traditional "sejant-erect" or "sejant-rampant" position—sitting on its haunches with body erect and forepaws raised—conveying strength and dignity. This fierce lion holds a shield bearing the Arms of the Tudor dynasty, just as it did on the Moat Bridge at Hampton Court Palace. The intricate details of the lion's thick mane, open jaw, and powerful paws demonstrate the exceptional craftsmanship that The Royal Mint is renowned for, bringing this historical symbol to life in brilliant .9999 fine silver.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Purity: 0.9999
• Weight: 2 oz
• Grade: BU – Brilliant Uncirculated
• Manufacturer: The Royal Mint
• Mint Mark: None
• Grading Service: None
• IRA Eligible: Yes
• Obverse: Features the definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
• Reverse: Depicts the Lion of England in a heraldic pose, holding a shield bearing the Arms of the Tudor dynasty.

Investment Appeal

The 2022 2 oz Silver Great Britain Tudor Beasts – Lion of England coin offers exceptional investment appeal on multiple fronts. Its .9999 fine silver content provides intrinsic value that serves as a hedge against economic uncertainty, while its limited mintage enhances its numismatic premium potential. As part of The Royal Mint's prestigious Royal Tudor Beasts Collection, this coin combines precious metal investment with historical significance, creating dual appeal for both investors and collectors.

The coin's impressive weight of 2 troy ounces gives it substantial presence in any portfolio, while its Brilliant Uncirculated grade ensures that every detail of the masterful design is preserved in pristine condition. Additionally, its status as IRA-eligible makes it an attractive option for retirement planning, allowing investors to diversify their portfolios with physical precious metals.

The historical significance of the Lion of England design adds a layer of collectible value that transcends mere metal content. As collectors work to complete the entire Royal Tudor Beasts series, demand for this foundational piece may increase over time, potentially enhancing its premium. Backed by the world-renowned reputation of The Royal Mint, this coin represents not just a piece of English heraldic history, but a tangible investment opportunity combining aesthetic appeal with precious metal security.