The Tudor Beasts Series

The Queen's Beasts

The Queen’s Beasts series of coins ran from 2016 to 2021 and was well received by many collectors, particularly the final coin in the series, the “completer” coin which featured all 10 creatures on the reverse.

The Queen’s Beasts celebrate the heraldic ancestry of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

The Tudor Beasts

Following on from the successful Queen’s Beasts range, the Royal Mint announced the release of The Tudor Beasts series. The Tudor Beasts, sometimes called the King's Beasts, are the 10 heraldic statues that represent the ancestry of King Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour. They consist of:

• The Seymour Panther - (released 7/10/2021)
• The Lion of England - (released 21/02/2022)
• The Yale of Beaufort - (released 01/09/2022)
• The Greyhound of Richmond
• The Tudor Dragon
• The Seymour Unicorn
• The Royal Dragon
• The Queen's Lion
• The Black Bull of Clarence
• The Queen's Panther

Originally a medieval tradition, King Henry VII began to use heraldic symbols as a way to reinforce his position on the throne. His son Henry VIII continued this tradition and many of these Tudor Beasts, are on display at one of Henry VIII’s favourite residences, Hampton Court Palace.

The Tudor Beasts Coins

Over the next 5 years, the Royal Mint will issue coins for each of the Tudor Beasts, which according to the Privy Council, will be issued in the following sizes:

Proof Coins

Gold: £2,000 (2kg), £1,000 (1kg), £500 piedfort (10 oz), £500 (5 oz), £200 (2 oz), £100 (1 oz), £25 (0.25 oz) 
Silver: £1,000 (2 kg), £500 (1kg), £10 piedfort (10 oz), £10 (5 oz), £5 (2 oz), £2 (1 oz), 
Platinum: £100 (1 oz) 
Base Metal: £5 

Bullion Coins

Gold £100 (1 oz), gold £25 (0.25 oz), silver £10 (10 oz), silver £5 (2 oz)

The designer for the entire Tudor Beasts series is English surrealist artist and coin designer David Lawrence.

The Seymour Panther

The first in the series brings us The Seymour Panther. The symbol of the panther was first given to Catherine of Aragon, then Anne Boleyn and finally Jane Seymour.

The panther is depicted as ferocious with flames coming from its mouth but actually came to symbolize the peaceful union between the King and his consort who would bear him the male heir he was so desperate for.

The coin features the Panther clutching a shield bearing the Seymour Wings. The wings are conjoined in lure meaning that the wing tips are pointing downwards.

The panther is one beast that didn't appear in the Queen's Beasts series.

2022 1 oz Gold Proof Tudor Beasts Seymour Panther Coin

The Lion of England

For centuries the lion has been used as a heraldic symbol. Its origins can be traced back to 1128, when King Henry I presented a shield of golden lions to one of his courtiers.

The design features a crowned lion holding a shield, with the words “LION OF ENGLAND” at the top. The shield features the combined arms of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour. Showing both arms together symbolises the strength of the couple.

Epitomising strength, bravery and courage, the lion has continued to appear on royal coats of arms and heraldic shields.

Yale of Beaufort

The yale is a mythical animal. It is thought to be the size of an elephant, with a goat, or antelope-like body, and the tusks and horns of a boar.

These 2023 Tudor Beasts Yale of Beaufort Coins are the second bullion release in the Royal Mint's Tudor Beasts Series. The reverse was designed by David Lawrence. It shows a Yale holding a shield, featuring part of Jane Seymour’s coat of arms.

The segment shows an augmentation of honour. It was awarded to Jane’s father, Edward Seymour, upon King Henry’s marriage to Jane. It consists of three lions in the centre, with three fleur-de-lis on each side.

Bull of Clarence

The Bull of Clarence holds significance in heraldry as a symbol of strength, power, and bravery.

The 2023 Tudor Kings Beasts Bull of Clarence Bullion Coins are the third bullion release in the Royal Mint's Tudor Beasts Series. 

Linked to King Henry VIII, it features a formidable bull clutching a shield embellished with the Tudor rose. The inclusion of this emblem on crests and coins adds a sense of majestic nobility to heraldic representations.

Seymour Unicorn

The 2024 Tudor Beasts Seymour Unicorn Bullion Coins are the fourth bullion release in The Royal Mint's 'Tudor Beasts' series.

Symbolising purity and innocence, this mythical beast features of a horse, lion, and goat.

Historically, it represented the Seymour family, closely linked to King Henry VIII through his third wife, Jane Seymour.