The Queen's Beasts series stands as one of the Royal Mint's most successful and sought-after collections. With the series now complete, collectors and investors alike are assessing the long-term value proposition of these remarkable coins.
Origins of the Queen's Beasts
The Queen's Beasts concept dates to the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, when ten heraldic statues were commissioned to guard the entrance to Westminster Abbey. These beasts represented the various royal and noble houses whose bloodlines converged in the Queen.
In 2016, the Royal Mint launched a coin series depicting these magnificent creatures, beginning with the Lion of England and concluding in 2021.
The Complete Collection
The ten beasts, in order of release:
- Lion of England (2016): Symbol of English royalty since Richard I
- Griffin of Edward III (2017): Guardian of treasure and priceless possessions
- Red Dragon of Wales (2017): Ancient symbol of the Tudor dynasty
- Unicorn of Scotland (2018): Representing purity and power
- Black Bull of Clarence (2018): From the House of York
- Falcon of the Plantagenets (2019): Symbol of medieval English kings
- Yale of Beaufort (2019): Mythical creature of the Tudor lineage
- White Greyhound of Richmond (2020): The House of Lancaster's symbol
- White Horse of Hanover (2020): From George I's German ancestry
- White Lion of Mortimer (2021): Completing the collection
Denominations and Specifications
The series was produced in multiple denominations:
- 1oz Gold (£100 face value): The flagship investment piece
- 1/4oz Gold (£25 face value): More accessible entry point
- 2oz Silver (£5 face value): Popular with collectors
- 10oz Silver (£10 face value): Impressive display pieces
All coins are .9999 fine gold or .999 fine silver, struck to the Royal Mint's exacting standards.
The Grading Advantage
Professional grading from PCGS or NGC adds significant value to numismatic coins. A MS70 (perfect) grade indicates:
- No post-production imperfections visible under 5x magnification
- Sharp strike with full design detail
- Brilliant original lustre
- Authentication by the world's leading coin graders
MS70 examples of early Queen's Beasts releases now command premiums of 30-50% over ungraded coins.
Investment Performance
The Queen's Beasts has shown strong appreciation:
- 2016 Lion 1oz Gold: Issue price ~£1,050; current value ~£3,800 (MS70)
- Low mintage variants: Some proof versions have doubled in value
- Complete sets: Premium over individual coins
Performance has benefited from both rising gold prices and numismatic demand for the finite series.
Collectibility Factors
Several factors support continued appreciation:
- Series completion: No new issues will dilute existing coins
- Historical significance: Connection to Queen Elizabeth II's reign
- Design excellence: Jody Clark's acclaimed artwork
- CGT exemption: British legal tender status
- Global recognition: The Royal Mint's international reputation
Acquiring Queen's Beasts Today
While mintages are fixed, quality examples remain available through specialist dealers. Key considerations:
- Verify authenticity through reputable sources
- Consider graded examples for maximum liquidity
- Store properly to maintain condition
- Complete sets may offer better long-term value
Marcellus maintains an inventory of certified Queen's Beasts coins. Our numismatic specialists can advise on building a meaningful collection.
The Tudor Beasts: A New Chapter
The Royal Mint has launched the Tudor Beasts series as a successor, offering a new opportunity to acquire limited-edition coins from the outset. Early issues have shown strong initial demand, suggesting lessons learned from the Queen's Beasts success.