TheQueen's Beasts coins are British coins issued by the Royal Mint in platinum, gold, and silver since 2016. Each of the 10 planned coins in the series features a stylized version of one of the heraldic Queen's Beasts statues present at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II representing her royal line of ancestry. The silver coin is notable as the first two-ounce United Kingdomsilver bullion coin. Engraver Jody Clark will design the entire series. In December 2016, a full line of proof-quality coins was announced. In 2017, the mint began producing a platinum version of the coin. Single coins were delivered in a plastic coin capsule or flip, as chosen when ordering. Bulk orders were delivered in the same containers used for packaging Britannia bullion coins: 10 coins per tube, 20 tubes per box. The tube for silver can potentially hold a total of 14 coins. On February 18, 2016, Wholesale Direct Metals announced that they would be the exclusive North American distributor for the Royal Mint of the Lion of England bullion coins. By mid-2016, the coins were widely available for sale and trade from a variety of sources. The proof versions were widely available in December 2016.
Common obverse
The obverse features the fifth definitive coinage portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, surrounded by the text "ELIZABETH II • D • G • REG • F • D • POUNDS". DG REG FD is an abbreviation of the Latin "Dei Gratia Regina Fidei Defensor," meaning "By the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith". It is a form of the style of the British sovereign of Queen Elizabeth II common on coins of the Pound Sterling. The initials of artist Jody Clark appear just below the portrait.
Reverse on bullion coins
The reverse features a stylized rendition of the beast surrounded by the text " • oz • FINE • 999. • ". Jody Clark's initials appear just below the shield, offset either to the left or to the right.
Reverse on proof and brilliant uncirculated coins
The reverse features a slightly different stylized rendition of the beast from the bullion version, surrounded by the text " • ". Jody Clark's initials appear within the shield, offset either to the left or to the right.
I. Lion of England
The Lion of England is the first in the series of Queen's Beasts coins, released in March, 2016. The initial allocation of bullion coins from the Royal Mint sold out and were not available again until mid-June 2016. Proof versions were announced in November 2016.
The Black Bull of Clarence is the fourth in the series of Queen's Beasts bullion coins, released 2018.
Obverse
Beginning with this fourth release, the obverse background of the bullion versions was changed from a stucco-like finish to an arcing pattern of many small diamonds.
