The Royal Tudor Beasts UK 2027

The final commemorative coin in the series dedicated to the heraldic beasts of Henry VIII features all ten Tudor creatures.

When visitors entered the residence of the English King Henry VIII, they had to cross a moat. The stone bridge in front of the main gate of Hampton Court Palace was guarded by ten majestic statues. Among the heraldic animals were the crowned lion of England, the Seymour panther, the Richmond greyhound, the Beaufort yale, the Tudor dragon, the Mortimer panther, the Clarence black bull, the Mortimer lion, the royal dragon and the Seymour unicorn. This eclectic group included both real and mythical creatures, but they had one thing in common – they commanded respect. For they were not merely decorative, but a carefully considered display of royal power. Through these statues, Henry emphasised the noble lineage upon which the Tudor dynasty based its claim to the English throne…

The reverse side of the coin, designed by David Lawrence, features all ten heraldic animals, which surround the Tudor rose. The obverse side is dedicated to the issuer’s attributes – namely, a portrait of King Charles III, the inscription CHARLES III D G REX F D (Charles III, by the Grace of God, King, Defender of the Faith) and the nominal value 5 POUNDS (GBP).

The commemorative coin, minted from base metals, is stored in special packaging which tells its story through words and images (in English).