The Queen's Beasts Coin Collection

The Queens Beasts coins series reflects the history and symbolism of Great Britain. Each piece in this series is dedicated to a special mythical or heraldic animal. All of them have long served as a protector for the British monarchy. 

So, here we would like to highlight the Queen's beasts coins series peculiarities, explore why they are so special and valuable, and find out more about the best way to check collector coins for value​.

The Queen's Beast Coins Series

The Queens Beasts coins series belongs to Great Britain history. Each piece in it is devoted to a special mythical or heraldic animal. All of them have long been protectors for the UK monarchy (at least it’s believed so if you’re not superstitious). 

What are the Queen's beasts coins series peculiarities? Why are they so special and valuable? And what is the best way to check collector coins for value​?

The Queen's Beast Coins Series Overview

It was produced by The Royal Mint between 2016 and 2021. It consists of eleven pieces. Each shows a heraldic creature as a symbol of the lineage and history of Queen Elizabeth II. 

This collection includes ten individual specimens and a final platinum, gold and silver Queens Beast Completer coin piece that features all ten creatures.

“The Royal Mint has truly outdone itself with the British gold Queen’s Beasts coins … The reverse designs feature highly detailed, beautiful beasts that symbolize British heritage and tradition.” 

— Joe Beasy, precious-metals and bullion dealer

Gold Guys

The Lion of England

• Issued in 2016;

• Denominations include £100, £2;

• Diameter varies: 32.69mm (gold), 38.61mm (silver).

The lion is one of the most famous symbols of the British monarchy. This mighty creature with a crown on its head holds a shield with the coat of arms of England. It represents the power, inviolability and sovereignty of the crown.

The Griffin of Edward III

• Issued in 2017;

• Denominations include £100, £2;

• Diameter varies: 32.69mm (gold), 38.61mm (silver).

The griffin is a mythological creature with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle. It holds in its paws the coat of arms of Edward III, which depicts a shield with the Round Tower of Windsor Castle. The tower is surrounded by two branches of oak and crowned with a crown.

The Red Dragon of Wales

• Issued in 2018;

• Denominations include £100, £2;

• Diameter varies: 32.69mm (gold), 38.61mm (silver).

It, with the dragon of Wales, is the third Queens beast coin. The red dragon is one of the most famous symbols of Wales. It represents the strength of the nation. The dragon is shown standing on its hind legs with wings spread: it’s ready to defend the shield with the coat of arms on which it rests.

The Unicorn of Scotland

• Issued in 2021;

• Denominations include £100, £2;

• Diameter varies: 32.69mm (gold, platinum), 38.61mm (silver).

The reverse depicts a unicorn. It’s a symbol of purity and strength. It’s represented with a crown worn around its neck, from which stretches a long chain. This is an indirect reference to the fact that Scotland is dependent on England. The unicorn holds a shield with the historical coat of arms of Scotland. 

South Korean numismatic pieces also provide interesting and symbolic backgrounds. 

The Black Bull of Clarence

• Issued in 2018;

• Denominations include £100 (Queen's Beast gold coins), £2 (Queens Beast silver coins), £100 (platinum);

• Diameter varies: 32.69mm (gold, platinum), 38.61mm (silver).

The reverse depicts a black bull. It’s a symbol of the power and heritage of the House of York, one of the two sides in the War of the Scarlet and White Rose in the 15th century. The animal stands on its hind legs and holds a shield bearing the coat of arms of the House of York.

The Falcon of the Plantagenets

• Issued in 2019;

• Denominations include £100, £2;

• Diameter varies: 32.69mm (gold, platinum), 38.61mm (silver).

This is the 6th one of Queen's beasts coins series. The reverse shows a falcon with a shield and the coat of arms of the Plantagenet dynasty. The falcon is a symbol of protection and royalty. 

The Yale of Beaufort

• Issued in 2019;

• Denominations include £100, £2;

• Diameter varies: 32.69mm (gold, platinum), 38.61mm (silver).

Yale is a mythical creature with the body of an antelope and long ornate horns (which, according to legend, can scroll independently of each other).  It symbolizes flexibility and strategic thinking. The animal holds a shield bearing the coat of arms of the House of Beaufort.

The White Lion of Mortimer

• Issued in 2020;

• Denominations include £100, £5;

• Diameter varies: 32.69mm (gold, platinum), 38.61mm (silver).

The reverse also depicts a lion, but unlike the first one, it doesn’t have a crown on its head. It’s connected with justice, mercy and discipline. The uncrowned White creature sits with his tail tucked and supports a shield bearing the coat of arms of the House of Mortimer.

The White Horse of Hanover

• Issued in 2020;

• Denominations include £100, £5;

• Diameter varies: 32.69mm (gold, platinum), 38.61mm (silver).

The white horse is for the House of Hanover and its long association with the British monarchy. The white horse is depicted in full growth. Its head is up and front legs are raised.

The White Greyhound of Richmond

• Issued in 2021;

• Denominations include £100, £5;

• Diameter varies: 32.69mm (gold, platinum), 38.61mm (silver).

The white greyhound stands for speed, devotion, loyalty and majesty. It;s also connected with the Tudor dynasty (and Henry VII). It depicts a greyhound with graceful posture that holds a shield bearing the coat of arms of the Earls of Richmond.

2021 Queen's Beast Completer Coin

• Issued in 2021;

• Metals used are gold, silver, platinum;

• Denominations include £100, £5;

• Diameter varies: 32.69mm (gold, platinum), 38.61mm (silver).

This one is the last one, which completes the famous series. The reverse depicts all ten creatures that surround the image of Queen Elizabeth II.

2oz Silver Set & 1 oz Gold Set

Queens Beast Coin Market Prices

The cost depends on the current market prices of metals. Their numismatic appeal also influences totals. As of March 28, 2025:​

Au Spot Price: Approximately $2,000 per troy ounce.​

Ag Spot Price: Approximately $25 per troy ounce.

Example calculations:​

• 1 oz Queens Beast Au: Intrinsic metal price is around $2,000. Numismatics can add 5–20% over the spot price. The overall sum depends on the rarity and condition.​

• 2 oz Queen Beast Ag: Intrinsic metal price is around $50. Numismatic premiums can be equal to from 10–30% over the spot price.​

These pieces are issued from various precious metals (which in turn opens up a lot of investment opportunities, as the demand for precious metals only grows over time - just think about rare and old Roman money). 

If you are a lucky owner of one of these or other interesting numismatic pieces, you can use our app to conveniently and accurately determine basic information and costs without hours of googling.

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