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

It was produced by The Royal Mint between 2016 and 2021, and comprises eleven pieces, each depicting a heraldic beast symbolizing the lineage and history of Queen Elizabeth II. This collection includes ten individual specimens representing specific beasts and a final platinum, gold and silver Queens Beast Completer coin pieces that features all ten creatures. ​

1. The Lion of England

Issue date: 2016
Denomination: £100 (gold), £2 (silver)
Diameter: 32.69mm (gold), 38.61mm (silver)

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

2. The Griffin of Edward III

Issue date: 2017
Denomination: £100 (gold), £2 (silver)
Diameter: 32.69mm (gold), 38.61mm (silver)

The griffin is a mythological creature with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle, holding 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 royal crown. 

3. The Red Dragon of Wales

Issue date: 2018
Denomination: £100 (gold), £2 (silver)
Diameter: 32.69mm (gold), 38.61mm (silver)

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

4. The Unicorn of Scotland

Issue date: 2021
Denomination: £100 (gold), £2 (silver), £100 (platinum)
Diameter: 32.69mm (gold, platinum), 38.61mm (silver)

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

Related article: South Korean coins. 

5. The Black Bull of Clarence

Issue date: 2018
Denomination: £100 (Queen's Beast gold coins), £2 (Queens Beast silver coins), £100 (platinum)
Diameter: 32.69mm (gold, platinum), 38.61mm (silver)

The reverse depicts a black bull, 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 black bull symbolizes strength and endurance. The animal stands on its hind legs and holds a shield bearing the coat of arms of the House of York.

6. The Falcon of the Plantagenets

Issue date: 2019
Denomination: £100 (gold), £2 (silver), £100 (platinum)
Diameter: 32.69mm (gold, platinum), 38.61mm (silver)

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

7. The Yale of Beaufort

Issue date: 2019
Denomination: £100 (gold), £2 (silver), £100 (platinum)
Diameter: 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, the beast 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.

8. The White Lion of Mortimer

Issue date: 2020
Denomination: £100 (gold), £5 (silver), £100 (platinum)
Diameter: 32.69mm (gold, platinum), 38.61mm (silver)

The reverse also depicts a lion, but unlike the first one, it does not have a crown on its head. It symbolizes justice and mercy, discipline. The uncrowned White Lion sits with his tail tucked and supports a shield bearing the coat of arms of the House of Mortimer.

9. The White Horse of Hanover

Issue date: 2020
Denomination: £100 (gold), £5 (silver)
Diameter: 32.69mm (gold, platinum), 38.61mm (silver)

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

10. The White Greyhound of Richmond

Issue date: 2021
Denomination: £100 (gold), £5 (silver), £100 (platinum)
Diameter: 32.69mm (gold, platinum), 38.61mm (silver)

The white greyhound symbolizes speed and devotion, loyalty and majesty, with a special connection to the Tudor dynasty (and to Henry VII). It depicts an elegant greyhound with graceful posture holding a shield bearing the coat of arms of the Earls of Richmond.

11. 2021 Queen's Beast Completer Coin

Issue date: 2021
Metal: gold (for the 2021 Queen's Beast Completer 1oz gold coin), silver (for the 2021 Queen's Beast Completer 1kg silver coin), platinum
Denomination: £100 (gold), £5 (silver), £100 (platinum)
Diameter: 32.69mm (gold, platinum), 38.61mm (silver)

This one is the last beast one, which completes the famous series. The reverse depicts all ten beasts surrounding the image of Queen Elizabeth II.

Queens Beast 2oz Silver Coin Set & 1 oz Gold Coin Set

Queens Beast Coin Market Prices

The value fluctuates based on the current market prices of metals, as well as their numismatic appeal. As of March 28, 2025:​

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

Silver Spot Price: Approximately $25 per troy ounce.

Given these spot prices:​

• 1 oz Queens Beast Gold Coin: Intrinsic metal value around $2,000. Numismatic premiums can add 5–20% over the spot price, depending on the rarity and condition.​
  
  

• 2 oz Queen Beast Silver Coin: Intrinsic metal value around $50. Numismatic premiums can range from 10–30% over the spot price.​

It's important to note that certain specimens in the series may command higher premiums due to their popularity or lower mintage figures, e.g., the Queen's Beast Completer silver coin. You should consult reputable dealers or recent auction results to determine specific market values.

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 coins). 

If you are the lucky owner of one of these or other interesting numismatic pieces, you can use the Coin ID Scanner app to conveniently and accurately determine basic information and value without hours of “googling”. 

Sources:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The Queen Beast Coin

2. https://www.bullionbypost.com/info/queen's beast coin/