This week I would like to share with you another silver coin from my personal collection. I hope you'll enjoy it!
The Lion of England 2 oz. silver coin
The Queen's Beasts are a series of ten heraldic statues representing the ancestry of Queen Elizabeth II, created to commemorate her coronation in 1953. As a tribute to these iconic symbols of British heritage, The Royal Mint has issued a series of silver coins, each one dedicated to a different beast in the collection. Let's have a deeper look into the specifics of the exquisite piece known as "The Lion of England," the very first coin from the series.
Release and Limited Mintage:
The "Lion of England" silver coin was issued on March 17, 2016, as the first release in The Queen's Beasts silver coin series by The Royal Mint. The coin was available in various sizes and denominations, ranging from 2 ounces to a kilo, with the 2-ounce version being a popular choice for collectors.
Coin Specifications:
The 2-ounce silver "Lion of England" coin is struck in .9999 fine silver with a weight of 2 troy ounces (62.2 grams) and a diameter of 38.61 mm. The coin features a brilliant uncirculated finish, which showcases the design's intricate details and enhances the coin's visual appeal.
Obverse Design:
On the obverse side, the coin features the fifth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Jody Clark. The inscriptions "ELIZABETH II," "D.G. REG. F.D." (short for Dei Gratia Regina, Fidei Defensor), and the coin's denomination, "5 POUNDS," along with the issuing year, "2016," are also displayed on this side.
Source: The Royal Mint
Reverse Design:
The reverse side of the coin pays tribute to the Lion of England, the first and most iconic of The Queen's Beasts. The design, created by Jody Clark, showcases the majestic lion standing on its hind legs, holding a shield adorned with the Royal Arms of England. The inscription "LION OF ENGLAND" and the coin's weight, purity, and metal content, "2 OZ FINE SILVER 999.9," are also included in the design.
Source: The Royal Mint
Presentation and Packaging:
Each "Lion of England" silver coin comes in a protective plastic capsule, ensuring that the coin remains in pristine condition. For those who wish to store or display their collection, The Royal Mint also offers an elegant wooden presentation box, available for purchase separately.
Source: Mint of Gdańsk
Investment potential:
The coin was purchased by me shortly after the release for 215 PLN (around 52 USD). Currently, you can find it on the second market for around 600 PLN (ca 145 USD), which gives pretty decent ROI of almost 280%!
Source: goldon.pl
Conclusion:
The Lion of England silver coin is a stunning representation of British history and a fitting tribute to The Queen's Beasts. Its intricate design and high-quality craftsmanship make it a valuable addition to any collection. As the first release in the series, this coin sets the stage for a remarkable journey through the royal lineage of Queen Elizabeth II, capturing the essence of the monarchy's rich heritage.
Real coin photos from my personal collection:
Stay tuned for more!