United Kingdom 5 Pounds 2016 Queen's Beasts Lion of England 2 Oz Silver

2016 2 oz Silver Queen's Beasts Lion of England Bullion Coin

The Royal Mint launched their Queen's Beasts bullion range in 2016. The Lion of England is the first coin in the series.

Both the obverse and reverse of the coins were designed by Royal Mint engraver, Jody Clark.

The coins have a face value of £5 and are struck in 999.9 silver fineness.

The Queen's Beasts are a series of ten statues that were created for Elizabeth II's coronation at Westmnister Abbey in 1953. They combine heraldic elements and mythical creatures which form a part of the Queen's royal ancestry.

Lion of England has appeared as a heraldic symbol since the twelth century when Henry I presented a shield with golden lions to one of his courtiers. Epitomising bravery, strength and valour, the lion has continued to appear on royal coats of arms and heraldic shields. The Lion of England is usually depicted wearing a crown, which it does on this coin.

The shield is quartered and displays the lion itself in the first and last quarter. The Scottish lion appears on the second quarter, with the harp or Ireland in the third.

Obverse: The fifth coinage portrait of Elizabeth II features on the obverse of the coin, designed by Jody Clark. The obverse bears the inscription:

ELIZABETH II·D·G·REG·F·D·5 POUNDS·

Reverse: Designed by Jody Clark, the reverse features the Lion of England grasping the Royal Coat of Arms Shield set against a chain mail background. The coin bears the inscription:

LION OF ENGLAND 2oz ·FINE SILVER·999.9·2016

The engraver's initials, JC, are below the design.