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Inventory:
2 In Stock
- Product ID: 45691
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| Metal/Chg | Bid | Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Updated: 05/18/25 12:16:01 | ||
Gold
-39.43
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$3,200.85 | $3,213.59 |
The 2022 1/4 oz British Gold Tudor Beasts Lion of England coin is the first release in The Royal Mint’s prestigious “Tudor Beasts” bullion coin series, following the success of the popular “Queen’s Beasts” program. Inspired by the ten heraldic beasts that line the Moat Bridge of Hampton Court Palace, the Tudor Beasts collection honors the rich symbolism of royal lineage and heraldry, particularly during the Tudor dynasty. This series pays tribute to the power and influence of King Henry VIII, whose marriage to Jane Seymour was symbolically guarded by the heraldic statues that inspired these modern coins. As the opening issue, the Lion of England sets the tone with a commanding design and brilliant uncirculated finish, ideal for both investors and collectors.
The Lion of England has long been one of the most enduring symbols of British monarchy and national identity. It represents courage, strength, and nobility and has been used in various forms on royal standards, coats of arms, and official seals for centuries. During the Tudor period, the lion was prominently displayed to emphasize legitimacy and dominance. The Royal Mint's decision to launch the Tudor Beasts series with this iconic creature reflects its historical significance and popularity. By immortalizing the Lion of England on a 1/4 ounce gold coin, the mint captures a balance between affordability, collectibility, and fine artistry, creating a perfect gateway into the series for those interested in fractional gold bullion.
The obverse of the 2022 1/4 oz Tudor Beasts Lion of England coin features the definitive portrait of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, designed by artist Jody Clark. This effigy, introduced in 2015, showcases the Queen wearing the George IV State Diadem and is used on all current UK coinage. Surrounding the portrait are the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II · D · G · REG · F · D · 25 POUNDS,” denoting her title in Latin—“By the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith”—alongside the coin’s face value of 25 pounds sterling. The obverse is finished with a brilliant uncirculated surface, offering a gleaming background that complements the raised, frosted devices, resulting in strong visual clarity and refinement.
The reverse design, also created by Jody Clark, features a powerful depiction of the Lion of England standing proudly on its hind legs behind a Tudor shield. The shield bears the quartered arms of Henry VIII, merging the lilies of France with the lions of England, symbolizing the king’s claim to both realms. The lion is heavily muscled and roaring, wearing a crown to signify its royal association. Clark’s attention to anatomical accuracy and texture gives the lion a sense of vitality and motion. Encircling the central image is the inscription “LION OF ENGLAND · 1/4 OZ · FINE GOLD · 999.9 · 2022,” confirming the coin’s weight, metal content, and year of issue. The intricate design and sharp details demonstrate the Royal Mint’s world-class minting capabilities.
Struck in .9999 fine gold (24-karat), the 2022 Tudor Beasts Lion of England coin contains exactly one-quarter of a troy ounce of pure gold. The coin measures 22 millimeters in diameter and weighs 7.78 grams, making it a practical choice for investors looking to diversify with fractional gold. The use of 24-karat gold ensures a high level of purity and is increasingly favored by modern bullion buyers. As with all Royal Mint bullion products, the coin’s specifications meet rigorous standards, providing confidence in its weight and metal content. These attributes, combined with the elegant and historic theme, make the coin an exceptional piece for precious metal portfolios and royal heritage collections alike.
The 1/4 oz gold Lion of England coin was produced by The Royal Mint in limited numbers, though exact mintage figures for bullion releases are often unpublished until after the year’s close. This inherent scarcity, particularly for fractional gold coins with elaborate designs, contributes to their collectibility. As the first issue in the Tudor Beasts series, the 2022 release holds additional appeal, as many collectors seek to acquire the inaugural coin in any new program. Early issues often appreciate in value over time due to their status as the entry point for the series, and demand is typically highest at launch. The Lion of England, as both a cultural and heraldic icon, further amplifies the desirability of this release.
The coin is issued in brilliant uncirculated (BU) condition, meaning it was struck with standard bullion dies and intended for investors, yet it still maintains sharp design features and a clean, high-luster surface. BU coins may exhibit minor contact marks from mint handling and storage, especially if distributed in tubes or bulk packaging, but top examples remain free from significant blemishes. Collectors often select individual BU coins with strong eye appeal, sharp rims, and minimal surface distractions for display or encapsulation. Coins that are graded and certified by third-party services like NGC or PCGS as MS69 or MS70 typically command a premium on the secondary market due to their pristine condition and added assurance of quality.
The 2022 1/4 oz gold Tudor Beasts Lion of England is also notable for its introduction of a new security feature. For the first time on a Royal Mint bullion series, the reverse incorporates a chainmail-like background texture that functions as a security device to prevent counterfeiting. This micro-detailing not only reinforces the authenticity of the coin but also enhances its visual complexity, aligning with the theme of heraldic armor and nobility. This innovation reflects the Royal Mint’s continued efforts to blend tradition with modern technology, ensuring that its bullion products remain both beautiful and secure in an increasingly sophisticated marketplace.
In the broader context of modern gold bullion, the Tudor Beasts series carries the prestige of British monarchy and numismatic continuity. Following the acclaimed Queen’s Beasts series, which concluded in 2021, the Tudor Beasts coins continue the tradition of portraying royal heraldry in a collectible format. Investors and collectors who appreciated the artistry and value of the Queen’s Beasts will find the Tudor Beasts to be a natural successor, offering similarly high standards of design and production. With plans to release ten different beasts over several years, the series offers long-term engagement and collecting opportunities for those who appreciate regal themes and precious metal investments.
The 2022 1/4 oz British Gold Tudor Beasts Lion of England coin is a standout entry in modern bullion coinage, merging historic symbolism, superior gold purity, and exceptional craftsmanship into one striking release. As the first in a multi-year series from The Royal Mint, it holds special appeal as both a collectible and investment vehicle. With its robust security features, brilliant uncirculated condition, and compelling design rooted in Tudor heritage, the coin commands attention from gold buyers and heraldic enthusiasts alike. Whether acquired as part of a long-term collecting plan or as a standalone asset of beauty and value, the Lion of England gold coin roars with both prestige and promise.