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Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 57053
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| Metal/Chg | Bid | Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Updated: 08/30/25 06:50:02 | ||
Platinum
 8.61
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$1,354.91 | $1,402.02 |
The Great Britain 1 Ounce Platinum 2017 Queen’s Beasts – Lion of England coin marks the debut of the Royal Mint’s acclaimed Queen’s Beasts series in platinum, blending centuries of heraldic tradition with the strength and purity of .9995 fine platinum. This coin not only represents the first platinum issue of the Queen’s Beasts collection but also showcases the Lion of England—arguably the most iconic and enduring heraldic beast in British history. The 2017 platinum Lion of England is sought after for its exceptional design, low mintage, and importance as the series' inaugural platinum release, appealing to both bullion investors and numismatic collectors around the world.
The Queen’s Beasts series was inspired by ten heraldic statues created for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. These statues, each representing a royal lineage or noble house, stood guard during the Queen’s coronation at Westminster Abbey and have since become iconic symbols of British heritage. The Lion of England, one of the most revered of the beasts, was chosen to lead the series and serves as the perfect emblem of strength, courage, and monarchy. Its position as the first release in the platinum series adds historical and numismatic significance, as it set the standard for the coins that followed.
The obverse of the coin features the fifth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Jody Clark. In this effigy, the Queen is shown wearing the royal diadem, facing right, with remarkable detail in her hair, crown, and facial features. Surrounding the portrait is the legend “ELIZABETH II · D · G · REG · F · D · 100 POUNDS,” indicating her titles in Latin (By the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith) and the face value of 100 pounds. The obverse's classic and formal presentation aligns with the royal and institutional gravity of the Queen’s Beasts theme.
The reverse of the coin, also designed by Jody Clark, presents the Lion of England in a dynamic, forward-facing pose. The beast rears up on its hind legs, clutching a shield that bears the Royal Arms of England—three golden lions passant guardant on a red background. The lion itself is rendered with exceptional muscularity and expression, roaring defiantly as it guards the symbol of English monarchy. The text around the edge reads “LION OF ENGLAND · 1 oz · FINE PLATINUM · 999.5 · 2017,” clearly denoting the weight, purity, year of issue, and theme. Clark’s design combines stylized medieval influence with modern realism, making this one of the most visually striking platinum coins of the decade.
Each coin contains exactly one troy ounce of .9995 fine platinum, the standard purity level for investment-grade platinum bullion coins. The coin measures 32.69 millimeters in diameter and has a reeded edge, offering the same general dimensions as the Royal Mint’s other one-ounce bullion coins. The Royal Mint’s high-quality production ensures a strong, detailed strike, with frosted devices and a brilliant finish that brings out the intricate textures of the lion’s mane, shield, and surrounding legend. Though issued as a bullion coin, many examples are preserved in near-flawless condition and collected as semi-numismatic pieces due to their aesthetic appeal and limited availability.
The mintage of the 2017 1 oz Platinum Lion of England was limited compared to its gold and silver counterparts. While exact figures may vary based on distribution and packaging formats, estimates suggest that the total mintage was well below that of mass-produced bullion coins such as the American Platinum Eagle or the Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf. The relatively low mintage has contributed to the coin’s strong performance in the secondary market and its status as a key piece within the full Queen’s Beasts set. As the first platinum coin in the series, the Lion of England holds special importance for collectors aiming to complete a full ten-coin platinum set.
Coins purchased directly from authorized bullion dealers or distributors were typically delivered in protective capsules or tubes, depending on order size. Some may have been slabbed and graded by third-party grading companies such as NGC or PCGS. High-grade examples, especially those certified MS69 or MS70, are particularly prized among collectors. Thanks to the Royal Mint’s advanced quality controls and superior striking process, most coins issued in Brilliant Uncirculated condition maintain strong luster and fine detail even years after production.
The coin’s legal tender status and £100 face value under British law provide additional assurance of authenticity, though its true value lies far beyond its nominal denomination due to its platinum content and collectible appeal. As platinum is less commonly minted than gold or silver, coins like this often carry an added rarity factor. With growing interest in platinum as a diversification tool in precious metals portfolios, the 2017 Lion of England represents both a compelling investment and a beautifully executed piece of British heraldic art.
The Queen’s Beasts platinum series ran from 2017 through 2021, with each release celebrating a different heraldic creature. The Lion of England remains foundational to the series, both symbolically and in terms of chronology. As such, it holds a pivotal place in any complete Queen’s Beasts collection, especially in platinum where issues were released in more limited numbers than their gold and silver counterparts. Whether acquired as a stand-alone piece or as part of a larger collection, the 2017 platinum Lion of England is one of the most important modern British bullion issues.
In conclusion, the Great Britain 1 Ounce Platinum 2017 Queen’s Beasts – Lion of England coin is a masterpiece of modern minting that honors centuries of British heraldic tradition while offering the high intrinsic value of platinum. Its dynamic design, low mintage, and status as the first issue in the Queen’s Beasts platinum series make it a must-have for serious collectors and a smart acquisition for bullion investors seeking diversity, beauty, and historical symbolism in their precious metals holdings.