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The Queen’s Beasts 1/4 oz. Gold Bullion coin from 2016 featuring the Lion of England represents the inaugural release in a celebrated ten-coin series issued by The Royal Mint. This series was inspired by the ten heraldic statues that stood guard at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, each representing the genealogy of the British monarchy and its deep-rooted symbolism. The 2016 Lion of England was the first to be released, setting the tone for what would become one of the most respected and beautifully executed bullion programs in the modern numismatic world. As the first coin in the series, the Lion holds a place of honor and is often considered a cornerstone for collectors pursuing a complete set.
The Lion of England is one of the most iconic and enduring symbols in British heraldry. Associated with courage, nobility, and sovereignty, the lion has appeared on royal arms as far back as the 12th century, during the reign of Richard the Lionheart. It was also one of the original supporters of the royal arms and continues to be prominently displayed in British heraldic imagery. By choosing the Lion of England as the first of the Queen’s Beasts series, The Royal Mint underscored the creature’s central importance to the identity of the British monarchy. The coin’s release in 2016 marked the beginning of a journey through a millennium of symbolism and pageantry embodied in the heraldic guardians.
The design of the 2016 1/4 oz. Gold Lion coin was executed by Jody Clark, a rising star among British coin designers who also created the fifth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II featured on the obverse. Clark's reverse design features a fierce, rampant lion clutching a shield bearing the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom. The lion’s mane is rendered with stunning texture and depth, and its muscular frame and clawed paws exude power and dignity. The heraldic shield displays the traditional quartered arms: two quarters for England with three lions passant guardant, one for Scotland with a rampant lion, and one for Ireland with a harp. The circular legend around the edge reads "LION OF ENGLAND" along with the year and weight: “1/4 OZ FINE GOLD 999.9 2016.”
The obverse side of the coin carries Jody Clark’s effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, which debuted in 2015 and quickly became notable for its modern touch and lifelike detail. The Queen is depicted wearing the royal diadem, facing right, with inscriptions around the rim reading “ELIZABETH II • D • G • REG • F • D • 25 POUNDS.” This design harmonizes with the reverse artwork, providing continuity in the design language of modern British coinage. The high-relief detailing and the precision of the laser-etched fields highlight the technological sophistication employed by The Royal Mint in producing these bullion coins to investment-grade standards.
The Royal Mint, located in Llantrisant, Wales, is the official mint of the United Kingdom and has a history dating back over 1,100 years. It has produced coins for monarchs from Alfred the Great to the present day. The Queen’s Beasts bullion series was launched in 2016 as part of a broader effort by The Royal Mint to compete more aggressively in the international bullion market. The choice to issue a 1/4 oz. gold version, in addition to the 1 oz. and silver variants, was a strategic move to appeal to a wider range of investors and collectors who sought more affordable fractional options without compromising the beauty or quality of the series.
The 2016 Lion of England 1/4 oz. gold coin was struck with a purity of .9999 fine gold, a standard of excellence expected in modern bullion. Each coin weighs exactly one-quarter of a troy ounce and measures 22 millimeters in diameter. The coin has a face value of 25 pounds sterling, though its actual gold content gives it significantly higher intrinsic and market value. While the Royal Mint does not publish exact mintage figures for all of its bullion issues, the 2016 Lion is known to have had relatively modest distribution, especially when compared to the more widely minted 1 oz. counterparts or government-issued bullion like the American Gold Eagle or Canadian Maple Leaf. This lower mintage enhances its collectibility and long-term desirability.
The condition of the 2016 Queen’s Beasts Lion 1/4 oz. gold bullion coin, when preserved properly, remains brilliant uncirculated (BU), the standard condition for bullion coins directly from the mint. BU coins are typically free of any signs of wear or handling, retaining their original luster, with sharply struck features and minimal to no contact marks. As with all bullion coins, the handling and storage practices of the owner play a large role in preserving the coin’s visual and numismatic appeal. Many collectors choose to keep these coins in their original Royal Mint capsules or sealed in third-party holders for maximum protection.
Beyond its monetary and metal value, the 2016 Lion of England gold coin also serves as a cultural artifact that reflects a moment in British history during the final decade of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. The entire Queen’s Beasts series, and especially the first coin, has become associated with a retrospective appreciation for the monarch's unprecedented tenure and her deep connection to the nation's ceremonial traditions. As time passes, this coin is likely to gain even greater historical significance, both as the origin of the Queen’s Beasts program and as a representation of a long and storied reign.
Collectors and investors alike appreciate the 1/4 oz. gold version for its balance between affordability and prestige. It offers the same exceptional design and fine gold purity as the larger 1 oz. coin but in a format that makes it accessible to a broader audience. Fractional gold coins are also often used for gifting, bartering, or personal investment diversification, providing flexibility that heavier denominations may lack. As the first coin in a series that would continue through 2021, the 2016 Lion has consistently maintained a premium over spot price in the secondary market due to its limited availability and first-in-series status.
The 2016 Queen’s Beasts Lion 1/4 oz. Gold Bullion coin continues to be an important acquisition for those building a complete set of the Queen’s Beasts series or seeking standout examples of modern British minting excellence. Its intricate design, symbolic resonance, and fractional format have contributed to its sustained demand. Whether as a part of a royal-themed collection, a hedge against inflation, or a tribute to the artistry of heraldic coinage, the Lion of England embodies strength and continuity—qualities as enduring as the monarchy it represents. This coin remains a benchmark piece in 21st-century numismatics and a cherished keepsake of a remarkable royal legacy.