The 2016 Lion of England is the inaugural release in the Royal Mint's celebrated Queen's Beasts bullion series. Struck in .9999 fine (24-karat) gold, this 1 oz coin honors the crowned lion that has guarded the Royal Arms since the reign of King Edward IV. Its bold imagery and low-mintage debut status make it one of the most sought-after modern UK bullion issues.
Historical Insight
Ten stone beasts flanked the entrance to Westminster Abbey at Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953, each symbolizing a strand of royal ancestry. The Lion of England, dating back to medieval heraldry, embodies courage and monarchy. As the premier coin of the Queen's Beasts program, the 2016 Lion set a new standard for British bullion—combining century-old symbolism with cutting-edge .9999 purity and design technology.
Collectors prize this first-issue Lion for its debut status, striking detail, and role in launching one of the Royal Mint's most popular modern series.
Highlights:
- Contains: 1 troy oz of .9999 fine gold
- Obverse: Fifth definitive effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark, £100 face value
- Reverse: The crowned Lion of England rearing behind a heraldic shield, sculpted by Jody Clark
- Security: Radial line background and milled edge
- Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated (BU)
- Mint: The Royal Mint (UK) — no mint mark as issued
- Series: Queen's Beasts (coin #1 of 10, 2016 2021)
Specifications
SKU: |
269 |
Year: |
2016 |
Grade: |
Brilliant Unc |
Grade Service: |
None |
Denomination: |
100 Pounds |
Mint Mark: |
Not Shown |
Metal Content: |
1 Troy Oz |
Purity: |
0.9999 |
Thickness: |
2.7 mm |
Diameter: |
32.69 mm |
