2016 British 2 oz Silver Coin

Queen's Beast "Lion of England"

.9999 pure silver 5 pounds issued by the Royal Mint

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Product overview

The Lion of England, the first in the "Queen's Beasts" series issued by The Royal Mint in 2016, is a historic silver coin that symbolizes the dignity and tradition of the British Royal Family. This commemorative coin marks the beginning of a series of 10 coins, and is highly regarded by collectors and investors around the world.

This silver coin is minted from 2 troy ounces (approximately 62.2 grams) of .9999 pure silver and is issued as legal tender in the UK as £5. It is a sovereign coin whose value is guaranteed by the UK government, making it suitable for asset preservation, long-term investment, and collection purposes.

At Goldsilverjapan, we value the value and appeal of this series and offer carefully selected, high-quality coins.

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Coin specifications

• Publication year: 2016

• Country of issue: United Kingdom (UK)

• Value: 5 pounds

• Quality: .9999 (99.99% pure silver)

• Weight: 2 troy ounces (approximately 62.2g)

• Diameter: approx. 38.61mm

• Thickness: Approximately 6mm

• Publisher: The Royal Mint

• Condition: Brilliant Uncirculated (BU)

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What is the Queen's Beast series?

The "Queen's Beasts" series originates from the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. During the coronation at Westminster Abbey, ten magnificent Heraldic Beasts were placed at the entrance.

These statues were created by sculptor James Woodford RA and, standing at approximately two metres in height, symbolise the lineage and history of the royal family.

This series, which was launched by the Royal Mint in 2016, is based on the theme of these 10 heraldic beasts.

Series composition:

1. Lion of England (2016)

2. Griffin of Edward III

3. Red Dragon of Wales

4. Unicorn of Scotland

5. Black Bull of Clarence

6. Falcon of the Plantagenet

7. Yale of Beaufort

8. The White Lion of Mortimer

9. White Horse of Hanover

10. White Greyhound of Richmond

This "Lion" design is an iconic symbol of the series and one of its most popular.

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Design details

Obverse

The obverse features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by sculptor Jody Clark. This portrait, the fifth in the series, was adopted in 2015 and is a contemporary yet sensitive portrayal of the Queen's dignity and majesty.

The following inscription is engraved around it:

• ELIZABETH II

• DG REG. FD

• 5 POUNDS

This is the traditional spelling meaning "Queen by God's grace, Defender of the Faith."

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Back (reverse)

The reverse depicts the crowned Lion of England standing tall and supporting the British Royal Heraldic Shield.

The shield bears the following symbols:

• Quadrants 1 and 4: England's Three Lions

• Quadrant 2: Scotland's Rising Lion

• Quadrant 3: Irish Harp

The coat of arms is based on the official British Royal Coat of Arms, which has been in use since the time of Queen Victoria in the 19th century.

Surrounding areas:

• 2 OZ

• FINE SILVER

• 9999

• 2016

The weight, purity and year of issue are clearly indicated.

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Historical background of lions

The Lion of England has been the primary supporter of the Royal Coat of Arms since the accession of James I in 1603.

In medieval Europe, lions were symbols of courage, royalty, and power, especially in the case of Richard I (the Lionheart), a warrior king of England.

The Barbary lion is England's national symbol and a visual representation of royal authority.

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Investment value and asset preservation

This coin has high investment value due to the following points:

1. High purity

High purity silver of .9999 is highly valued in the international market.

2. Royal Mint

Officially issued by the Royal Mint, one of the oldest mints in the world.

3. First in the series

The first issue of a series tends to fetch a premium.

4. The presence of 2 ounces

It weighs more than 1 ounce and is both collectible and an investment.