2017 British 2 oz Silver Coin Queen's Beast "Red Dragon of Wales"
(2017 Great Britain 2 oz Silver Queen's Beasts – The Dragon of Wales)
⸻
[Product overview]
Issued by The Royal Mint in 2017, this 2-ounce silver coin is the third in the globally popular "The Queen's Beasts" series. Crafted from 2 troy ounces of .9999 (99.99%) fine silver, it features a magnificent design depicting the majestic "Welsh Red Dragon."
The Queen's Beasts series consists of 10 different heraldic beasts, inspired by the 10 heraldic beasts that were installed in Westminster Abbey for the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. This series is one of the Royal Mint's signature programs, reinterpreting historical and royal significance as modern precious metal coins.
This piece, the Red Dragon, is a symbol of Celtic tradition and Welsh pride, and has long appeared in British history as a mythical being symbolizing power, sovereignty, and royal authority. Its impressive size of 2 ounces and extremely pure silver make it both a collectible and an investment piece.
⸻
[Coin specifications]
• Country of issue: Great Britain
• Publication year: 2017
• Denomination: Five pounds (£5)
• Weight: 2 troy ounces (approximately 62.2g)
• Diameter: approx. 38.61mm
• Thickness: Approximately 6mm
• Purity: .9999 fine silver (99.99% pure silver)
• Quality: Brilliant Uncirculated (BU)
• Publisher: The Royal Mint
• Legal tender: UK government guaranteed
• IRA eligible (*International standards)
• Packaging: Single item in protective case / 10 or more in tube / 200 or more in monster box
⸻
[Design details]
■ Obverse
The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. The design was created by Jody Clark, renowned coin designer at the Royal Mint. The exquisite relief image shows the Queen in majestic profile wearing a crown, surrounded by the following inscription:
• “ELIZABETH II”
• “DG REG. FD”
• “5 POUNDS”
"DG REG. FD" is Latin for "Queen by the Grace of God, Defender of the Faith," and refers to the traditional title of the British Royal Family.
Jody Clark's portrait has been featured on British coins since 2015 and is highly regarded as a modern yet dignified representation.
⸻
■ Reverse
The reverse side features a powerful depiction of the Red Dragon of Wales, the main character of this work. With its wings spread wide and its sharp claws gripping a shield, it exudes an imposing presence.
The dragon holds a shield bearing the Welsh emblem of a red dragon, surrounded by the following engravings:
• “RED DRAGON OF WALES”
• “2 oz.”
• “FINE SILVER”
• “9999”
• “2017”
Combining strength and elegance, this design is a masterpiece that combines mythological elements with royal grandeur.
⸻
[What is the Queen's Beast Series?]
On June 2, 1953, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place at Westminster Abbey, where ten heraldic beasts representing the lineage and history of the royal family were stationed to guard the ceremony.
These sculptures were created by James Woodford RA and each represents a member of the British Royal Family's ancestry or lineage.
The 10 species are:
1. Lion of England
2. Griffin
3. The Red Dragon of Wales
4. Unicorn
5. Black Bull
6. Falcon
7. Yarl
8. Greyhound
9. White Horse
10. Scottish Lion
This series, which began in 2016, has issued one of each of these 10 coins as a modern coin. The 2-ounce silver coin in particular has gained worldwide popularity due to its presence and high investment demand.
⸻
[The History of the Welsh Red Dragon]
The Red Dragon (Y Ddraig Goch) is the national symbol of Wales and appears on the flag.
This dragon is said to have originated in Celtic mythology and Roman Britain, with the "Red Dragon of King Cadwalader" in particular being passed down as a symbol of royal power in ancient Britain.
The Tudor kings also adopted the red dragon as their royal coat of arms, and Henry VII won the Battle of Bosworth while flying a red dragon banner, making the dragon a symbol of the legitimacy of the English monarchy.
Furthermore, legend has it that a red dragon was depicted on King Arthur's battle flag, and it is also said to have been a protective symbol of ancient Celtic warriors.
Due to this historical background, the red dragon has become more than just a mythical being; it has become a symbol of royalty, courage, and sovereignty.
⸻
[Investment value and market valuation]
This coin is highly rated for the following reasons:
1. High purity .9999
It is part of a series that was the first British silver coin to feature .9999 purity, and is highly trusted internationally.
2. 2 ounce weight
It is heavier than the 1 oz. size and has a premium feel. There is strong market demand, but the distribution volume is relatively limited.
3. Popularity of the series
The Queen's Beasts series is highly sought after as a collector's item around the world, and early issues in particular tend to fetch a premium price.
4. UK Government Guarantee
They have legal tender status and are guaranteed by the UK government for quality and weight.
⸻
[Attractiveness as a collection]
• Enjoy collecting the whole series
• Artistic beauty that allows you to experience mythology and royal history at the same time
• A solid, three-dimensional sculpture
• Worldwide recognition
The Queen's Beast is not just a silver coin, but can also be described as a medal that tells the story of the British royal family's lineage.
⸻
[About storage and preservation]
Due to the high purity of this coin, discoloration (toning) may occur due to humidity or sulfur in the air.
• Store in a dry environment
• Use capsules or sealed cases
• Do not touch directly with bare hands
By following these rules, you can maintain a beautiful appearance for a long time.
⸻
【summary】
The 2017 "Queen's Beast Red Dragon" 2 oz silver coin is
✔ History of the British Royal Family
✔ Celtic symbols
✔ .9999 Sterling Silver
✔ 2 oz weight
✔ A globally popular series
It's a very attractive piece that combines all of these elements.
This is a masterpiece that we can confidently recommend to collectors and those considering investing in silver.
Why not add the magnificent Red Dragon to your collection?
