Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 5 Pounds 2025, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, Royal Tudor Beasts, Queen’s Panther
  • 5 Pounds 2025, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, Royal Tudor Beasts, Queen’s Panther
  • 5 Pounds 2025, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, Royal Tudor Beasts, Queen’s Panther, Fold-out packaging
Description

When the House of Lancaster overcame the House of York following the Wars of the Roses, a formidable dynasty was born. Henry VII, following his matrimonial union with Elizabeth of York to unite the houses, was keen to emphasise the legitimacy of his reign. He looked to the medieval tradition of heraldry to display motifs and symbols wherever possible, reinforcing his rightful position on the English throne to his subjects as well as rival claimants.

Henry VIII continued his father’s commitment to legitimising the Tudor dynasty. One such place that heavily features heraldic symbols is Hampton Court Palace – one of the king’s most famous residences and a place he used for pleasure and celebration.

Ten stone beasts line the Moat Bridge, representing the lineage of Henry VIII and his third wife, Jane Seymour. Consisting of real beasts and mythical creatures, the Royal Mint is honouring these heraldic symbols of one of the nation’s most powerful dynasties with The Royal Tudor Beasts Collection, dedicated to the ten heraldic beasts that flank the Moat Bridge of Hampton Court Palace.

Obverse

Depicts King Charles III’s effigy, surrounded by the Latin inscription. Engraver's initials on the neck.

CHARLES III DEI GRATIA REX FIDEI DEFENSOR means King Charles III, by the Grace of God King, Defender of the Faith.

Engraver: Martin Jennings (MJ)

•CHARLES III•D•G•REX•F•D•5 POUNDS•2025
MJ

Reverse

Depicts the Queen’s Panther holding the impaled Arms of Henry VIII that bears the Coat of Augmentation bestowed upon her, surrounded by the inscription above and date below.

The Queen’s Panther, positioned on the Moat Bridge opposite the Tudor Dragon, is the final Queen’s Beast visitors encounter before entering Hampton Court Palace. In heraldry, panthers are depicted as 'incensed', with flames emanating from their mouths and ears, symbolizing their fragrant breath. Legend states that this breath attracted all animals except for the dragon, making the pairing with the Tudor Dragon particularly fitting.

This panther was bestowed upon Jane Seymour by Henry VIII as a symbol of legitimacy and lineage, linking back to Henry VII. It holds a shield bearing the impaled Arms of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour, representing the union between the king and his third wife. On the left side (dexter) of the shield, Henry VIII’s quartered Arms highlight his royal ancestry, while the right side (sinister) displays Jane Seymour’s Coat of Arms, reflecting her descent from five noble families. This shield serves to affirm the legitimacy of their marriage and any offspring from the union. With its sharp gaze, the Queen’s Panther watches over the bridge, symbolizing both royal power and the House of Tudor’s enduring legacy.

Engraver: David Lawrence

QUEEN'S PANTHER
D.L
· 2025 ·

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 28.28 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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