Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 2 Pounds 2022, Sp# TBCSA2, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Royal Tudor Beasts, Lion of England
  • 2 Pounds 2022, Sp# TBCSA2, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Royal Tudor Beasts, Lion of England
  • 2 Pounds 2022, Sp# TBCSA2, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Royal Tudor Beasts, Lion of England, Box with a certificate of authenticity
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

The fifth crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem and drop earrings.

The George IV State Diadem, officially the Diamond Diadem, is a type of crown that was made in 1820 for King George IV. The diadem is worn by queens and queens consort in procession to coronations and State Openings of Parliament. The piece of jewelry has been featured in paintings and on stamps and currency. It can be seen in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FIDEI DEFENSATRIX means Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen and Defender of the Faith.

Engraver: Jody Clark

ELIZABETH II·D·G·REG·F·D·2 POUNDS·2022·
J.C

Reverse

Depicts the Lion of England in all its glory, holding a shield bearing the combined arms of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour, surrounded by the inscription above and date below.

The Lion of England is one of the oldest and most iconic royal beast in heraldic art. Used on the shield of England for as long as one has existed, the lion first appeared in heraldry in the twelfth century. Chosen to represent pride and courage, the Lion of England on the Moat Bridge at Hampton Court Palace held a shield bearing the impaled – or combined – arms of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour, symbolising the strength of the couple’s union.

Engraver: David Lawrence

LION OF ENGLAND
L.d
· 2022 ·

Edge

∙ HAMPTON COURT PALACE ∙ ROYAL TUDOR BEASTS

2 Pounds

5th portrait, One Ounce Silver Proof Coin
Sp# TBCSA2
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 31.21 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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