United Kingdom (Great Britain) Elizabeth II 500 Pounds

History

500 Pounds 2023, Sp# TBCGD3, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Royal Tudor Beasts, Yale of Beaufort

Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint

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	Crown, jewelry Diamond Diadem Person (king, queen, tsar etc.) Elizabeth II 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·500 POUNDS· J.C
Reverse	Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Lion Legendary creature (dragon, unicorn etc.) Yale Symbol, amulet, talisman Fleur-de-lis Depicts the Yale of Beaufort, holding a shield bearing the arms of Jane Seymour (featuring the English lions and French fleur-de-lis), Henry VIII's third wife, surrounded by the inscription above and date below. The Yale is a mythical beast with characteristics of an antelope or goat, depending on the imagination of the artist and their desire to portray grace and elegance, or strength and determination. It is similar to a goat but has the tusks of a wild boar and the tail of a lion. Engraver: David Lawrence YALE OF BEAUFORT D.L · 2023 ·
Edge	Reeded (milled)