Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 2 Pounds 2023, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, Royal Tudor Beasts, Bull of Clarence
  • 2 Pounds 2023, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, Royal Tudor Beasts, Bull of Clarence
  • 2 Pounds 2023, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, Royal Tudor Beasts, Bull of Clarence, Box with a certificate of authenticity
  • 2 Pounds 2023, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, Royal Tudor Beasts, Bull of Clarence, 2 coin set
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.

A symbol of power, the proud Bull of Clarence is the latest beast commemorated as part of The Royal Tudor Beasts Collection.

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•2 POUNDS•2023
MJ

Reverse

Depicts the Bull of Clarence standing beside a shield bearing the Tudor Rose signifies the marriage between Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, uniting the House of Lancaster and the House of York, surrounded by the inscription above and date below.

The Black Bull of Clarence is a ‘Yorkist’ beast which came through Edward IV, the first king of England from the House of York and one of the key players in the ‘Wars of the Roses’. Assisted by the Earl of Warwick who was known as the ‘kingmaker’, Edward took power from Henry VI, overturning a troubled Lancastrian rule. Henry VI fled to Scotland, but later briefly returned to the throne before he was finally defeated in battle by Edward in 1461. His execution at the Tower left no doubt over the new king’s reign. Edward IV is said to have often used the bull as a symbol, as did his brother, Richard III, the last York king. Edward’s original claim to the throne was as the great-grandson of Roger Mortimer, descendent of the Duke of Clarence, who Richard II had named as his successor but who was usurped by his nephew, Henry IV.

Engraver: David Lawrence

YALE OF BEAUFORT
D.L
· 2023 ·

Edge

∙ HAMPTON COURT PALACE ∙ ROYAL TUDOR BEASTS

2 Pounds

One Ounce Silver Proof Coin
KM#
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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