Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 50 Pence 2021, Sp# QBCSA1, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Queen's Beasts, Griffin of Edward III
  • 50 Pence 2021, Sp# QBCSA1, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Queen's Beasts, Griffin of Edward III, Frosted Proof
  • 50 Pence 2021, Sp# QBCSA1, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Queen's Beasts, Griffin of Edward III, 10 coin set
Description

When Her Majesty The Queen was crowned in 1953, the entrance to Westminster Abbey was guarded by 10 fantastical creatures – The Queen’s Beasts – created by sculptor James Woodford RA. First sculpted in plaster, the Queen's Beasts have had several homes since their debut, now residing in the Canadian Museum of History in Quebec. However, James Woodford RA also sculpted replicas of the beasts in Portland stone that now sit outside the Kew Gardens in London.

The Queen’s Beasts are issued since 2016 in commemorative coin form, launched one beast at a time. The coins are available in a range of finishes, from mint-condition Brilliant Uncirculated cupro-nickel to Proof editions in silver and gold, struck from 1-ounce to 1-kilo sizes.

The griffin of Edward III is the tenth and the last creature to appear on the Royal Mint’s commemorative “Queen’s Beasts” range following the launch of the Lion of England, Unicorn of Scotland, Red Dragon of Wales, Black Bull of Clarence, Falcon of the Plantagenets, Yale of Beaufort, White Lion of Mortimer and White Greyhound of Richmond.

The entire series' designs are created by engraver Jody Clark.

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.

ELIZABETH II·D·G·REG·F·D·50 PENCE·
JC

Reverse

Depicts the griffin of Edward III standing proudly beside a shield dividing date and surrounded by the inscription below.

The griffin of Edward III Queen's Beast is an ancient mythical beast. It was considered a beneficent creature, signifying courage and strength combined with guardianship, vigilance, swiftness and keen vision. It was closely associated with Edward III who engraved it on his private seal. The shield shows the Round Tower of Windsor Castle (where Edward III was born) with the Royal Standard flying from the turret, enclosed by two branches of oak surmounted by the royal crown.

The griffin, griffon, or gryphon is a legendary creature with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion; the head and wings of an eagle; and sometimes an eagle's talons as its front feet. Because the lion was traditionally considered the king of the beasts, and the eagle the king of the birds, by the Middle Ages, the griffin was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature.

· 20 21 ·
JC
GRIFFIN OF EDWARD III

Edge

50 Pence

5th portrait, Reverse Frosted Proof Coin

Queen's Beasts
Griffin of Edward III

Subscribe series
Sp# QBCSA1
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 7.86 g
Diameter 22 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

Related coins

5th portrait, Reverse Frosted Proof Coin, Lion of England

Queen's Beasts

Silver, 7.86 g, ⌀ 22 mm
5th portrait, Reverse Frosted Proof Coin, White Greyhound of Richmond

Queen's Beasts

Silver, 7.86 g, ⌀ 22 mm
5th portrait, Reverse Frosted Proof Coin, White Horse of Hanover

Queen's Beasts

Silver, 7.86 g, ⌀ 22 mm