Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 50 Pence 2021, Sp# QBCSA3, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Queen's Beasts, White Horse of Hanover
  • 50 Pence 2021, Sp# QBCSA3, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Queen's Beasts, White Horse of Hanover, Frosted Proof
  • 50 Pence 2021, Sp# QBCSA3, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Queen's Beasts, White Horse of Hanover, 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 White Horse of Hanover is the eighth 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 and White Lion of Mortimer.

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 White Horse of Hanover standing proudly beside a shield of Great Britain in Scotland from 1714 to 1801 used by King George I, George II, George III dividing date and surrounded by the inscription below. The horse faces right – the opposite direction of the unicorn – to emphasise the difference between these similar beasts.

The White Horse of Hanover was introduced into the Royal Arms in 1714 when the crown of Great Britain passed to the Elector George of Hanover. This grandson of Elizabeth Stuart, sister of Charles I, became George I, King of Britain, France and Ireland. The shield shows the leopards of England and the lion of Scotland in the first quarter, the fleur-de-lis of France in the second and the Irish harp in the third quarter. The fourth quarter shows the Arms of Hanover.

· 20 21 ·
JC
WHITE HORSE OF HANOVER

Edge

50 Pence

5th portrait, Reverse Frosted Proof Coin

Queen's Beasts
White Horse of Hanover

Subscribe series
Sp# QBCSA3
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

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