Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 50 Pence 2021, Sp# QBCSA8, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Queen's Beasts, Red Dragon of Wales
  • 50 Pence 2021, Sp# QBCSA8, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Queen's Beasts, Red Dragon of Wales, Frosted Proof
  • 50 Pence 2021, Sp# QBCSA8, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Queen's Beasts, Red Dragon of Wales, 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 Red Dragon of Wales is the third creature to appear on the Royal Mint’s commemorative “Queen’s Beasts” range following the launch of the Lion of England and Unicorn of Scotland.

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

A dynamic depiction of the Red Dragon of Wales leaping over the shield of Wales.

A dragon is a legendary creature, typically scaled or fire-spewing and with serpentine, reptilian or avian traits, that features in the myths of many cultures around world.

The Welsh Dragon (Welsh: Y Ddraig Goch, meaning the red dragon) appears on the national flag of Wales. The oldest recorded use of the dragon to symbolise Wales is in the Historia Brittonum, written around AD 829, but it is popularly supposed to have been the battle standard of King Arthur and other ancient Celtic leaders. Its association with these leaders along with other evidence from archaeology, literature, and documentary history led many to suppose that it evolved from an earlier Romano-British national symbol. During the reigns of the Tudor monarchs, the red dragon was used as a supporter in the English Crown's coat of arms (one of two supporters, along with the traditional English lion). The red dragon is often seen as symbolising all things Welsh, and is used by many public and private institutions.

· 20 21 ·
JC
RED DRAGON OF WALES

Edge

50 Pence

5th portrait, Reverse Frosted Proof Coin
Sp# QBCSA8
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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