Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 500 Pounds 2023, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, The Lion and The Eagle
  • 500 Pounds 2023, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, The Lion and The Eagle
  • 500 Pounds 2023, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, The Lion and The Eagle, Box with a certificate of authenticity
Description

To commemorate the enduring relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States of America, The Royal Mint has issued a coin featuring a highly symbolic reverse design uniting two proud national emblems that are rarely seen together – the British lion and the American eagle. Powerful visual metaphors for our shared values, both beasts have a fascinating history and long association with coinage.

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•500 POUNDS•2023
MJ

Reverse

Depicts two iconic national symbols, the British lion and the American eagle. In heraldry, a lion represents strength, courage and nobility. Conveying these qualities, lions featured on the Coats of Arms of many powerful families in medieval Europe, including on the shields and standards of British kings and queens. Similarly, the bald eagle has been a national symbol of the United States since the eighteenth century. An icon of freedom of strength, its qualities match those of the country it represents – independence, determination and a strong will to survive.

Engravers: John M. Mercanti (JM)

THE LION AND THE EAGLE
JM
2023

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.9999
Weight 156.3 g
Diameter 50 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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