Beasts Coins from the UK: The Legend of the Tudor Dynasty Lives On
by Sebastian Wieschowski
It's a misty night in England, with the moon casting a silvery glow over the majestic walls of Hampton Court Palace. A light breeze whispers through the ancient oaks, and it almost feels like you can hear King Henry VIII's footsteps echoing through the halls. The Tudor dynasty, known for its lavish celebrations, political intrigues, and historical significance, continues to shape British history and culture to this day. This glorious era is being brought back to life through the new coin series "Tudor Beasts."
Henry VIII is not only famous for his six marriages (two of which ended with the wives meeting their fate at the Tower of London) and his role in founding the Anglican Church, but also for some curious facts surrounding his life and reign. Henry was a passionate musician and composer, reportedly having written over 30 pieces, including the famous "Pastime with Good Company." Moreover, although he is now mostly remembered for his large physique, in his younger years he was quite the fitness enthusiast of his time, participating in tournaments and enjoying fencing and hunting. Despite his later years being plagued by health issues and weight gain, he remains one of the most fascinating and contradictory figures in British history. He might even deserve a spot in the Guinness Book of Records today, as he owned over 2,000 carpets.
Following the great success of the "Queen's Beasts" series, which captivated coin collectors and history enthusiasts alike, Britain proudly presented its successor in 2021: the "Tudor Beasts" series. The original "Queen's Beasts" series was created to celebrate the ten heraldic statues displayed at Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953. Each statue represented a heraldic beast associated with the royal family, such as the Lion of England or the Griffin of Edward III. This coin series quickly became a favorite among collectors, not only for its artistic design but also for its historical significance.
The "Tudor Beasts" series seamlessly continues this success by capturing the symbolism and splendor of the Tudor dynasty. The series celebrates the heraldic animals closely linked to the history and legends of the Tudors. Among these magnificent creatures are the majestic Lion of England, the royal emblem, and the mystical Dragon of Wales, symbolizing pride and strength. Other significant animals include the Black Bull of Clarence and the White Lion of Mortimer, both representing power and grandeur. These animals symbolize power, royal dignity, strength, and loyalty, originating from the coats of arms of significant Tudor figures like Henry VII and Jane Seymour. Each coin in the "Tudor Beasts" series is therefore not just a work of art but also a piece of history.
While this aspect particularly appeals to collectors, investors will be especially interested in the weight of each coin: at 2 ounces of silver, they are twice as heavy as the usual 1-ounce silver coins. This gives them a better price per ounce compared to classic 1-ounce investment coins.
These coins offer collectors and investors a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history of the Tudor dynasty while benefiting from the beauty and value of silver. The detailed design and significant weight make them a coveted treasure for anyone who appreciates history and craftsmanship. The "Tudor Beasts" series is a worthy tribute to one of the most fascinating dynasties in British history and a shining example of the fusion of art, history, and precious metals. As vivid as the legends of the Tudors themselves, these coins will continue to captivate collectors and history lovers for years to come.
Sebastian Wieschowski has been collecting coins since childhood and, after working as a journalist with a focus on finance and economy, has switched his focus on coins and precious since 2012. He is the author of several self-published books on Bullion Coins, Panda Coins, Fake Coins and Coin Grading and works for numismatic magazines. He is also a recurring expert on the German television program Münzengalerie (Coin Gallery), the longest running numismatic television show in the world. You can find out more about his work at coinosseur.com
