2021 Griffin of Edward III Queens Beast Gold Proof 100 Pounds, One Ounce Coin (1oz) – NGC Graded PF70 Ultra Cameo, First Releases

1 ounce x 999.9 Fine Gold.

Variety: Proof

Total Mintage: 535

The Queen's Beasts heraldic statues representing the genealogy of Queen Elizabeth II stood in front of the temporary western annexe to Westminster Abbey for the Queen's coronation in 1953. Each of The Queen's Beasts consists of an heraldic beast supporting a shield bearing a badge or arms of a family associated with the ancestry of Queen Elizabeth II. They were commissioned by the British Ministry of Works from sculptor James Woodford. The statues were uncoloured except for their shields at the coronation. They are now on display in the Canadian Museum of History. There are other statues of the Queen's Beasts, sometimes referred to as the King's Beasts, at Hampton Court Palace and Kew Gardens in London, and on the roof of St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. 

The Griffin of Edward III 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 King 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 - a motif also seen on the House of Windsor commemorative crown coin.

The obverse of the coin depicts the crowned old head of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem crown worn for her Coronation (her effigy known as the "Fifth Portrait").

In small letters below the head, the artist's initials J.C (for Jody Clark).

Running continuously around the effigy is the monarch's legend: ELIZABETH II · D · G · REG · F · D · 100 POUNDS ·. Translated from Latin: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith, followed by the value and denomination in English.

The reverse features, a dynamic depiction of the mythical beast known as The Griffin of Edward III - with the winged body of a lion and the head of an eagle - facing left. It is holding a shield depicting the Round Tower of Windsor Castle (where King Edward III was born) with the Royal Standard flying from the turret, enclosed by two branches of oak surmounted by the royal crown.

Around below, the inscription GRIFFIN OF EDWARD III. Around above, interrupted by the griffin's wings, the date of issue · 2021 ·.

The artist's initials JC (for Jody Clark) are in the lower right field next to the shield

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