Yale of Beaufort 2023 Gold Proof £100, Tudor Beasts Ounce Coin. NGC Graded PF70 Ultra Cameo

31 grams x 999.9 Fine gold.

Finish: Proof FDC.

Maximum coin Mintage: 410

This coin type is the third out of ten designs from the Royal Tudor Beasts Collection - coins depicting heraldic animals representing the Medieval Tudor dynasty which ruled England between 1485 and 1603.

The Moat Bridge, the main entrance to Hampton Court Palace built by King Henry VIII, is adorned by ten stone guardians. Each fearsome Royal Beast holds historic meaning and the ten figures evenly represent Henry VIII and his third wife, Jane Seymour. These regal protectors provided the inspiration for The Royal Tudor Beasts Collection from The Royal Mint. This release focuses on the weird and wonderful Yale of Beaufort. This mythical creature inspires awe in all who approach the palace, with its goat or antelope-like body, the fierce tusks of a boar, a lion’s tail and large horns that swivel in any direction to defend against attacks from all quarters.

The yale first appeared as a symbol supporting the Arms of John, Duke of Bedford and Earl of Kendal (one of King Henry VI’s sons). His earldom of Kendal and dukedom of Somerset were granted in 1443 to his cousin Sir John Beaufort (Henry VII’s grandfather), who took the "Eagle" and Bedford "Yale" as supporters. On choosing the yale as a Royal Beast, Henry VIII sought to add credibility to his position on the throne by emphasising his family connection to the powerful Beaufort family. The yale is also linked to the title of Somerset, which Jane Seymour’s brother Edward held as Duke. It is thought that Henry VIII also chose the yale as a Queen’s Beast to honour her brother.

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 of the coin shows at its centre the Yale of Beaufort - a mythical beast with a white goat-like or antelope body spotted with gold, four legs, the gilded tusks of a boar, a lion’s tail and large horns that "swivel in any direction" to counterattack from all quarters. The beast wears a crown around its neck, to which a chain is attached. It supports a shield with the bearing The Queen’s "Coat of Augmentation", which Henry VIII granted to Jane Seymour - featuring the three lions of England at centre, with three fleurs-de-lis one each side.

Around above, the inscription YALE OF BEAUFORT. Around below, · 2023 ·.

The designer's signature D.L (for David Lawrence) is below, next to the base of the shield.

Rest assured all photographs are of the actual coin you will receive. 

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