The Queen’s Beast series returns with a new edition! Please allow us to introduce, the 2020 White Lion of Mortimer coin which is now available in both 1oz gold and 2oz silver.
What is the White Lion of Mortimer Coin?
The White Lion came to the Queen of England through Edward IV, after inheriting the Mortimer animal emblem from his grandmother. Edward sometimes used the White Lion on his Royal Coat of Arms. Unlike the Lion of England, the White Lion of Mortimer wears no crown. Classic depictions show its tongue and claws being blue and is often sitting rather like a tamed dog with its tail down between its legs.
The classic image also shows the beast near the shield of a white rose encircled by a golden sun, known heraldically as a ‘White Rose en Soleil’. This was basically a combination of two emblems – the white rose of the House of York, and the sunburst emblem of his predecessor, Richard II. Most recently, the White Lion has been used by George VI (The Queen’s father) when he became Duke of York in 1920.
The Mortimer Family
The Mortimers were a powerful aristocratic family from the Welsh Marches, in Herefordshire, held the title of Earl of March since the fourteenth century.
One of its earliest recorded members is Ranulph de Mortimer, Seigneur of St. Victor-en-Caux in Normandy, who was granted lands in Herefordshire and Shropshire before 1086 by William the Conqueror. Mortimer rose in rebellion against the Conqueror’s successor William II ‘Rufus’ in 1088.
Coming from a successful line, Roger Mortimer is arguably one of the most notable. 1st Baron Mortimer, of Wigmore (1231 – 30 October 1282) was a loyal ally of King Henry III. In 1256 Mortimer’s cousin, Llywelyn ap Gruffydd invaded his lands of Gwrtheyrnion or Rhayader which led to war between the two, the war continued until they both Roger and Llywelyn died in 1282.
Roger Mortimer’s grave reads, “here lies buried, glittering with praise, Roger the pure, Roger Mortimer the second, called Lord of Wigmore by those who held him dear. While he lived all Wales feared his power and given as a gift to him all Wales remained his. It knew his campaigns, he subjected it to torment.”
White Lion Coin Design
The Lion of Mortimer is the 8th addition to The Royal Mint’s Queen’s Beast series. On this coin design, the white lion stands side-on facing right. His strong, muscular arm holds on to the shield bearing the ‘White Rose en Soleil’. His mouth is open in a roar as it lifts its left hand in triumph.
The obverse design depicts the fifth portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, and the monetary denomination. Both the obverse and reverse are designed by British Coin Designer Jody Clark, creator of the latest definitive portrait of The Queen on UK coinage and marked on the coin with the letters ‘JC’ on the front.
Bullion from Bleyer
The White Lion of Mortimer has finally arrived in both 1oz Gold and 2oz Silver bullion coins. If you wish to contact us directly, please do not hesitate to give us a call on 01769 618618 or email sales@bleyer.co.uk.
