The Royal Mint honour the heraldic symbols of one of the nation’s most powerful dynasties, the Tudor King Henry VIII, with their new Royal Tudor Beasts Collection.
The collection is represented by ten mythical and real stone beasts that line the Moat Bridge at Henry VIII’s most famous residence, Hampton Court. The beasts represent the lineage of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour, his third wife.
The second edition of this fantastic collection is the 2023 UK Tudor Beast Yale of Beaufort Coin is available in 1oz Gold, 2oz Silver and 10oz Silver.
What is the Yale of Beaufort?
The ‘Yale’ symbolises grace and elegance, or defence and determination. The mythical beast was originally found in European mythology before passing into medieval bestiaries and heraldry legends. Most descriptions make it an antelope (or goat-like) four-legged creature with the tusks of a boar and large horns that can swivel in any direction.
“The size of a hippopotamus, with an elephant’s tail, of a black or tawny colour, with the jaws of a boar and movable horns more than a cubit in length” – Pliny the Elder from Natural History
The Yale’s connection to the British monarchy apparently began with Henry VII in 1485. He came from the House of Beaufort, an old noble English family. Henry’s mother, Lady Margaret, began the Beaufort heraldic symbol legacy. The Yale of Beaufort was one of the Queen’s official ten heraldic beasts commissioned for her coronation in 1953.
As Queen Jane had no direct link to Beaufort heraldry, Henry VIII likely transferred the Yale of Beaufort to his new wife. It is presented on the moat Bridge in Hampton Court, holding the Arms of Jane Seymour to reinforce her authority and influence as the king’s new wife.
Tudor Beast Yale of Beaufort Coin Design
The stunning coin design features the Yale of Beaufort rearing up on his hind legs. Its front legs hold a shield of the Arms of Jane Seymour. The sideways look of the beast clearly shows its power and ferociousness. Its spotted body makes for a great raised texture and a semi-angry look, with tusks and horns poised on either side of its head.
Around the border of the gold and silver coins is the inscription ‘YALE OF BEAUTFORT’ along with the coin’s purity and weight. The design includes security features, as the background behind the lion is formed of radical lines.
Bullion from Bleyer
If you want to get your hands on the 2023 UK Tudor Beast Yale of Beaufort Coins and rather contact us directly, call our friendly team on 01769 618618 or email us at sales@bleyer.co.uk.
