United Kingdom: Imaginative Tudor Beasts Heraldry Series Continues With Gold And Silver Coins Featuring The Queen’s Panther

In association with Historic Royal Palaces Enterprises, the Royal Tudor Beasts Collection explores the stories behind the rich heraldry of the Tudor dynasty through coin design. Inspired by the statues that line the Moat Bridge at Hampton Court Palace, the beasts represent the famous union of Henry VIII and his third wife, Jane Seymour. The Queen’s Panther on the Moat Bridge is the last royal beast that visitors encounter before entering the palace.

When the House of Lancaster overcame the House of York following the Wars of the Roses, a formidable dynasty was born in the person of Henry VII. Following his matrimonial union with Princess Elizabeth of York to unite the houses, was keen to emphasise the legitimacy of his reign. The Tudor dynasty is descended from the Tudors of Penmynydd, a Welsh noble family and Catherine of Valois, Queen Consort of England from 1420 to 1422. The dynasty ruled England and the Lordship of Ireland for 118 years from 1485 until 1603. The founder of the ruling house was King Henry VII who was followed by his son King Henry VIII. It is this man who brought distinction to the Tudors by proving to be an able ruler, with his reign described as the most important in English history. Henry VIII was noted for his six marriages and most importantly, his break with the Catholic Church in 1534 following his marriage to Anne Boleyn the previous year. In his desire for a son to carry on the dynasty, and after the execution of Queen Anne in 1536, Henry VIII married Lady Jane Seymour (1508 – 1537) believed to be his favourite wife. Lady Jane gave birth to a prince, named Edward and who did succeed his father in 1547.

Following their marriage in May 1536, Henry VIII gave the heraldic panther to his new Queen to emphasise the legitimacy of his line and of their union. Bearing the impaled Arms of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour, the Queen’s Panther represents a powerful royal union. Sadly, Lady Jane died of post-natal complications less than two weeks after the birth of their son, the future King Edward VI. She was the only wife of Henry to receive a Queen's funeral and Henry VIII was later buried alongside her remains in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. The Queen’s Panther on the Moat Bridge is the last royal beast that visitors encounter before entering the palace.

Designed by Royal Mint artist David Lawrence, he has depicted the panther in its traditional ‘incensed’ form, with flames coming from its mouth and ears to represent its fragrant and allegedly enticing breath. Unlike the Seymour Panther, which holds a shield bearing the Seymour wings, the Queen’s Panther holds the Royal Coat of Arms impaled - or split in two by that of the Seymour family. Above the primary design is the inscription QUEEN’S PANTHER and below is the year of authorisation 2025. The one ounce silver Proof edition of the coin features the incused lettering edge inscription ∙ HAMPTON COURT PALACE ∙ ROYAL TUDOR BEASTS. The obverse of each coin option features the effigy of HM King Charles III designed by Martin Jennings. The denomination from 2 POUNDS to 500 POUNDS and year of issue 2025 is included in the legend surrounding the King’s likeness. 

The full range of The Tudor Beasts coins are available as limited-edition precious metal proof editions and are custom presented in a variety of options according to their metal, weight and denomination. The Brilliant Uncirculated cupro-nickel £5 edition is available and presented in a colourful folder with images and informative text.

Each coin is accompanied by presentation that explores the heraldic meaning of the Queen’s Panther, the influence of fine art on Tudor heraldry and the creation of the original stone beasts. *The £2 silver coins are also available as part of a two-coin set that features a coin with a reverse frosted finish and only available with this purchase option. For additional information, please visit the online webshop of the Royal Mint.