2026 Queen's Lion 1oz Gold Bullion Coin (Royal Tudor Beasts)
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Coins featuring His Majesty King Charles III mark a new chapter in British numismatic history. From 2022 onwards, The Royal Mint began issuing gold and silver coins bearing the official portrait of King Charles III, making these pieces highly collectable and historically significant.
Coins Bearing the Portrait of King Charles III
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The accession of King Charles III in September 2022 ushered in a new era for the British monarchy and UK coinage. In keeping with long-standing Royal Mint tradition, the monarch's effigy is updated on all newly issued legal tender coins. Coins bearing the image of His Majesty King Charles III are therefore of great historical and cultural importance, representing the first design change to the obverse of British coinage in 70 years.
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The first coins to feature King Charles III entered circulation and bullion markets in late 2022. The official effigy, designed by acclaimed British sculptor Martin Jennings, depicts the King facing left - in keeping with numismatic tradition, which alternates the direction of each new monarch's portrait.
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Coins minted with the portrait of King Charles III span both commemorative and bullion ranges. This includes popular investment coins such as the Gold Sovereign, Gold Britannia, and Silver Britannia, as well as limited-edition releases to mark significant national occasions, such as the Coronation Sovereign issued in 2023.
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These coins are not only legal tender but also form an essential part of British numismatic history. They appeal to both collectors and investors due to their historical importance, high precious metal content, and, in many cases, tax advantages - such as Capital Gains Tax (CGT) exemption for UK-issued gold legal tender coins.
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At Gold Traders, we offer a wide selection of King Charles III coins sourced directly from The Royal Mint. Whether you're interested in bullion-grade Sovereigns, investment-grade Britannias, or historic commemoratives, each coin is authenticated, securely packaged, and available for fully insured UK delivery or collection from our premises.
The Royal Tudor Beasts collection from The Royal Mint celebrates one of Britain's most fascinating dynastic stories - the marriage of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour, and the heraldic creatures that once guarded the entrance to Hampton Court Palace.
Each coin in the series reimagines one of the ten stone statues known as the King's Beasts. These sculptures line the Moat Bridge at Hampton Court, commissioned by Henry VIII to symbolise royal legitimacy and the union of the Tudor and Seymour families.
Like the earlier Queen's Beasts series, The Royal Tudor Beasts range combines intricate historical design with modern bullion precision. Every release is struck to 999.9 fine gold or silver (and, in some years, platinum) and carries the official effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, created by sculptor Martin Jennings.
A Legacy in Stone and Gold
The Tudor dynasty understood the language of heraldry better than anyone. For Henry VIII, every emblem carved into stone or minted in gold carried political weight - proof of his right to rule and a visual reminder of continuity after the turbulence of his earlier marriages.
When the original Moat Bridge was rebuilt in the sixteenth century, ten magnificent beasts were added: the Lion of England, Yale of Beaufort, Seymour Panther, Black Bull of Clarence, Griffin of Edward III, Royal Dragon, Greyhound of Richmond, Queen's Lion, and others - each representing a strand of Tudor heritage.
Over centuries, those statues were lost, rediscovered and later remade, still standing today at Hampton Court. The Royal Mint's modern series captures that same spirit - art reclaimed, restored, and reimagined for a new age of collectors and investors.
Design and Craftsmanship
Every coin in the Royal Tudor Beasts series is designed by David Lawrence, whose hand-drawn interpretations strike a careful balance between historical accuracy and contemporary energy. The reverse of each coin features one of the beasts in striking relief, often supporting a heraldic shield or badge associated with Henry VIII or Jane Seymour.
Behind the artwork lies an advanced surface animation - a micro-engraved wave pattern that shimmers as light moves across the coin. This feature is unique to The Royal Mint's latest bullion issues, serving both aesthetic and anti-counterfeit purposes.
The obverse side presents the official coinage portrait of King Charles III, replacing the late Queen Elizabeth II from 2023 onwards, maintaining consistency across The Royal Mint's bullion range.
Investment Appeal
The Tudor Beasts series is available in a variety of denominations, struck in gold, silver and platinum. UK legal-tender status ensures exemption from Capital Gains Tax, while investment-grade classification makes those struck in gold VAT-free for UK buyers.
The series appeals equally to bullion investors and collectors who appreciate thematic continuity - each new release adds depth and completeness to the set. Like the Queen's Beasts range before it, these coins are expected to remain highly sought after long after the final design is issued.
Coins in the Collection
As of 2026, the Royal Tudor Beasts bullion series includes:
- The Seymour Panther
- The Lion of England
- The Yale of Beaufort
- The Bull of Clarence
- The Griffin of Edward III
- The Royal Dragon
- The Greyhound of Richmond
- The Queen's Lion (2026 release)
About The Royal Mint
With over 1,100 years of heritage, The Royal Mint remains the original British maker of coins and precious-metal products - combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Every Tudor Beasts bullion coin carries a guarantee of weight and purity backed by the UK government, ensuring authenticity and trust.
Gold Traders is an authorised distributor for The Royal Mint, offering the latest bullion releases alongside earlier issues from across the series. Orders placed before 1 pm are dispatched the same day with full insurance and next-day delivery.