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The 2018 1 oz British Platinum Queen's Beast Griffin Coin is a part of the Royal Mint's ongoing series featuring heraldic creatures from the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom. This coin is particularly special because it showcases the Griffin, a mythological creature that represents the merging of two powerful beasts: the lion and the eagle. This coin is a tribute to one of the ten animals featured in the Queen’s Beasts collection, which started in 2016 and honors the symbols associated with the British monarchy. The Griffin symbolizes strength, courage, and protection, qualities that were traditionally associated with the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom, especially in the medieval and Renaissance periods. The 2018 coin marks the fifth release in this successful series, which has garnered a significant following due to its detailed design and historical symbolism.
The British Platinum Queen's Beast Griffin Coin features the iconic image of the Griffin standing proudly on the reverse. This striking design, created by the artist Jody Clark, depicts the mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head, wings, and claws of an eagle. The Griffin is shown standing on its hind legs, exuding both majesty and power. Its wings are spread, and its claws are ready, symbolizing the creature’s protective nature. This depiction is intricate, with detailed feathering on the wings and fur on the lion’s body, which adds a sense of depth and realism to the design. Above the Griffin is the inscription “GRIFFIN OF EDWARD III,” referencing the historical use of this creature in British heraldry and its connection to King Edward III, who ruled in the 14th century. Below the Griffin is the coin’s weight and purity—“1 oz 999.5 PLATINUM”—which highlights the coin’s content as a high-quality platinum piece. The reverse also features the Royal Mint’s mintmark and a design that maintains a consistent thematic link to the Queen’s Beasts series.
The obverse of the 2018 1 oz British Platinum Queen's Beast Griffin Coin features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which has been used on British coins since 1998. This portrait, created by artist Ian Rank-Broadley, shows the Queen in profile, wearing the Royal Diadem crown. Surrounding the image is the inscription "ELIZABETH II D G REG F D," which stands for “Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith.” This standard inscription on British coinage reflects the monarch’s role as the head of state and as the defender of the Christian faith. The obverse also includes the denomination “£100,” indicating that this coin is worth 100 British pounds. This combination of historical and modern elements in the design makes the coin both a tribute to British heritage and a contemporary collector’s item.
The Griffin, as a heraldic symbol, has deep roots in British and European history. It was first used in the English royal coat of arms by King Edward III, who ruled from 1327 to 1377. The creature was believed to embody the virtues of both the lion, symbolizing courage and nobility, and the eagle, symbolizing strength and vision. The Griffin was used in Edward III’s personal arms and also featured prominently in the arms of his descendants. Its significance as a protector and guardian made it a fitting symbol for the monarch’s authority and power. This coin, as part of the Queen’s Beasts series, serves to reconnect the public with these historical symbols and to highlight the legacy of the British monarchy.
The Royal Mint, based in Llantrisant, Wales, has been responsible for producing British coins for centuries. The mint has a long and respected history, dating back to 886 AD, and has become one of the leading mints in the world. The Queen’s Beasts series, introduced in 2016, has been a major success for the Royal Mint, with each coin celebrating a different beast from the royal coat of arms. The 2018 1 oz British Platinum Queen's Beast Griffin Coin is part of this ongoing series, which has included such notable animals as the Lion of England, the Unicorn of Scotland, and the Red Dragon of Wales. Each coin in the series is struck in a variety of precious metals, including gold, silver, and platinum, allowing collectors to choose from a wide range of options. The Royal Mint is renowned for its attention to detail and its commitment to producing coins of the highest quality, which is evident in the craftsmanship of the Griffin coin.
The mintage of the 2018 1 oz British Platinum Queen's Beast Griffin Coin is limited, making it a highly sought-after item among collectors. As with most limited-edition coins, the relatively low mintage ensures that the coin retains its value over time. The coin’s status as a platinum issue further adds to its desirability, as platinum is a rarer and more expensive metal than gold or silver. The rarity of this coin, combined with its historical significance and artistic design, makes it an attractive option for both investors and numismatists alike. Due to its limited supply, the coin has appreciated in value, especially as demand for the Queen’s Beasts series has continued to grow since its inception.
The 2018 1 oz British Platinum Queen's Beast Griffin Coin is available in uncirculated condition, ensuring that each coin retains its original lustrous finish. The condition of a coin is crucial in determining its value, and uncirculated coins like this one are highly prized by collectors for their pristine state. The reverse design, featuring the Griffin, is detailed and sharp, with every feather and muscle of the mythical creature brought to life in stunning clarity. The obverse, showing the Queen’s effigy, also remains crisp and well-defined, making this coin a prime example of the Royal Mint’s high standards of craftsmanship.
The Queen’s Beasts series, including the 2018 1 oz British Platinum Queen's Beast Griffin Coin, has become one of the most popular and widely collected series in the world of numismatics. Each coin in the series tells a part of the story of British heraldry and monarchy, with the Griffin being one of the most distinctive and powerful symbols. This coin is not only a valuable investment in platinum but also a piece of history that connects collectors to centuries of British tradition. As the Royal Mint continues to release new coins in the Queen’s Beasts series, the 2018 Griffin coin will remain a standout piece in any collection.