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Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 24171
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| Metal/Chg | Bid | Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Updated: 04/24/25 08:57:01 | ||
Gold
 48.29
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$3,335.86 | $3,349.43 |
The Queen’s Beasts 1/4 oz. Gold Bullion 2017 Red Dragon of Wales is one of the most captivating entries in the heraldically inspired series issued by The Royal Mint. Introduced as part of a ten-coin collection commemorating the majestic creatures of British royal heraldry, the Red Dragon coin represents the strength and regal symbolism of Wales. Released in 2017 as the third issue in the series, the Red Dragon of Wales stands out both for its mythical association and its bold artistic execution. The Queen’s Beasts series was inspired by ten heraldic statues that stood at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, each representing a segment of the royal lineage. These beasts were originally sculpted by James Woodford and placed at Westminster Abbey, and the Red Dragon is one of the most famous, representing the lineage of the Tudor monarchy and the principality of Wales.
The design of the 2017 Red Dragon of Wales 1/4 oz. Gold Bullion coin was created by Royal Mint coin designer Jody Clark, who also famously sculpted the fifth official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II used on British coinage beginning in 2015. Clark’s interpretation of the Red Dragon is fierce and commanding, featuring the winged beast in a rampant pose with its clawed limbs gripping a shield. The shield at the center of the coin bears the arms of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the last sovereign Prince of Wales before its annexation into the English crown. The dragon is shown with an open jaw, coiled tail, and spread wings, exuding strength and dominance. Clark’s detailing captures the texture of scales, the ferocity of the beast’s eyes, and the elegant curves of its frame, offering a striking tribute to this iconic heraldic figure.
The obverse of the coin features the aforementioned fifth portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, also designed by Jody Clark. This profile is rendered with refined detail, depicting the monarch wearing the Royal Diadem. The legend encircling the portrait reads “ELIZABETH II · D · G · REG · F · D · 25 POUNDS,” noting her title in Latin and the coin’s legal tender denomination. Although this is a bullion coin and is not intended for general circulation, it is considered legal tender in the United Kingdom, which adds a layer of sovereign credibility to its intrinsic gold value. The obverse is clean, crisp, and highly polished, with Clark’s engraving capturing the dignity and continuity of the British monarchy.
The coin was struck by The Royal Mint in .9999 fine gold, with a total weight of 1/4 troy ounce (7.78 grams). As with all the coins in the Queen’s Beasts bullion series, the Red Dragon of Wales was issued in both gold and silver variants, with various weights to appeal to collectors and investors alike. The 1/4 oz. gold format offers a balanced entry point between affordability and premium bullion aesthetics. The brilliant uncirculated strike features a combination of mirrored and frosted surfaces, highlighting the intricate design while enhancing the coin’s visual contrast. The field behind the dragon incorporates a geometric guilloché-style pattern that reflects light beautifully and adds depth to the overall presentation.
The mintage of the 2017 1/4 oz. Gold Red Dragon is limited compared to mass-market bullion, which adds an additional layer of appeal for collectors. Although The Royal Mint does not always publish fixed mintage limits for bullion versions of the Queen’s Beasts, it is well documented that early releases in the series—especially in fractional gold weights—had smaller mintages relative to standard one-ounce coins. This has made the 1/4 oz. Dragon particularly sought after by those aiming to complete the full ten-coin set in this denomination. Additionally, collectors recognize the Dragon’s prominence and mythological allure as contributing to its desirability, both for its aesthetic power and its numismatic significance within the series.
The historical roots of the Red Dragon of Wales go back centuries, with the red dragon ("Y Ddraig Goch" in Welsh) long serving as a symbol of Wales. It was famously used by Henry VII, the first Tudor king, who included the dragon on his standard during the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. By incorporating the Red Dragon into the Queen’s Beasts series, The Royal Mint honored this enduring national emblem and its integral role in British and Welsh heraldry. The dragon has since been cemented in modern iconography, including on the national flag of Wales. Its presence in this coin series continues a rich tradition of celebrating the United Kingdom’s dynastic and regional history through coinage.
Coins preserved in uncirculated condition, such as the 2017 1/4 oz. Gold Red Dragon, maintain their full visual appeal and numismatic integrity. In this condition, the coin shows no signs of wear, handling, or contact marks. The luster remains bright, the details of the dragon and the queen’s portrait are sharp, and the finely struck fields retain their original sheen. Whether stored in original mint capsules or protective holders, uncirculated examples have the added benefit of long-term preservation of value, appealing equally to investors seeking secure bullion and collectors drawn to thematic artistry. The coin’s compact size and precious metal purity ensure that it is both portable and liquid, while its aesthetic quality adds a distinctive allure absent in many generic bullion issues.
The Queen’s Beasts series has proven to be one of The Royal Mint’s most popular modern bullion programs, combining royal history with innovative design and investment-grade specifications. The Red Dragon of Wales is a centerpiece of the series, frequently recognized for its dramatic styling and symbolic weight. For those building complete Queen’s Beasts collections, the 2017 Dragon is essential, marking an early phase in the ten-part journey. Its release followed the Lion of England and the Griffin of Edward III, and it preceded the Unicorn of Scotland, each coin serving as a link in a chain of British heraldic tradition. The dragon’s central placement in the overall series timeline also makes it a natural focal point for collectors building thematic sets.
The 2017 Queen’s Beasts 1/4 oz. Gold Red Dragon of Wales stands as a powerful expression of national identity, artistic craftsmanship, and bullion integrity. Struck in fine gold and adorned with a mythic creature steeped in cultural significance, the coin bridges the realms of investment and narrative, making it equally compelling to both investors and numismatists. Its condition in brilliant uncirculated format ensures its visual brilliance and preservation, while its role within a wider heraldic series gives it enduring thematic value. Whether appreciated for its gold content, its stunning design, or its place in modern British coinage, the Red Dragon of Wales endures as one of the standout releases in The Royal Mint’s acclaimed Queen’s Beasts program.