This new quarter ounce gold coin is the fourth release in a brand new series of ten issues. Each of the ten coins in this new series will feature a heraldic animal of the British Royal Family. In addition to this quarter ounce gold coin, the UK Royal Mint also produces a one oz gold coin and a two ounce silver coin for each of the ten animals in the series.

Here are some highlights of this coin:

• Contains one quarter (1/4) troy ounce of .9999 fine gold.
• Minted at the Royal Mint in Wales.
• £25 legal tender face value, backed by the government of the United Kingdom.
• Obverse design features a new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, updated for 2018.
• Reverse design features the unicorn, one of England's most famous heraldic creatures.
• Fourth of ten coins in a new series.

In 1536, the infamous King Henry VIII commissioned the carving of ten stone sculptures in honor of his marriage to Jane Seymour (they were engaged the day after the execution of his previous wife, Anne Boleyn). Each of the ten animals depicted in the sculptures represent the heraldry of different branch of Henry and Jane's respective ancestries. These sculptures - the "King's Beasts" - stand to this day on a moat bridge at Henry VIII's primary English residence, Hampton Court Palace.

In advance of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953, some four hundred years later, a similar set of sculptures were commissioned. These sculptures also depicted the different mythical creatures representing the various branches of Elizabeth's family in the heraldic system. The sculptures themselves were plaster, not stone, and are now on display indoors at a museum in Canada. Stone replicas are on display in Kew Gardens, London.

This new series of coins from the Royal Mint honors these ten mythical creatures: the Queen's Beasts. In addition to a two ounce silver coin, a 1/4 oz gold coin and a one ounce gold coin will also be produced for each of the ten animals in the series. This coin, featuring the English Unicorn, is the fourth release.

The Royal Mint is one of the oldest and most well-respected national mints in the world. The purity and quality of these coins make them an excellent investment choice; in addition, because these coins are part of a unique series with a limited production run, they have the potential to acquire significant collectible (or, "numismatic") value, as well.

The Black Bull of Clarence has one of the most complex histories among the many heraldic beasts used in British history. Used by King Edward IV, the first king from the House of York, the bull was a symbol of power and often paired with a royal arms that touted Edward IIIs claims to the French throne. 

Coin Highlights:

• Arrives in a protective flip, mint tubes of 25 coins, or Monster Boxes of 500 coins!
• 5^th design release from the Royal Mints Queens Beast Series!
• Contains Troy oz of .9999 pure gold in BU condition.
• Issued a face value of 25 (GBP) by Britain.
• Obverse includes the effigy of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
• Reverse bears the design of the Black Bull of Clarence.
• Artwork from Jody Clark.

Edward IV came to power in England when the House of Lancaster is tumult under the rule of Henry VI. Edward overtook Henry VI and sat on the throne of King of England, with the latter ruler escaping to Scotland. Henry VI briefly reclaimed his throne, only to defeated in battle by Edward IV and later executed at the Tower of London.

As King of England, Edward IV often used the bull as a powerful symbol in his Royal Arms. Edward IV made his claim to the British throne as the great-grandson of Roger Mortimer, who was a descendent of the Duke of Clarence, giving the Black Bull of Clarence its full name in heraldry.

On the reverse of all 2018 oz British Gold Queens Beast Black Bull Coins is the image of the Black Bull of Clarence. The Bull is the first heraldic beast from the first king in the House of York, and was used over 200 years with a Royal Arms design that featured a shield of four quadrants. In two quadrants are the traditional golden lions of England. In the other two quadrants, the lilies of France which were added by Edward III to supper his claim to Frances throne as well.

The obverse of the Gold Queens Beast Black Bull Coin bears the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Created in 2015 by Jody Clark, a Royal Mint Engraver, this design is the fifth-generation effigy of Her Majesty on British coinage. All 10 beasts in the Queens Beast Series stood guard at the doors of Westminster Abbey in 1953 when Elizabeth II was crowned Queen of England.

Your purchase of a 2018 oz British Gold Queens Beast Black Bull Coin offers you a coin in BU condition. Coins in BU condition show no signs of wear and tear, but may feature minor flaws ranging from breaks in the luster and spotted surfaces to contact marks.