2004 Silver Proof 4-Coin Pattern Collection - HERALDIC BEASTS

Invited by the Royal Mint Advisory Committee to enter a competition to design a series of four one pound coins, Timoth Noad submitted drawings using heraldic beasts to represent each of the constituent parts of the United Kingdom.  Although his series was not selected, the Advisory Committee felt that the heraldic designs were very strong and the Mint decided to make them available at pattern pieces.

Pattern Pieces differ from coins issued for general circulation.  The plain edge, coupled with their hallmarks and rarity ensure that they are distinct and highly collectable items.  Featuring representative heraldic beasts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England, these exceptional pieces are beautiful examples of numismatic art.

Scotland - The Unicorn

This powerful representation of the unicorn features the crowned heraldic beast facing to the right and adorned with a chained coronet around its neck.

Wales - The Dragon

The portrayal of this beast displays the long forked tongue extending from an open mouth, a myriad of scales covering its head and vicious spins to ward of any enemies.

Northern Ireland - The White Hart

The portrayal of this beast displays the White Hart facing to the left, with widely branced antlers protruding from large burrs high on its head and a long dense mane.

England - The Lion

The lion is the king of the beasts and has been used in the Royal Arms of England since the Plantagenets.  Here the lion's head is shown in full-face and is crowned with a coronet of alternate crosses and fleurs-de-lis as in the Royal Crest and left-hand supporter of the Royal Arms.

The coins are encapsulated and presented in the original Royal Mint case, accompanied with a Certificate of Authenticity in an informative booklet.

LIMITED EDITION - ONLY 5,000 SETS