2018 Queen's Beasts Black Bull Of Clarence Quarter Ounce Gold Proof Coin

This £25 Gold Proof coin from The Royal Mint, honouring The Black Bull of Clarence. Both sides of the coin were designed by Jody Clark. The coin's obverse presents the 5th Portrait of Her Majesty the Queen, Elizabeth II, with the reverse depicting The Black Bull of Clarence in the iconic Royal Coat of Arms image. The Black Bull is accompanied by a royal shield acting as a motif connecting The Queen's Beasts collection, of which this coin is one of 10 in the series. For every coin in the series, Jody Clark took inspiration from heraldry and the true nature of the beast. Each coin in the limited presentation series arrives with a booklet produced in association with Clive Cheesman, Richmond Herald at the College of Arms. 

The Black Bull of Clarence has represented power and might since its origins in the 15th century during the rise of the House of York. The custom of using the bull on the Royal Coat of Arms in coinage was first adopted by Elizabeth I in the 1560s. The Black Bull of Clarence was one of 10 statues sculpted by James Woodford, OBE. The six-foot-tall statues formed a guard of honour, The Queen's Beasts, at the entrance to Westminster Abbey in 1953, on the occasion of the coronation of Her Majesty the Queen, Elizabeth II. The figures were inspired by statues at Hampton Court Palace created over 400 years ago for Henry VIII and known as The King's Beasts. Today, The Queen's Beasts are displayed at the Canadian Museum of History in Quebec. Portland stone replicas, again designed by James Woodford, OBE, watch over Kew Gardens in London. 

Gold Proof coins are ideal for a serious collector. Minted at The Royal Mint with intricate designs, they represent the highest quality of commemorative coin and are therefore highly sought after. If you're considering starting a collection, you should know that Proof coins are a worthwhile investment with unrivalled sharpness, detail and finish. Proof coins are made in gold, silver and platinum and hand-finished to remove imperfections. Gold Proof coins are also created by The Royal Mint to be enjoyed and treasured as a piece of history. Proof coins make the perfect gift to hand down to generations of family. They can also be gifted for a wedding, anniversary, birthday or special occasion.