The modern Royal Arms of England is supported by two heraldic beasts. The Lion of England reflects the deep history of the English crown, while its partner the Unicorn of Scotland reflects the union of the two crowns in the 18th century. Right now, 2018 2 oz British Silver Queen’s Beast Unicorn Coins are available to purchase online from JM Bullion with NGC certification.
Coin Highlights:
- Arrives inside of NGC protective plastic slabs!
- 4th heraldic beast in the Queen’s Beast Series!
- Limited availability of certified coins!
- Contains 2 Troy oz of .9999 pure silver.
- Bears a face value of £5 (GBP) backed by the government of Britain.
- Issued a Grade of Mint State 69 by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.
- Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.
- Unicorn of Scotland on the reverse.
Each individual 2018 2 oz British Silver Queen’s Beast Unicorn Coin available to you here today is considered a near-perfect specimen by the NGC. Coins with a Mint State 69 certification exhibit full, original mint luster with a maximum of two minor detracting flaws. Acceptable flaws at this grade level include only minuscule contact marks or hairlines found outside the primary focal areas of the coin.
The Unicorn is a mythical beast whose origins date back to the 5th century BCE. Many scholars believe the unicorn’s appearance arose from misidentification of animals such as a rhinoceros or even wild bulls. The Unicorn was adopted by Scotland as a heraldic animal centuries ago, and came to the British arms with the ascension of James VI of Scotland, who became James I of England in the 17th century.
On the reverse of 2018 2 oz British Silver Queen’s Beast Unicorn Coins is the image of the Unicorn of Scotland. The beast is depicted as used by James VI of Scotland. Here, a unicorn supports the shield of Scotland, which includes a rampant lion. The shield itself remains unchanged since the 13th-century reign of the Scottish king, Alexander III.
For his part, James VI of Scotland was the only evident, rightful heir to the throne of England when Queen Elizabeth I died in the early 17th century with no heir. James VI united the crowns of England and Scotland as King James I of England and brought the Unicorn of Scotland to the Royal Arms, creating a design with the Lion of England and Unicorn of Scotland supporting the shield.
The obverse side of 2018 British Silver Queen’s Beast Unicorn Coins features the right-profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. England’s longest-reigning monarch, Her Majesty is depicted here at the age of 89 in a fifth-generation effigy created in 2015.
If you have any questions for JM Bullion customer service as you look to buy silver, just ask. Our team members are available at 800-276-6508, online using our live chat, and via our email address.