The 10-coin Queen’s Beast Series from the Royal Mint has reached its midway point with the release of the fifth design in the collection. The Black Bull of Clarence is the fifth Queen’s Beast statue to appear in the collection, representing the first King of England from the House of York. Introduced into the Royal Arms of England by King Edward IV, the Black Bull of Clarence was one of the ten famed heraldic beasts sculpted into wooden statues for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey in 1953.
In the last year, the Queen’s Beast Series has expanded not only with new designs, but with new options for those buying silver and gold. As the series continues into 2018, learn about the latest release and even buy the new Queen’s Beast Series Black Bull coins on presale now from JM Bullion.
The Black Bull Coin Design
Once again designed by Jody Clark of the Royal Mint, the Black Bull of Clarence is the latest reverse design in the Queen’s Beast Series. The design created by Clark incorporates the original Royal Arms shield carried by King Edward IV, his brother Richard III, and even King Edward III. Clark’s design depicts the bull standing on its hind legs, displaying its power and majesty as it stands behind the Royal Arms.
This version of the Royal Arms shield includes four quadrants. In two of those quadrants are the three lions of England, while the other two quadrants feature the lilies of France. Engravings on the coins include “Black Bull of Clarence,” “2018,” the initials of Clark as “JC,” and each individual coins weight, metal content, and purity.
For the obverse, the latest effigy of Queen Elizabeth II features. Also designed by Clark and revealed in 2015, this right-profile portrait captures the Queen at the age of 89 and represents the fifth-generation portrait of Her Majesty to feature on British coinage since her ascension to the throne of England.
Details of the 2018 Queen’s Beast Black Bull Releases
In total there are five coin releases across three different precious metals. The primary issues remain the 2018 2 oz British Silver Queen’s Beast Black Bull, the 2018 ¼ oz British Gold Queen’s Beast Black Bull, and the 2018 1 oz British Gold Queen’s Beast Black Bull. Introduced as options in 2017, the 10 oz silver and 1 oz platinum coins are now available as well during the initial release. The 2018 10 oz British Silver Queen’s Beast Black Bull and 2018 1 oz British Platinum Queen’s Beast Black Bull coins will debut later in the year.
Each of the coins in the Black Bull release have different packaging options and details. Here’s the information for the individual releases starting with the 2 oz silver Black Bull coin:
- 2018 2 oz British Silver Black Bull:
- Arrives in protective plastic, mint tubes of 10, or mint boxes of 200.
- Contains 2 Troy oz of .9999 pure silver.
- Bears a face value of £5 (GBP).
- 2018 ¼ oz British Gold Black Bull
- Arrives in a protective plastic flip, mint tube of 25 coins, or Monster Box of 500 coins.
- Contains ¼ Troy oz of .9999 pure gold.
- Bears a face value of £25 (GBP).
- 2018 1 oz British Gold Black Bull
- Arrives in a plastic flip, mint tube of 10 coins, or Monster Box of 100 coins.
- Contains 1 Troy oz of .9999 pure gold.
- Bears a face value of £100 (GBP).
- 2018 10 oz British Silver Black Bull
- Arrives in a protective plastic capsule.
- Contains 10 Troy oz of .9999 pure silver.
- Bears a face value of £10 (GBP).
- 2018 1 oz British Platinum Black Bull
- Arrives in plastic flips, tubes of 10 coins, or boxes of 100 coins.
- Contains 1 Troy oz of .9995 pure platinum.
- Bears a face value of £100 (GBP).
Each of these individual releases arrives from the Royal Mint in the initial release in BU condition. Known as brilliant uncirculated, these coins exhibit no indications of wear and tear. However, it is always possible for minor flaws to result from the normal coining process. These include breaks in the luster, spotted surfaces, and contact marks.
Background on the Black Bull of Clarence
The Black Bull of Clarence came into the Royal Arms courtesy of King Edward IV, the first King of England from the House of York. Edward IV was born in Rouen, Normandy, France. He was the second son of Richard, the 3rd Duke of York who possessed a strong claim to the throne of England. The House of York long remained outside the lineage for the throne behind the Lancasters and Tudors.
Edward IV held the throne of England from 1461 to 1470, and again from early 1471 to his death in 1483. Edward IV made his claim to the throne of England during the War of Roses while Henry VI was in the midst of a tumultuous period of Lancastrian rule. After defeating Henry VI’s forces in battle, Edward IV had Henry VI executed at the Tower of London and sealed his claim to the throne.
King Edward IV had long used Black Bull of Clarence in his personal coat of arms, derived from the Duke of York. The Bull was often depicted over the course of 200 years by members of the House of York, including his brother Richard III. It also incorporated the Royal Arms shield as first used by Edward III, who made an initial claim to the thrones of England and France. This is reflected in the design of Edwards IV’s Royal Arms. The upper-right and lower-left quadrants contain the Three Lions of England, representing the throne of England. The lower-right and upper-left quadrants feature the lilies of France, signifying the claim to the throne of France.
Get 2018 Queen’s Beast Black Bull Coins Today!
JM Bullion has the 2018 2 oz British Silver, ¼ oz British Gold, and 1 oz British Gold Black Bull Coins available now for presale and arrive for shipment around 3/14/2018! Remember to check back later in our catalog for the release of the 10 oz silver and 1 oz platinum coins.
