On 2 June 1953, the world witnessed a spectacular display of pageantry reserved for the grandest state occasion. As Her Majesty The Queen arrived at Westminster Abbey to be crowned before the nation, statues of ten heraldic beasts formed a ceremonial guard of honour. Drawn from centuries of British history, these formidable royal guardians were chosen to represent the legitimacy of the rightful heir to the throne.

Starting with the Lion of England in 2017, The Queen’s Beasts Collection has showcased the history and symbolism of each of these creatures in turn. Our line-up of coronation beasts is now complete but the celebrations continue with a special coin reuniting all ten beasts in one design.