Five Pounds 2023 Royal Tudor Beasts - The Yale of Beaufort, Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

At the time of decimalisation in 1971, the United Kingdom Crown coin (equal to 5 shillings) was redenominated as a 25p coin and pieces struck prior to 1990 - all the way back to 1818 - continue to be legal tender for that amount. The old denomination had been a regular circulating coin in the 19th century, but in the 20th century it became more of a commemorative denomination.

The Royal Mint continued issuing commemorative coins in the same format - using the traditional coin dimensions, but in copper-nickel. These were initially also denominated as 25 pence but the "Crown" was changed in 1990 to a commemorative £5 (five pound) coin, having the same dimensions and weight but with a face value twenty times as great.

The denomination is used to mark special occasions, usually royal in theme, rather than for use in general circulation. Although not circulating, these coins are legal tender.

This coin type is the third out of ten designs from the Royal Tudor Beasts Collection - coins depicting heraldic animals representing the Medieval Tudor dynasty which ruled England between 1485 and 1603.

The Moat Bridge, the main entrance to Hampton Court Palace built by King Henry VIII, is adorned by ten stone guardians. Each fearsome Royal Beast holds historic meaning and the ten figures evenly represent Henry VIII and his third wife, Jane Seymour. These regal protectors provided the inspiration for The Royal Tudor Beasts Collection from The Royal Mint. This release focuses on the weird and wonderful Yale of Beaufort. This mythical creature inspires awe in all who approach the palace, with its goat or antelope-like body, the fierce tusks of a boar, a lion’s tail and large horns that swivel in any direction to defend against attacks from all quarters.

The yale first appeared as a symbol supporting the Arms of John, Duke of Bedford and Earl of Kendal (one of King Henry VI’s sons). His earldom of Kendal and dukedom of Somerset were granted in 1443 to his cousin Sir John Beaufort (Henry VII’s grandfather), who took the "Eagle" and Bedford "Yale" as supporters. On choosing the yale as a Royal Beast, Henry VIII sought to add credibility to his position on the throne by emphasising his family connection to the powerful Beaufort family. The yale is also linked to the title of Somerset, which Jane Seymour’s brother Edward held as Duke. It is thought that Henry VIII also chose the yale as a Queen’s Beast to honour her brother.