At centre, the reverse of the coin depicts the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom.
The standard variant (used outside of Scotland) has the shield quartered, depicting in the first and fourth quarters the three passant guardant lions of England; in the second, the rampant lion and double tressure flory-counterflory of Scotland; and in the third, a harp for Ireland. The crest is crowned with St Edward's Crown (the lion standing on it on the full version is not present on this coin).
In the greenery below, a thistle, Tudor rose and shamrock are depicted, representing Scotland, England and Ireland respectively. This armorial achievement comprises the motto, in French, of English monarchs, DIEU ET MON DROIT (God and my Right), which has descended to the present royal family, as well as the Garter circlet which surrounds the shield, inscribed with the Order's motto, in French, HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE (Shame on him who thinks evil), partly obscured by the shield.
The dexter (on the left) supporter is a crowned English lion; the sinister (on the right), a Scottish unicorn. According to legend a free unicorn was considered a very dangerous beast; therefore the heraldic unicorn is chained, as were both supporting unicorns in the royal coat of arms of Scotland, with a crown around its neck.
Above, interrupted by the cross on the crown, the date of issue 2023.
Around below, the metal content 1 oz FINE GOLD 999.9 (one ounce pure gold).
The artist's monogram TN (for Timothy Noad) is in relief at the base of the Coat of Arms, on the right side just under the letters DR of DROIT.
The reverse has a textured background of rays radiating out from the centre (a "sunburst pattern"). |
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