Silver Kilo 2023 The Yale of Beaufort, Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

Like many other mints, the Royal Mint issues bullion coins in precious metals, having much higher intrinsic value than their face value. Most of these by tradition are measured in troy ounces of fractions thereof, but the mint also introduced metric coins measuring one kilogram of pure metal (they are actually fractionally heavier as a whole, to account for the small amount of other metal in the alloy).

The 1 kg silver coins are denominated as Five Hundred Pounds (£500), although their intrinsic (bullion) value is much higher than their face value. The coins vary in design depending on the occasion (they are "one-year" types usually issued in parallel with smaller denominations with the same reverse designs).

The coins are legal tender but are not intended for circulation. They are targeted at bullion investors or collectors who appreciate the special editions as pieces of art.

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.