The Royal Tudor Beasts collection is inspired by the ten stone beasts that line the Moat Bridge at Hampton Court Palace, a symbol of Henry VIII’s union with his third wife, Jane Seymour. The second of these majestic guardians featured in the bullion series is the awe-inspiring Yale of Beaufort.

What is the Yale of Beaufort? The ‘Yale’ symbolises grace and elegance, or defense and determination. The mythical beast was originally found in European mythology before passing into medieval bestiaries and heraldry legends. Most descriptions make it an antelope (or goat-like) four-legged creature with the tusks of a boar and large horns that can swivel in any direction.

The Yale of Beaufort is described as: “The size of a hippopotamus, with an elephant’s tail, of a black or tawny color, with the jaws of a boar and movable horns more than a cubit in length” – Pliny the Elder from Natural History. These extraordinary features are captured in the Yale of Beaufort 2023 Gold Bullion Coins, which contain 1-ounce of 24 carat (999.9) fine gold, highlighting their pure gold value.

The Yale’s connection to the British monarchy apparently began with Henry VII in 1485. He came from the House of Beaufort, an old noble English family. Henry’s mother, Lady Margaret, began the Beaufort heraldic symbol legacy. The Yale of Beaufort was one of the Queen’s official ten heraldic beasts commissioned for her coronation in 1953. As Queen Jane had no direct link to Beaufort heraldry, Henry VIII likely transferred the Yale of Beaufort to his new wife.

It is presented on the moat Bridge in Hampton Court, holding the Arms of Jane Seymour to reinforce her authority and influence as the king’s new wife. These rich historical ties make the Yale of Beaufort 2023 Gold Bullion Coins not only exquisite pieces but also valuable additions to your collection due to their limited mintage, numismatic value, and 24 carat (999.9) fine gold composition, embodying the legacy of the British monarchy and the House of Beaufort.

The obverse of the coin features the fifth definitive coinage portrait of Her Majesty The Queen by Jody Clark. Also inscribed is the denomination “100 Pounds” and the text “Elizabeth II · D · G · REG · F · D”.

The stunning coin design by David Lawrence features the Yale of Beaufort rearing up on his hind legs. Its front legs hold a shield of the Arms of Jane Seymour. The sideways look of the beast clearly shows its power and ferociousness. Its spotted body makes for a great raised texture and a semi-angry look, with tusks and horns poised on either side of its head.

Around the border of the gold coins is the inscription ‘YALE OF BEAUFORT’ along with the coin’s purity and weight.