5 pounds UK 2024 – The Royal Tudor Beasts: The Seymour Unicorn

Celebrating the heraldry and history of the Tudor period with a contemporary design, Royal Tudor Beasts is a new collection from the Royal Mint. Heraldic beasts are part of the history of the monarchy, a tradition of lineage and strength on the battlefield that goes back centuries. Inspired by this long tradition, the royal beasts stand guard over the moat at Hampton Court Palace, representing Henry VIII and the mighty Tudor dynasty.

The fifth coin in this series is dedicated to Seymour Unicorn.

Seymour’s unicorn was given to Jane Seymour as a symbol of purity and fertility. Seymour Unicorn, one of several heraldic beasts commissioned by Henry VIII, stands opposite the Royal Lion of England on the moat bridge at Hampton Court Palace as Jane Seymour’s chief supporter. Unlike Scotland’s unicorn, Seymour unicorn wears a royal crown on its head and a wreath of flowers around its neck. The unicorn’s fertility symbolism made it a suitable choice for the new queen due to Henry VIII’s desire to have a son and heir.

Obverse: Image of Seymour Unicorn holding a heraldic shield in a protective pose.
Reverse: portrait of His Majesty the King.

Series: Royal Tudor Beasts
Denomination: 5 GBP
Weight: 28.28g
Diameter: 38.61mm
Metal: CuNi

The coin is packed in a special numismatic package of the Royal Mint with a description and history of the coin.