This quarter ounce gold bullion coin is the sixth addition to The Queen’s Beasts range. Inspired by ancient symbols of power and identity, the range brings to life the ten imposing statues that lined the entrance to Westminster Abbey in 1953 at the coronation of Her Majesty The Queen.

An ancient heraldic emblem, the falcon symbolises single-minded determination. First used by Edward III, the falcon device was also employed by his grandson Richard II as a Royal Badge.

Likewise, Richard’s uncles employed falcons as motifs. Widely used by Edward IV, the falcon was shown seated upon a golden fetterlock, slightly open, to symbolise his claim to the English throne; a claim he would press to become the first Yorkist king. Later it was adopted by Henry VII, who combined the two houses of York and Lancaster. By the reign of Elizabeth I, the falcon had become an established royal beast.

Following the success of previous coins in the collection, this gold quarter-ounce edition features another original design by Jody Clark. Majestic and imposing, the falcon perches on a shield, embodying suitability for high office.