2016 Queen’s Beasts Lion of England Certified 1oz Gold Coin
The 2016 Queen’s Beasts Lion of England Certified 1oz Gold Coin is the debut release in The Royal Mint’s highly acclaimed Queen’s Beasts Collection. Professionally graded by NGC or PCGS, every coin is independently authenticated, encapsulated and guaranteed to fall within the advertised MS66 to MS70 Mint State grade range.
Struck from 1 troy ounce (31.103g) of .9999 fine gold, the Lion of England launched what would become one of the most successful modern bullion coin series produced by The Royal Mint. First-year issues remain especially desirable with collectors and investors building complete Queen’s Beasts collections.
Why Buy the 2016 Queen’s Beasts Lion of England Certified 1oz Gold Coin?
- Official Royal Mint bullion coin
- First release in the Queen’s Beasts Collection
- Contains 1 troy ounce (31.103g) of .9999 fine gold
- Professionally graded by NGC or PCGS
- Guaranteed Mint State grade between MS66 and MS70
- Independently authenticated and permanently encapsulated
- UK legal tender
- VAT free investment gold
- Capital Gains Tax exempt for UK residents
- Highly sought-after first-year issue
About the Lion of England
The Lion of England has symbolised the English Crown for centuries and represents courage, strength and royal authority. It stood proudly among the ten heraldic beasts created for the 1953 Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, inspiring The Royal Mint’s celebrated Queen’s Beasts series.
Designed by Jody Clark, the reverse depicts the powerful crowned lion holding the Royal Arms shield. The obverse features Jody Clark’s fifth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, making this one of the most recognisable modern British bullion coins.
Why Buy a Certified Gold Coin?
Unlike standard bullion coins, certified coins have been independently examined before being sealed in a tamper-evident holder.
Certification provides:
- Independent authentication
- Guaranteed condition
- Permanent protective holder
- Greater confidence when buying or selling
- Worldwide recognition through NGC and PCGS
- Strong collector demand
- Easy comparison between examples
Certified coins provide additional confidence by verifying both authenticity and condition before purchase.
Understanding the MS66–MS70 Grade Range
Every order includes one certified coin graded within the advertised range of MS66 to MS70.
MS66 – Premium Mint State
An attractive uncirculated coin with only minor imperfections visible under close inspection.
MS67 – Choice Mint State
Excellent strike quality with minimal contact marks and strong eye appeal.
MS68 – Exceptional Mint State
Outstanding condition with only tiny imperfections visible under magnification.
MS69 – Near Perfect
Virtually flawless with only microscopic imperfections.
MS70 – Perfect Mint State
The highest Mint State grade available, showing no post-production imperfections under 5× magnification.
Why Choose a 1oz Gold Coin?
The 1oz gold coin remains the preferred choice for many investors.
Benefits include:
- One full troy ounce of .9999 fine gold
- Excellent worldwide liquidity
- Lower premium per ounce than smaller denominations
- Easy to store and sell
- Recognised internationally
- Produced by The Royal Mint
- Ideal for long-term wealth preservation
Key Specifications
- Metal: .9999 Fine Gold
- Weight: 1 Troy Ounce (31.103g)
- Diameter: 32.69mm
- Denomination: £100
- Year: 2016
- Manufacturer: The Royal Mint
- Collection: Queen’s Beasts
- Coin: Lion of England
- Grade Range: MS66–MS70
- Certification: NGC or PCGS
- Reverse Designer: Jody Clark
- Obverse Designer: Jody Clark
- UK Legal Tender
- VAT Free
- Capital Gains Tax Exempt for UK Residents
Frequently Asked Questions
Who grades these coins?
Every coin is professionally graded by either NGC or PCGS, two of the world’s leading independent grading companies.
Will I receive an MS70 coin?
Every coin supplied falls within the advertised MS66–MS70 grade range. Individual grades cannot be guaranteed unless specifically stated.
Why is the 2016 issue so popular?
The 2016 Lion of England was the first coin released in the Queen’s Beasts series, making it particularly desirable with both collectors and investors.
Is this coin VAT free?
Yes. Investment gold is exempt from VAT in the UK.
Is this coin Capital Gains Tax exempt?
Yes. As UK legal tender produced by The Royal Mint, qualifying gains are exempt from Capital Gains Tax for UK residents.
Delivery
Every order is securely packaged and fully insured before dispatch.
Tracking details are provided once your order has been shipped.
Gold prices are based on the live precious metals market and may change throughout the day. Availability is subject to stock levels.





