The Royal Mint’s sixth release in the Tudor Beasts Series honors the union of King Henry VIII and Jane Seymour. Their 1536 marriage came shortly after the execution of Anne Boleyn and offered the promise of stability and a male heir. Jane’s demeanor as a traditional, reserved consort contrasted with her predecessor’s boldness, and her role as the mother of Prince Edward, the future King Edward VI, cemented her legacy.
The reverse features a regal spotted panther seated next to a shield combining the arms of King Henry VIII and Jane Seymour. This symbolic design highlights the importance of their union and its place in Tudor heraldry.
The panther holds unique significance in medieval English iconography. Often depicted “incensed,” with flames emerging from its mouth and ears, the panther symbolized virtues like strength and grace. While less well-known than the Tudor rose, the panther’s use in heraldry reflects the monarchy’s connection to medieval bestiaries, where it was admired for its mythical ability to attract others with its sweet breath.
The shield incorporates the familiar heraldry of the Tudor dynasty and the Seymour family. Henry VIII’s quartered shield features England’s lions and France’s fleurs-de-lis, while Jane Seymour’s ancestral arms display two angel wings conjoined in lure. The wings, gold on a red background, reflect the Seymour family’s long-standing heritage in England, tracing back to St. Maur, Normandy.
If you have questions about The Queen’s Panther or the Tudor Beasts Series, our team is here to help. Provident Metals customer service is available at 800-313-3315, via web chat, or by email.