This 2021 The Queen’s Beasts The Red Dragon of Wales £2 is the fourth coin in the stunning new series of £2 Bi-Metal Coins featuring the Queen’s Beasts. The coin, issued on behalf of the British Indian Ocean Territory, features the Red Dragon of Wales.
The Red Dragon of The Queen’s Beasts is a mythical creature widely associated with strength, wisdom and power and represents the nation of Wales in views of the Welsh Heritage Henry VII had. Its use as a heraldic symbol dates back to AD 829 when it was the battle standard of King Arthur and other ancient Celtic leaders.
Its association with the Royal family begins when the Red Dragon was used as a badge by Sir Owen Tudor, grandfather of Henry VII, after the story of the dragon on Llewelyn the Last’s castle grounds. Henry VII took it as a token of his supposed descent from Cadwaladr, the last of the line of Maelgwn. The beast holds a shield bearing a lion in each quarter; this was the coat of arms of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the last native Prince of Wales.
The 2021 The Queen’s Beasts The Red Dragon of Wales £2 is available as a Bi-Metal £2 Coin (Limited to 2750) and a Proof Fine Silver with Goldclad £2 Coin (Limited to just 475).
