Obverse: the obverse of the coin features the official portrait of King Charles III, created by sculptor Martin Jennings. The King is depicted in profile facing left. Surrounding the portrait is the inscription “CHARLES III · D · G · REX · F · D · 100 POUNDS”, identifying the monarch and the coin’s face value of 100 pounds sterling.
Reverse: the reverse depicts the mythical Seymour Unicorn, one of the heraldic beasts associated with the Tudor dynasty. The unicorn is shown in a dynamic pose holding the heraldic shield of Jane Seymour. A coronet appears on its head and a floral wreath around its neck, details that distinguish the Seymour Unicorn from other heraldic unicorns. The background features a chain-mail-inspired pattern that also serves as an additional security feature. Around the composition are the inscriptions “SEYMOUR UNICORN”, “1 OZ”, “FINE PLATINUM”, the platinum fineness “999.5” and the year “2024”. The initials of designer David Lawrence also appear on the reverse.
About the coin: the 2024 “Seymour Unicorn” platinum coin belongs to The Royal Mint’s “The Royal Tudor Beasts” series, inspired by the ten stone heraldic beasts that line the Moat Bridge at Hampton Court Palace. These sculptures represent the union and royal ancestry of King Henry VIII and his third wife, Jane Seymour. The Seymour Unicorn was one of Jane Seymour’s heraldic symbols and is associated with purity, strength and nobility. The reverse was designed by David Lawrence and inspired by the original sculpture at Hampton Court Palace. The coin is struck from 999.5 fine platinum, contains 1 troy ounce of pure platinum, measures 32.69 mm in diameter and has a face value of 100 pounds sterling.
