Tudor Beasts The Queen's Panther

The Tudor Beasts’ Sixth – The Queen’s Panther

The Royal Mint’s Tudor Beasts Series continues with its sixth release, celebrating the marriage of King Henry VIII to Jane Seymour, his third wife. This union in 1536 occurred soon after the execution of Anne Boleyn, Henry’s second wife, and marked a pivotal chapter in his eventful marital history. Jane Seymour’s more traditional, compliant nature stood in contrast to her predecessor’s fiery disposition. Most notably, she fulfilled Henry’s desire for a male heir, giving birth to Prince Edward, who would later reign as King Edward VI.

The Queen’s Panther

On the reverse, a majestic, spotted panther is depicted seated, supporting a shield that combines the heraldic arms of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour. This design symbolizes their union and its importance to the Tudor dynasty.

In medieval English heraldry, the panther was a striking symbol, often shown “incensed” with flames emerging from its mouth and ears. Though not as prominent as the Tudor rose or Welsh dragon, the panther represented virtues such as nobility and strength. This imagery draws on medieval bestiaries, where the panther’s sweet breath was said to attract creatures (except dragons) and symbolized qualities admired in monarchs.

Accompanying the panther is a shield bearing the combined heraldry of the Tudor dynasty and the Seymour family. Henry VIII’s royal arms continued to display the three lions of England and the fleurs-de-lis of France, while Jane Seymour’s ancestral coat of arms featured two golden angel wings on a red background. The wings represented the Seymour lineage’s deep-rooted heritage in Wiltshire and Normandy, reflecting the family’s rise in prominence.

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