UK 2004 Silver Proof Beasts Pattern Pound Coin Set

This 2004 Silver Proof Beasts Pattern £1 Coin Set contains four silver proof pattern coins. 

Struck in sterling silver, 0.925 fineness, this pattern proof coin set comes in a presentation box with certificate. These pattern coins are not legal tender. Mintage of only 5,000 sets!

Heraldic Beast Series

Lion, Unicorn, Dragon & White Hart

These four beasts represent England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland respectively.
The coins bear the inscription "PATTERN" where they would normally say "ONE POUND". They also have a plain edge rather than a reeded and inscribed edge, and the coins are hallmarked on their edge.

Heraldic Beast Designs

According to the Royal Mint certificate which accompnaies the set:-

Scotland

Familiar as a supporter on the Scottish and British Royal Arms, the unicorn has the head , body and mane of a horse, a goat-like beard, the cloven hoofs of a deer, the tail of a lion and a prominent long spiralling horn set in its forehead.

It was renowned for its rivalry with the lion, a rivalry that acquired a political dimension when the thrones of England and Scotland were united under King James in 1603. James was the first monarch to adopt the famous supporters on the Royal Coat of ARms - a lion for England and a unicorn for Scotland.

Timothy Noad's powerful representation of the unicorn features the crowned heraldic beast facing to the right and adorned with a chained coronet around its neck.

Wales

The heraldic dragon has a body of reptilian nature covered with a mail of plates and scales and a row of formidable spines extending from head to tail, ending in a great and deadly stinger. The fearsome monster has round luminous eyes, a dangerous spike on his nose, a forked tongue, eagle's feet and the wings of a bat. In heraldry, it is symbolic of power, wisdom and astuteness.

The Welsh dragon was used in the Royal Arms in the sixteenth century. A red dragon features on the royal badge for Wales and is a common device in the civic or family heraldry of the Principality.

Timothy Noad's portrayal of this beast displays the long forked tongue extending from an open mouth, a myriad of scales covering its head and vicious spines to ward off any enemies.

Northern Ireland

The White Hart, a male deer with branching antlers, has been used here to represent Northern Ireland because it occurs in the Royal Crest as used in the province, springing from the portal of a tower. Its history dates back to medieval times, being employed for example as the badge of Richard II.