The Royal Mint’s latest release is going to be something rather special. Launching on May 28th and available for pre-order now through Solomon Global, the British Lion 2026 1oz Gold Bullion Coin will complete an unprecedented trio of lion-themed bullion releases from The Royal Mint in a single year.
The timing of the issue of the third of the ‘Three Lions’ couldn’t be more fitting, with 2026 marking the 60th anniversary of England’s 1966 World Cup victory. Sir Geoff Hurst, partner of Solomon Global and the only player ever to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, is supporting the launch.
Solomon Global Introduces the 2026 British Lion 1oz Gold Bullion Coin
The British Lion 2026 is highly exclusive, with just 5,000 pieces available worldwide. The inaugural 2025 British Lion coin – no longer available – proved exceptionally popular with Solomon Global clients and investors generally, and this is likely to intensify demand for the 2026 issue.
Struck in 1 troy ounce of 999.9 fine gold to bullion standard, the reverse bears the inscription Leo Britannicus and features the heraldic lion, one of Britain’s most iconic national symbols, designed by David Lawrence. The proud beast is accompanied by a dynamic Union Flag surface animation, which creates a wonderful hologram effect celebrating British heritage whilst enhancing the coin’s security features. The obverse features the portrait of King Charles III, designed by acclaimed sculptor Martin Jennings.
Celebrate the year of the Three Lions with Solomon Global
The release of the British Lion 2026 will be a landmark moment as it will be the first time in history that The Royal Mint has issued three distinct gold bullion coins featuring the iconic British lion in their designs for one year. The other coins that make up this unofficial numismatic ‘hat-trick’ are the British Lion and American Eagle 2026 1oz Gold Bullion Coin and the Tudor Beast ‘The Queen’s Lion’ 1oz Gold Coin.
The British Lion and American Eagle 2026 1oz Gold Bullion Coin was created in collaboration with former US Mint Chief Engraver John M. Mercanti and celebrates the enduring alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States by uniting two iconic national emblems: the lion and the eagle.
The eighth release in the acclaimed and hugely popular Tudor Beasts series is the Tudor Beast ‘The Queen’s Lion’ 1oz Gold Coin. Inspired by the ten stone beasts lining the Moat Bridge at Hampton Court Palace, the collection explores the heraldic symbols associated with the lineage of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour.
“British legal tender bullion coins featuring heraldic designs attract strong demand from customers, but having three separate lion-themed bullion releases in one year is genuinely unique,” said Paul Williams, Managing Director at Solomon Global. “Each of these coins combines strong collector appeal, limited mintages, liquidity, and – as legal tender coins – CGT-free status in the UK. The timing is expected to add additional interest, particularly given our partnership with Sir Geoff Hurst.”
CGT-Free bullion coins – tax efficiency continues to attract investors
While much attention surrounding these releases will focus on their symbolism, collectability, and their combined ‘three lions’ sporting association, the tax status of each will no doubt also be a major attraction for investors in the United Kingdom. As UK legal tender bullion coins, all three are exempt from Capital Gains Tax (as well as being VAT-free).
According to recent research by Solomon Global of nearly 14,000 visitors to its website, almost 45% named tax efficiency as their primary motivation for considering gold investment products. This was well ahead of the second most cited reason, ‘annual growth potential’, which accounted for 25% of responses.
Three Lions and the Sir Geoff Hurst seal of approval
The 1966 World Cup final is a sporting moment so deeply embedded in English culture that even those who weren’t alive then feel like they remember it. As the only player in history to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, and the last remaining player from that England squad, Sir Geoff Hurst is synonymous with achievement at the highest level of the game and the enduring legacy of the Three Lions.
Reflecting on the Royal Mint’s latest lion-themed bullion release, Hurst highlighted the resonance of the timing and the broader sense of national heritage they evoke:
“As someone who has a keen interest in English history and symbolism, I think these lion-themed coins are particularly special. The fact that three different lion coins are being released during the 60th anniversary year of England’s World Cup victory makes it feel like a genuinely memorable moment for collectors as well as a fitting celebration of legacy.”
The combination of sporting association, national symbolism, and limited-edition mintages makes these three pieces an exciting prospect for collectors and investors alike.