Niue. 5 x 2023 1oz Scottish Unicorn Heraldic Series Silver Coin BU

5 x 2023 1oz $2 NZD Niue Scottish Unicorn Heraldic Series Silver Coin BU

Year: 2023
Mintage: 15,000 pcs
Grade: Brilliant Uncirculated
Denomination: $2 NZD
Manufacturer: European Mint
Metal Content: 1 troy oz
Purity: .9999
Diameter: 38 mm

The Scottish Unicorn is a national animal of Scotland. The Unicorn is a legendary creature that has been described since antiquity as a beast with a single large, pointed, spiraling horn projecting from its forehead.

In heraldry the unicorn is best known as a symbol of Scotland: the unicorn was believed to be the natural enemy of the lion – a symbol that the English royals had adopted around a hundred years before. Two unicorns supported the royal arms of the King of Scots and Duke of Rothesay, and since the 1707 union of England and Scotland, the royal arms of the United Kingdom have been supported by a unicorn along with an English lion. Two versions of the royal arms exist: that used in Scotland gives more emphasis to the Scottish elements, placing the unicorn on the left and giving it a crown, whereas the version used in England and elsewhere gives the English elements more prominence. John Guillim, in his book; A Display of Heraldry, has illustrated the unicorn as a symbol of power, honor and respect.