The Royal Mint recently unveiled three exciting new bullion coins on October 10, 2024, that pay tribute to some of the most famous myths and legends of the British Isles. These coins are part of the ongoing “Myths and Legends” collection, with a focus on stories that have shaped British culture for centuries. This article will explore these new coins, highlighting their design, significance, and connection to legendary tales like Beowulf and Merlin.
New Bullion Coins from the Royal Mint
The Royal Mint has announced two new 1-ounce silver and gold bullion coins, continuing the Myths and Legends: Beowulf Collection. This collection honors the epic story of Beowulf, one of the most important literary works in English history. Alongside these, a 10-ounce silver bullion coin has been introduced, featuring the legendary figure of Merlin, the wise sorcerer from Arthurian legend. Let’s explore each of these new coins in more detail.
Beowulf Bullion Coins
The Beowulf Legend
The Beowulf saga is one of the most influential works of Old English literature, dating back over a thousand years. It tells the heroic tale of Beowulf, a prince who rises to fame by defeating dangerous monsters and eventually becomes a beloved king. The Myths and Legends: Beowulf Collection from the Royal Mint continues to honor this story, with a particular focus on the second battle in the epic poem.
The Battle with Grendel’s Mother
In this new release, the Beowulf series depicts Beowulf’s epic battle with Grendel’s mother, a fearsome creature who seeks revenge for her son’s death. The design, created by artist David Lawrence, vividly captures the intensity of the battle. The reverse of the coin features Beowulf facing off with the monstrous Grendel’s mother, a scene that is both powerful and dramatic.
| Coin Design | Metal Type | Weight | Diameter (mm) | Face Value | Mintage Limit | Packaging Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beowulf Silver Coin | .999 Fine Silver | 31.21 grams | 38.61 | £2 | No Limit | 25 coins per tube, 20 tubes per box |
| Beowulf Gold Coin | .9999 Fine Gold | 31.21 grams | 38.61 | £100 | No Limit | 10 coins per tube, 10 tubes per box |
| Merlin Silver Coin | .9999 Fine Silver | 311.53 grams | 89 | £10 | No Limit | Securely packaged in capsules |
Details of the Beowulf Coins
There are two versions of the Beowulf bullion coin, made from fine silver and gold. The 1-ounce silver coin, valued at £2, is made from .999 pure silver, while the 1-ounce gold coin, valued at £100, is made from .9999 pure gold. Both coins are crafted with incredible detail, showcasing the high quality of the Royal Mint’s design.
- Silver Beowulf Coin: £2, 31.21 grams, 38.61 millimeters in diameter
- Gold Beowulf Coin: £100, 31.21 grams, 38.61 millimeters in diameter
The obverse of all coins in this collection features the effigy of King Charles III, designed by Martin Jennings.
The New 10-Ounce Silver Coin: Merlin the Sorcerer
The Legend of Merlin
The second part of this announcement is the introduction of a new 10-ounce silver bullion coin that celebrates the legendary wizard Merlin. Merlin is famously known as King Arthur’s adviser and magician, playing a central role in Arthurian legend. The figure of Merlin was popularized by Geoffrey of Monmouth in his 12th-century historical work, Historia Regum Britanniae (The History of the Kings of Britain). Merlin’s character has since become iconic in both British folklore and worldwide popular culture.
The Design of the Merlin Coin
The 10-ounce silver coin features a design by David Lawrence, the same artist behind the Beowulf coins. The reverse of the coin shows Merlin as a magical figure, standing with an owl on his shoulder, representing his wisdom. At his belt is a sickle used for harvesting mistletoe in sacred groves, a symbol of his connection to the mystical and natural world. The background features Glastonbury, the town believed to be the inspiration for the mythical isle of Avalon, a place heavily connected to King Arthur and his legendary tales.
Details of the Merlin Coin
- Merlin Coin Specifications: £10, 311.53 grams, 89 millimeters in diameter
- The coin is made from .9999 fine silver, ensuring its quality.
The 10-ounce Merlin coin is available in a secure capsule and is packaged for safe transit. It can be ordered directly from the Royal Mint or through its authorized distributors.
Limited Editions and Packaging
The Beowulf coins do not have a mintage limit, which means they are available for collectors as long as the Royal Mint continues to produce them. The silver £2 Beowulf coins are packed 25 coins per tube, and the gold £100 Beowulf coins are packed 10 coins per tube, with each box containing 20 tubes of silver or 10 tubes of gold coins. The Merlin coin, being a larger 10-ounce coin, is packaged securely in capsules to protect the integrity of the design and silver content.
Why These Coins Matter
These new bullion coins are not just valuable for their precious metal content; they also represent a deep connection to the rich mythology of the British Isles. For collectors and enthusiasts of British folklore, these coins serve as a way to preserve and celebrate these age-old stories. The Royal Mint’s Myths and Legends collection continues to bring these legends to life through beautiful, high-quality coin designs.
Beowulf and Merlin: Stories That Endure
The Beowulf story, which has inspired generations of readers and scholars, continues to hold a special place in the heart of English literature. The battle with Grendel’s mother is just one of the many iconic moments in the poem that speaks to themes of heroism, bravery, and the struggle between good and evil. By bringing this battle to life on a coin, the Royal Mint helps ensure that the story of Beowulf endures for future generations.
Merlin, on the other hand, has become a symbol of magic, wisdom, and the supernatural. His portrayal on the coin not only honors his role in Arthurian legend but also connects to the broader fascination with magic and mythology that has influenced countless works of fiction, films, and books worldwide.
Conclusion: A Collector’s Dream
The release of these three new bullion coins by the Royal Mint is an exciting moment for collectors and history enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re drawn to the heroism of Beowulf or the magic of Merlin, these coins offer a unique way to connect with the myths and legends that have shaped British culture. With their beautiful designs, high-quality metal content, and timeless themes, these coins are sure to be a valuable addition to any collection.
These coins not only represent the rich cultural history of the British Isles but also serve as a reminder of the power of myths and legends to inspire and connect people across generations. Whether you’re an avid collector or just a fan of British mythology, these new bullion coins are a must-have for your collection.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the new 2025 bullion coins from the Royal Mint?
The 2025 bullion coins from the Royal Mint celebrate iconic British legends, specifically Beowulf and Merlin. These coins are part of the Myths and Legends collection, which aims to bring these ancient stories to life through beautiful coin designs.
2. What are the different types of coins available in this collection?
Two 1-ounce bullion coins: one silver and one gold, each depicting a scene from Beowulf’s battle with Grendel’s mother.
One 10-ounce silver coin, which celebrates the legend of Merlin, the sorcerer from the King Arthur stories.
3. How much do the new coins cost?
The silver Beowulf coin is valued at £2, while the gold Beowulf coin is priced at £100. The Merlin silver coin is valued at £10. These prices are based on the face value of the coins, and their actual value is higher due to their precious metal content.
4. What is the weight and size of these coins?
The Merlin silver coin weighs 311.53 grams and has a diameter of 89 millimeters, making it significantly larger than the Beowulf coins.
5. Are there any limits on how many coins will be made?
No, there is no mintage limit for these coins. They will continue to be available as long as the Royal Mint keeps producing them.