Gold investment coin Myths and Legends - Merlin 1 Oz 2023

Myths and Legends - Merlin 2023

A gold investment coin minted by the British Royal Mint in 2023 in purity of the purest 99.99% gold, weighing 1 Oz, published as part of the Myths and Legends series. The first three-volume coin collection, dedicated to the legends of Robin Hood, is followed by a second three-volume part drawing inspiration from Arthurian legends. Merlin was chosen for the second coin on this theme and the fifth coin in the series.

The reverse side of the coin depicts the wizard Merlin as designed by illustrator David Lawrence. The wisdom and knowledge of the old man is symbolized by the owl sitting on his shoulder. The wizard's power is expressed by the magic staff and the golden sickle tied to his belt, which he uses to cut down mistletoe in the sacred grove. Merlin stands before the silhouette of the hill and the monastery of Glastonbury, which are firmly linked to the existence of the island of Avalon, the final resting place of the mythical Arthur and his wife Ginevra. The coin's motif is conceived in an inner circle against a background of fine decorative engraving of guilloches (Guilloche). Parts of the image transition into the coin's rim area, where they are accompanied by the name "MERLIN", the weight and purity of the metal "1 OZ FINE GOLD 999.9" and the year of issue "2023".
The wizard Merlin is a key figure in the Arthurian legend in all its known versions. The mythical history of Britain contains a story set in the 5th century during the reign of King Vortigern. Oracles advise the king to seek out a fatherless boy, dead or alive. That boy is Merlin, and according to one version of the story, he will help Vortigern retain power against the Saxon king's efforts. According to another, he will enable the completion of a castle whose foundations are crumbling due to two warring dragons. Merlin succeeds and Vortigern takes the boy under his protection.
The fateful moment is Merlin's meeting with King Uther Pendragon. Merlin, as a prophet, foretells the birth of King Arthur and uses magic to help Uther seduce the beautiful Ygraine, who is married to the Duke of Cornwall. The union produces an illegitimate boy, Arthur, and Merlin becomes his guardian. At the time of Uther's death, Arthur is only fifteen years old and his claim to the throne is questioned by the nobility. The powerful wizard Merlin drives his sword deep into the stone and declares that only the man who manages to draw it is the rightful king. Arthur is the only one to succeed in this test, and so begins the reign of the legendary King of Britain. Merlin continues to remain by Arthur's side and is his faithful guide and advisor.

The obverse bears the first coin portrait of Charles III designed by Martin Jennings. The description of the coin states "CHARLES III - D - G - REX - F - D" and the face value.

This product is part of the following product sets: