Silver investment coin Myths and Legends - Beowulf 1 Oz 2024

Myths and Legends - Beowulf 2024

A silver investment coin, minted by the British Royal Mint for 2024 in the purest 99.9% silver purity and weighing 1 Oz, released as part of the Myths and Legends series. The two previous three-volume coin collections, dedicated to the legends of Robin Hood and King Arthur, are followed by a final trio of coins inspired by the Old English epic of Beowulf. For the opening coin on this theme and the seventh coin of the entire series, the main character of the story, Beowulf, was chosen.

The reverse side of the coin was designed by illustrator David Lawrence. It depicts the clash between the courageous Beowulf and the bloodthirsty Grendel, whose true form is not mentioned in the original epic. His image is thus based on later interpretations to fit the characteristics of the creature from the darkness, destroyer and devourer of the human species. The background of the coin shows the rooms in the Danish king's residence. The motif of the coin is conceived in an inner circle, parts of the scene transitioning into a circle where the names "BEOWULF & GRENDEL", the weight and purity of the metal "1 OZ FINE SILVER 999" and the year of issue "2024" are added.
The legend of Beowulf comes from an early medieval epic, which is one of the oldest surviving literary monuments in the English language. This work is an important source in the study of Old English literature and also a valuable legacy of Germanic and Northern European mythology.
The story begins with the arrival of Beowulf, a young Geatish warrior, in Denmark to help King Hrothgar fight a monster named Grendel. The terrifying creature attacks the feast hall of Heorot at night and kills members of the royal retinue. Beowulf defeats the monster, but faces the vengeance of its mother. He finds her by a dark lake and, after a brave fight, emerges victorious. Awarded a royal reward, he returns to his homeland to become ruler himself. The second part of the epic unfolds after years of stable rule, when a dragon begins to threaten the kingdom. In a gruelling battle, during which he is aided by his faithful friend Wiglaf, King Beowulf kills the dragon but is himself seriously wounded. On his deathbed, he issues his final commands to his successor. He is buried with the treasure the dragon was guarding.
The epic of Beowulf reflects the cultural and historical elements of its time and offers insight into the society, values and beliefs of the time. It celebrates heroism and the determination to fight threats even at the cost of one's own life.

The obverse of the coin 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: