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The Royal Mint Myths & Legends Bullion Coin Series

Author: Connor Campbell - Bullion & Economics Editor

Published: 25 Nov 2022

Last Updated: 22 Feb 2024

Synopsis

Myths and Legends is a series of gold & silver bullion coins by the Royal Mint that feature some of the most legendary mythical beings ever!

Robin Hood

Robin Hood has been a part of British folklore since the 13th century.

Robin Hood

The legend of the skilled archer who was known to steal from the rich to give to the poor has been passed down through generations. Historians are unable to confirm whether the legend of Robin Hood is true. There are even suggestions that 'Robin Hood' may have been a title given to a group of bandits.

Maid Marian

Maid Marian is often portrayed as Robin Hood's love interest, there are even rumours they married at the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene in South Yorkshire.

Marian is characterised as a strong and independent woman instead of the typical damsel-in-distress. She is one of the earliest examples of a strong female character in English literature. 

Little John

Little John is one of Robin Hood's 'Merry Men' and considered his second in command.

Little John

Contrary to his name, Little John is thought to have been a giant man, with a warrior like build. Little John is a loyal companion and right-hand man to Robin Hood in English folklore. He is known for his strength, loyalty, and quick wit. Little John is often portrayed as a skilled fighter and is a prominent member of Robin Hood's band of Merry Men.

King Arthur

King Arthur was a mythical king of Britain. His legend dates all the way back to 5th century, with some scholars believing he was based on a real person.

Legend has it that when Arthur was a child, he was trained by the wizard, Merlin. Using his new powers, Arthur was able to free the trapped sword, Excalibur, from a stone. Arthur proved himself worthy of the sword and the rightful sovereign of Britain. Together with the Knights of the Roundtable, and his wife Guinevere, Arthur ruled over Britain from the castle of Camelot.

Merlin

Merlin is a mythical person that features in the legend of King Arthur and is best known for being Arthur's mentor. 

Merlin in the tale is a mage that is told by King Uther to take his son to safety as the Saxons was attacking Britain. The legend has many interpretations to what happened to King Uther but all lead to the strong king and the defender of his people to being assassinated or killed in battle. Merlin then acts as Arthur's mentor and father figure to ensure he is ready to be King of Camelot. Throughout the tale Merlin sees King Arthur pull the Excalibur, a magical sword, from a stone and grow into a noble and strong king.

Morgan Le Fay

In Arthurian lore, Morgan Le Fay emerges as a multifaceted character, frequently depicted as King Arthur's half-sister and a formidable sorceress.

Her reputation is defined by her mystical abilities, both beneficial and malicious. She played various roles in different stories, sometimes as an antagonist and sometimes as a healer or protector. The fate of Morgan Le Fay in Arthurian legend varies across texts. In some versions, she remains a powerful figure, while in others, she becomes an exile or is trapped in a nunnery.

Beowulf & Grendel

Beowulf is about a young prince of the Geats who is tasked by the Danish King Hrothgar with slaying the evil monster, Grendel.

Beowulf accepts the task and gathers fourteen warriors, embarking on his quest to Heorot to assist Lord Hrothgar. Together, the party of warriors and Beowulf slay Grendel. Beowulf returns to Heorot with the monster's arm as proof of his victory. 

What Could Feature in the Fourth Series?

Here’s who could be next!

  • Lady Godiva
  • Kelpies
  • Green Man
  • The Loch Ness Monster
  • Pendle Witches

Myths & Legends Bullion Coins

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