Gold Ounce 2023 Myths and Legends - Merlin, Bullion, Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

Like many other mints, the Royal Mint issues bullion coins in precious metals, having much higher intrinsic value than their face value. The one ounce (1 oz) gold coins are denominated as One Hundred Pounds (£100).

The coins are legal tender but are not intended for circulation. They are targeted at bullion investors or collectors who appreciate the special editions as pieces of art. The coins are typically "one-year" types usually issued in parallel with smaller denominations with the same reverse designs.

This is the second design in the second part of the Myths and Legends range of coins by the Royal Mint, and the second in the range to also be issued in a non-bullion format; it features legendary wizard Merlin.

The mint says about it:
The second mythical figure to feature in our three-coin bullion series inspired by the legend of King Arthur is Merlin, the sorcerer who is popularly known as the fierce warrior’s trusted adviser and prophet.

The figure of Merlin was essentially created by Geoffrey of Monmouth in his twelfth-century work Historia Regum Britanniae (The History of the Kings of Britain). Geoffrey’s text played a pivotal role in popularising Arthurian legend and, from the Middle Ages onwards, Merlin has become a central figure in the mythology, notably in American literature and popular culture.

David Lawrence, an illustrator with numerous coin designs in his portfolio, has portrayed Merlin as a magical figure, with an owl on his shoulder to represent the sorcerer’s wisdom. At his belt is a golden sickle for cutting mistletoe in the sacred grove and he holds a magic stave. Glastonbury appears in the background, which is said to be the inspiration for the mystical isle of Avalon.