Coin | Silver Ounce 2023 Myths and Legends - Merlin, Proof |
---|
|
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) silver coins are denominated as either two pounds (£2) or five pounds (£5), depending on the occasion.
Initially, these were only of the Britannia type, but in 2015 the Royal Mint started to use the format for coins with other types of reverse designs, celebrating various aspects of British heritage.
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.
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 be issued in a non-bullion format; it features legendary wizard Merlin.
The mint says about it: The second commemorative coin in our Myths and Legends Collection pays tribute to Merlin, the prophetic sorcerer and trusted adviser to King Arthur. David Lawrence’s design captures Merlin with an owl perched on his shoulder, which represents knowledge and wisdom, whilst the wizard clutches a magical staff. |
|
Obverse | |
The obverse of the coin displays the first definitive portrait of King Charles III, which shows his bare (uncrowned) head facing left.
Below the neck truncation in tiny letters, the artist's initials MJ (for Martin Jennings).
Around, the monarch's legend followed by the face value and date of issue: CHARLES III · D · G · REX · F · D · 2 POUNDS · 2023 ·. Translated from Latin, the legend means: Charles the Third, by the Grace of God, King, Defender of the Faith.
|
|
|
Reverse | |
The reverse of the coin depicts the mythical wizard Merlin; he is bearded, dressed in a robe decorated with sun, moon and star symbols, and holds a long staff with a sphere on top. An owl is perched on his shoulder. In the background, a hill with a castle, the moon, and a "micro-dot table texture" representing clouds and the ground below.
Around above, the inscription MERLIN · MYTHS AND LEGENDS · 2023. Near the rim below, the designer's signature D.L (for David Lawrence).
The face value and denomination are on the obverse. |
|
Reverse Inscription |
MERLIN · MYTHS AND LEGENDS · 2023 |
---|
|
Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
|
Notes | Finish: Proof FDC. Packaging: in black display box, with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. Edition limit (boxed): 2,500. Maximum Coin Mintage: 2,510. Royal Mint Product Code: UK23MNSP. Release date: 30 March 2023. Release price: Price: £99.50. |
---|
|
See also |
Coins in the Myths and Legends series include (ordered by design / metal / size / year): - 1 oz Platinum Bullion, Robin Hood (Queen Elizabeth II obverse), 2023 - 1 oz Gold Bullion, Robin Hood, 2021 - 1 oz Gold Proof, Robin Hood, 2024 - 10 oz Silver Bullion, Robin Hood (Queen Elizabeth II obverse), 2023 - 2 oz Silver Proof, Robin Hood, 2024 - 1 oz Silver Bullion, Robin Hood, 2021 - 1 oz Silver Proof, Robin Hood, 2024 - £5 Copper-Nickel BU, Robin Hood, 2024 - 1 oz Gold Bullion, Robin Hood - Maid Marian, 2022 - 1 oz Gold Proof, Robin Hood - Maid Marian, 2024 - 10 oz Silver Bullion, Robin Hood - Maid Marian, 2023 - 2 oz Silver Proof, Robin Hood - Maid Marian, 2024 - 1 oz Silver Bullion, Robin Hood - Maid Marian, 2022 - 1 oz Silver Proof, Robin Hood - Maid Marian, 2024 - £5 Copper-Nickel BU, Robin Hood - Maid Marian, 2024 - 1 oz Gold Bullion, Robin Hood - Little John, 2022 - 1 oz Gold Proof, Robin Hood - Little John, 2024 - 10 oz Silver Bullion, Robin Hood - Little John, 2024 - 2 oz Silver Proof, Robin Hood - Little John, 2024 - 1 oz Silver Bullion, Robin Hood - Little John, 2022 - 1 oz Silver Proof, Robin Hood - Little John, 2024 - £5 Copper-Nickel BU, Robin Hood - Little John, 2024 - 1 oz Gold Bullion, King Arthur (Queen Elizabeth II obverse), 2023 - 1 oz Gold Proof, King Arthur (King Charles III obverse), 2023 - 1/4 oz Gold Proof, King Arthur (King Charles III obverse), 2023 - 10 oz Silver Bullion, King Arthur, 2024 - 2 oz Silver Proof, King Arthur (King Charles III obverse), 2023 - 1 oz Silver Bullion, King Arthur (Queen Elizabeth II obverse), 2023 - 1 oz Silver Proof, King Arthur (King Charles III obverse), 2023 - £5 Copper-Nickel BU, King Arthur (King Charles III obverse), 2023 - 1 oz Gold Bullion, King Arthur - Merlin, 2023 - 1 oz Gold Proof, King Arthur - Merlin, 2023 - 1/4 oz Gold Proof, King Arthur - Merlin, 2023 - 10 oz Silver Bullion, King Arthur - Merlin, 2025 - 2 oz Silver Proof, King Arthur - Merlin, 2023 - 1 oz Silver Bullion, King Arthur - Merlin, 2023 - 1 oz Silver Proof, King Arthur - Merlin, 2023 - £5 Copper-Nickel BU, King Arthur - Merlin, 2023 - 1 oz Gold Proof, King Arthur - Morgan le Fay, 2023 - 1 oz Gold Bullion, King Arthur - Morgan le Fay, 2024 - 1/4 oz Gold Proof, King Arthur - Morgan le Fay, 2023 - 2 oz Silver Proof, King Arthur - Morgan le Fay, 2023 - 1 oz Silver Proof, King Arthur - Morgan le Fay, 2023 - 1 oz Silver Bullion, King Arthur - Morgan le Fay, 2024 - £5 Copper-Nickel BU, King Arthur - Morgan le Fay, 2023 - 1 oz Gold Bullion, Beowulf - Beowulf and Grendel, 2024 - 1 oz Silver Bullion, Beowulf - Beowulf and Grendel, 2024 - 1 oz Gold Bullion, Beowulf - Beowulf and Grendel's Mother, 2025 - 1 oz Silver Bullion, Beowulf - Beowulf and Grendel's Mother, 2025
|
---|
|