2023 1 oz Gold Merlin & King Arthur Myths and Legends 2 Coin Bundle

The 2023 1 oz Gold Merlin & King Arthur 2 Coin Bundle showcases two iconic characters from the legend of King Arthur. This bundle contains 2 coins from the Royal Mint's Myths and Legends Series.

Throughout the Arthurian legend, King Arthur and Merlin were close friends, with Merlin acting as his mentor when he ascended to the throne of Camelot. However, this mythical tale does not have a happy ending, as both King Arthur and Merlin are said to have been killed while fighting.

• Manufactured by The Royal Mint
• 24 carat gold / 999.9 fineness
• Features the first UK definitive coinage portrait of King Charles III, alongside Elizabeth II's final portrait.
• Includes 2 reverse designs of the legendary characters engraved by David Lawrence and Jody Clark.
• This bundle contains 2 troy ounces of the precious metal
• Exempt from Capital Gains Tax & VAT
• Diameters: 32.69mm
• These coins are supplied in 33mm protective capsules

See Our Myths & Legends Collection

What is the Myths and Legends Royal Mint Series?

Myths and Legends is a series of gold and silver bullion coins, issued by the Royal Mint. It features some of the most legendary mythical characters.

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.

Who was Merlin in the Arthurian Legend?

The legend of King Arthur features a mythical figure known as Merlin, who is primarily recognised for serving as Arthur's mentor. In the story, Merlin is a mage who was instructed by King Uther to escort his son to safety due to a Saxon invasion of Britain. The fate of King Uther is open to interpretation, but the story invariably depicts the once-powerful monarch and defender of his people as either slain in battle or assassinated.

Merlin then assumes the role of Arthur's mentor and paternal figure, ensuring that the young man is prepared to rule Camelot as its king. Throughout the tale, Merlin observes as Arthur successfully extracts the magical sword Excalibur from a stone, thereby establishing himself as a noble and formidable ruler.

This 2-coin bundle comprises two coins, each featuring a unique obverse design.

The obverse of the Merlin 1 oz gold bullion coin showcases the first portrait of King Charles III, engraved by Martin Jennings. It bears the following text:

CHARLES III ∙ D ∙ G · REX ∙ F ∙ D · 100 POUNDS  · 

On the other hand, the obverse of the King Arthur 1 oz gold bullion coin displays Jody Clark's final portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, with the inscription reading:

ELIZABETH II  ∙ D ∙ G ∙ REG ∙ F ∙ D ∙ 100 POUNDS ∙

This 2-coin bundle showcases two separate reverse designs.

The first reverse shows Merlin, holding a magic staff, with an owl perched upon his shoulder. The mythical island of Avalon appears in the background. The coin was designed by illustrator, David Lawrence.

The other coin features King Arthur, gripping the legendary sword, Excalibur. The famous castle, Camelot can be seen in the background. This coin was designed by illustrator, David Lawrence.