Myths and Legends "King Arthur" 1oz Gold Coin 2023
King Arthur was the inspiration for the latest 2023 Myths and Legends bullion series from the Royal Mint in Wales. He is a legendary figure from mediaeval British literature and folklore and the story of King Arthur is surrounded by myths and historical speculation. According to the legend, King Arthur was a British leader who defended Britain against Saxon invaders in the late 5th and early 6th centuries. Arthur was said to be the son of Uther Pendragon, the king of Britain, and Igraine, the wife of the Duke of Cornwall. Merlin, a powerful sorcerer, arranged for Arthur to be raised in secret for his protection. Upon the death of Uther, Merlin told the knights that whoever could pull the magical sword called Excalibur from a stone he was the true king. Arthur happened to find the sword and pull it out and he was proclaimed the rightful king of Britain. Under Arthur's rule, his kingdom of Camelot flourished. He established a code of chivalry and gathered the bravest and noblest knights to join him and become the Knights of the Round Table.
One of the central themes in the Arthurian legend is the love triangle involving Arthur, his queen, Guinevere, and his trusted knight, Lancelot. Their affair led to the downfall of the Round Table and the kingdom of Camelot. Mordred, Arthur's illegitimate son, rebelled against Arthur, leading to the final battle of Camlann. At the battle Arthur faced Mordred in a fierce conflict. Arthur was mortally wounded, and his sword Excalibur was returned to the Lady of the Lake. Arthur was said to have been taken to the mystical island of Avalon to heal his wounds, with the promise that he would return when Britain needed him again.
As the first coin to be featured in the new three-coin bullion mini-series offered under the enchanting Myths and Legends Collection, King Arthur is depicted on the obverse of the coin wearing his crown and flowing robes and wielding his sword, Excalibur. The castle of Camelot can be seen in the background. The image was created by the accomplished illustrator and sculptor Philip Lawrence. His imposing design also includes frosting on the image of the king and the castle together with a hexality feature texture in the background that reflects the light in different angles. The reverse of the coin was designed by Martin Jennings and is one of the first coins to feature his portrait of King Charles III.
The one-ounce Gold coin is made of 999.9 fine gold with a diameter of 32.69mm and a metric weight of 31.1 grams. It has a denomination of £100.
These magnificent King Arthur coins are also available in 1 oz silver. They are a wise investment choice to diversify a portfolio and a beautiful addition to any collection.
| Metal | Gold |
| Form | Gold Coin |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer | The Royal British Mint |
| Purity | 999.9/1000 |
| Fineweight | 31.10 gram |
| Gross Weight | 31.10 gram |
| Denomination (oz) | 1 oz |
| Year of issue | 2023 |
| Grade | Brilliant |
| Face value | 100 Pounds |
| Thickness | 2.79 mm |
| Diameter | 32.69 mm |
| Packaging | Single in Pouch |
| Packaging Unit | 10 per tube |