The inclusion of Morgan le Fay in The Royal Mint's Myths and Legends collection is a captivating addition. This latest of the Arthurian-inspired series showcases the character of Morgan le Fay, whose intriguing persona is depicted in a number of different pieces of literature. Some portray her as a goddess, some a faery, while others present her as a mortal woman. In Sir Thomas Malory's 'Le Morte d’Arthur,' she is the half-sister of King Arthur and is portrayed as a villain, whereas in Geoffrey of Monmouth's 'Vita Merlini,' she is depicted as a healer residing on the Isle of Avalon. She has also been described as the mother of Oberon, king of the faeries.
The reverse of the coin, crafted by the renowned illustrator David Lawrence, features Morgan le Fay standing in a pose with her arms and hand positions indicative of her being in the midst of casting a spell. Her hair is braided and she wears a tiny laced waistcoat and a headdress adorned with wings. On her right arm is a cuff with a small serpent above it. The background incorporates a hexurity feature offering additional security, and in the legend outside of the image her name is displayed along with the weight, purity of the gold, and year of issue.
On the obverse, sculptor Martin Jennings presents the official coinage portrait of His Majesty King Charles III, facing left in adherence to the tradition of each new monarch facing the opposite direction of their predecessor.
This coin contains one troy ounce of fine gold, which equates to a metric weight of 31.10 grams. It has a purity of 999.9/1000, a diameter of 32.69mm and a thickness of 2.79mm. It carries a face value of 100 pounds sterling and is also available as a 1oz Silver Bullion Coin.
A must-have for collectors, this edition to the series offers a wonderful piece of history, filled with magic and intrigue, meticulously crafted and minted to a high standard.
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 | 2024 |
Grade | Brilliant |
Face value | 100 Pounds |
Thickness | 2.79 mm |
Diameter | 32.69 mm |
Packaging | Single in Pouch |
Packaging Unit | 10 per tube |