2024 Beowulf and Grendel Myths & Legends 1oz Gold Coin

2024 Beowulf and Grendel Myths & Legends 1oz Gold coin

This is a brand new 1oz gold bullion coin to launch the first coin of a third Myths & Legends 3-coin collectible mini-series. This series focussing on the story of Beowulf follows on from the success of the Royal Mint’s first and second Myths & Legends collections. Celebrating the legend of Robin Hood, series one consisted of coins adorned by Robin Hood himself, Maid Marion and Little John. The second series explored the fable of King Arthur and the round table, with coins showcasing King Arthur, Merlin, and the sorceress Morgan Le Fay.

Each coin is minted to 999.9 purity gold, containing 1 troy ounce of 24-carat gold. Coins will arrive in official tubes for orders in multiples of ten. Like the other 1oz gold coins in the series, the Morgan Le Fay coin possesses a face value of £100, qualifying the coin as legal tender – meaning any profits made when selling the coins in the future are completely free from Capital Gains Tax. The Royal Mint has produced these coins to bullion finish, deeming them ideal for investment due to their lower production cost.

Beowulf and Grendel 1oz Gold Coin

As the first of the 3-coin series, the coin reverse designed by renowned artist David Lawrence features the main character Beowulf and his first enemy, the swamp monster Grendel in a ferocious battle. The obverse features the latest official portrait of King Charles III by Martin Jennings.

Beowulf

Beowulf stands as the central character in the oldest surviving epic poem of English literature, bearing his name, “Beowulf.” This epic narrative, composed in the Anglo-Saxon era, recounts the heroic deeds of Beowulf, a noble warrior from Geatland (modern-day Sweden). Beowulf’s tale is one of valour, as he ventures to the aid of Hrothgar, the Danish king, whose mead hall, Heorot, has fallen under the shadow of the monstrous Grendel.

Displaying unmatched bravery and strength, Beowulf confronts and defeats Grendel, and later, Grendel’s vengeful mother. His heroic journey culminates in his reign as king of the Geats, where he faces his final challenge and foe, a devastating dragon. Beowulf’s life concludes with a heroic battle against this dragon; though victorious, he is fatally wounded. The poem closes on the note of his funeral, marking the end of a legendary hero. Beowulf’s legacy is a testament to the themes of heroism, the nobility of character, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.

Grendel

Grendel emerges as one of the formidable foes in the epic poem “Beowulf,” representing the darkness that opposes the light of heroism embodied by Beowulf. This creature, often depicted as a symbol of malevolence and bitterness, haunts the outskirts of human joy, attacking Hrothgar’s Heorot and instilling fear among its inhabitants. Grendel’s lineage traces back to Cain, the biblical figure marked by the sin of fratricide, casting Grendel as an outcast not just from human society but also from the grace that touches the human soul.

His assault on Heorot is as much a physical battle as it is a spiritual siege, highlighting the poem’s exploration of themes such as isolation, envy, and the inherent battle between good and evil. Grendel’s defeat at the hands of Beowulf is not just a triumph of strength but also a reaffirmation of the moral and social order. Yet, Grendel’s legacy is complicated by his role in the narrative, prompting audiences to ponder the nature of evil and the complexities of vengeance and justice.

Our Expert Opinion

This coin combines beautiful design, great production values, collectibility and a tax efficient investment.

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