United Kingdom: The Tale Of Beowulf Features On New Myths And Legends Gold And Silver Bullion Coins

The 2025-dated coins focus on the old English epic poem entitled Beowulf which follows the hero’s battling journey from an obscure prince to a celebrated king. Beowulf is one of the most important texts in the history of English literature and dates from more than 1000 years ago. The original work is the longest surviving poem in Old English and known as the Beowulf manuscript which is preserved as a single undertaking but it did not appear in print until 1815. The story tells of the events of the early 6th century and was likely composed c. 700–750. Aspects of Christian allegory can also be found in the poem, with the titular character representing the fight of good over evil. The Scandinavian hero is named Beowulf who gains fame as a young man by vanquishing a monster. The story tells of King Hrothgar and his splendid festival hall known as Heorot, a place of celebration and much merriment. However, the joyous noise angers Grendel, an evil monster living in a nearby swamp. For 12 years the creature terrorizes Heorot with nightly visits in which he carries off Hrothgar’s warriors and devours them.

After learning of the King’s trouble, young Beowulf, a prince in a nearby land arrives with a small band of retainers and offers to rid Heorot of its monster. King Hrothgar is astonished at the little-known hero’s daring but welcomes him. After an evening of feasting, one of Hrothgar’s men insults Beowulf. When the king retires for the night, he leaves Beowulf in charge at which time, Grendel comes from the moors, rips open the heavy doors, and devours one of Beowulf’s men. He then grapples with Beowulf, who without a weapon grips one of Grendel’s hands who is freed only when his arm is torn off at the shoulder. Mortally wounded, Grendel returns to his swamp and dies with Beowulf displaying the monster’s arm in Heorot for all to see.

The next day is one of rejoicing in Heorot, and a feast is thrown in Beowulf’s honour. However, as the warriors sleep that night, Grendel’s mother, another swamp monster, comes to avenge her son’s death, killing one of King Hrothgar’s men. In the morning Beowulf dives into the moors to search for her, where she attacks him. They struggle in her dry cave but Beowulf finally kills her with a sword. In the cave, Beowulf discovers Grendel’s corpse, whose head he cuts off and takes back to Heorot. The Danes rejoice once more. King Hrothgar and Heorot rejoice once more and honour the true hero, Beowulf. After he is enriched with honours and princely gifts, returns home to his homeland and kingdom.

Designed by David Lawrence of the Royal Mint, the reverse side captures the epic battle between Beowulf and Grendel’s mother. The hero is clad in battle armour and swinging a sword overhead in the direction of Grendel’s mother who is a huge swamp monster and as she taunts Beowulf. To the left and above the primary design along the rim is the text BEOWULF & GRENDEL’S MOTHER · 2025. Below and to the lower right rim are the specifications 1oz FINE GOLD · 999.9 or 1 oz FINE SILVER · 999. The obverse of each coin option features the effigy of HM King Charles III designed by Martin Jennings. The denomination 100 POUNDS (gold) or 2 POUNDS (silver) is included in the legend surrounding the King’s likeness.  Behind the royal effigy is a pattern of radial-lined texture for added security.

Each gold and silver single coin purchase is encapsulated, the gold coins are also available in tubes of 10 pieces and the silver coins are available in tubes of 25 pieces for volume purchases. Additional information is available on the Royal Mint’s retail bullion webpage.