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The figure of Beowulf has endured through the centuries as one of the most iconic heroes of Anglo-Saxon literature. His story, full of bravery, epic battles and terrifying monsters, remains a source of inspiration in the modern world. In 2024, The Royal Mint began a series of commemorative gold and silver coins that narrate the three main exploits of this intrepid warrior. Each of these coins illustrates a crucial chapter of the epic, and here we will explore how the Beowulf coin series captures the essence of the legend in three pivotal moments.
Beowulf and Grendel (2024)
The first coin in the series captures the moment when Beowulf, the young prince of Geatland, confronts Grendel, the monster terrorizing the Danish kingdom of Hrothgar. According to legend, Grendel is a dark and evil being, descended from Cain, who has been wreaking havoc on the kingdom for years. The 2024 coin illustrates this primordial showdown between hero and creature. In an act of supreme bravery, Beowulf confronts Grendel relying only on his superhuman strength. After a fierce struggle, Beowulf finally tears off Grendel’s arm, leaving the monster badly wounded and on the run.
The 1oz silver coin and the 1oz gold coin reflect this first heroic act, symbolising Beowulf's power and determination to protect the innocent. The face value of £2 for the silver coin and £100 for the gold coin mark the character of a piece that not only has numismatic value, but also historical and symbolic value, a tangible reflection of the victory of good over evil.
Beowulf and Grendel's Mother (2025)
The second coin in the series focuses on another pivotal episode in the saga: Beowulf's battle with Grendel's mother. After her son's death, the mother seeks revenge, attacking Hrothgar's palace. To stop her, Beowulf ventures into a fearsome swamp and confronts the monstrous creature in its underwater lair. The fight is brutal, but Beowulf once again proves his bravery by defeating Grendel's mother, using a magic sword he finds in the monster's lair.
The design of the 2025 coin, in both silver and gold, captures the intensity and drama of this underwater battle. At this moment, Beowulf is not only fighting for survival, but also for honour and justice. The face value remains at £2 for the silver and £100 for the gold, and the coin pays tribute to the resilience and courage of Beowulf, who once again proves himself to be the protector of the weak.
Beowulf and the Dragon (2025)
The third and final coin in the series features Beowulf's final battle, one of the most dramatic in the epic. Now aged, Beowulf faces a dragon that has begun to destroy his kingdom after a thief steals a cup from its treasury. This confrontation, unlike the previous battles, is the ultimate fight, not only for Beowulf's life, but also for the future of his people. Despite being an old man and severely wounded, Beowulf manages to defeat the dragon with the help of his young companion Wiglaf. However, in the process, Beowulf receives a mortal wound.
The coin depicting this final battle shows Beowulf facing the dragon, capturing the heroism of a figure who, despite old age and danger, does not back down. This final fight is the climax of the story, where self-sacrifice and duty to his people meet in the same battle. Both the silver and gold coins commemorate this final victory, highlighting the legacy of a hero who gives his all for his people. Like the previous coins, the face value is £2 for the silver and £100 for the gold.
Characteristics of coins
The common side of the coins in the Beowulf series features the portrait of Charles III, created by Martin Jennings.
These pieces, minted in either one ounce of gold or one ounce of silver, are so-called bullion or investment coins, and their sale price fluctuates according to the price of the metals.
These pieces, minted in either one ounce of gold or one ounce of silver, are so-called bullion or investment coins, and their sale price fluctuates according to the price of the metals.
Characteristics
Facial 2 pounds 100 pounds
Metal 999 purity silver 999 purity gold
Weight 31.1 grams 31.1 grams
Diameter 38.61 mm 32.69 mm
Mint The Royal Mint The Royal Mint
Country United Kingdom United Kingdom
Volume of issue Unannounced Unannounced
Quality BU BU
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