The Royal Mint’s Myths and Legends bullion coin collection celebrating the legend of King Arthur concludes with a ten-ounce silver edition paying tribute to Merlin, the elusive sorcerer.

Popularly associated with Arthur as his adviser, magician and prophet, the figure of Merlin was created by Geoffrey of Monmouth in his twelfth-century work Historia Regum Britanniae (The History of the Kings of Britain). The pseudo-historical account played a pivotal role in popularising Arthurian legend and, from the Middle Ages onwards, Merlin has become a central figure in the mythology, notably in American literature and popular culture.

David Lawrence, an illustrator with numerous coin designs in his portfolio, has portrayed Merlin as a magical figure, with an owl on his shoulder to represent the sorcerer’s wisdom. At his belt is a golden sickle for cutting mistletoe in the sacred grove and he holds a magic stave. Glastonbury rises in the background, which is said to be the inspiration for the mystical isle of Avalon.

KEY FEATURES

• Struck in ten troy ounces of 999.9 fine silver
• Finished to The Royal Mint’s Bullion standard
• Features an interpretation of Merlin by artist David Lawrence
• Individually packaged in a single coin capsule