Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 2 Pounds 2023, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, Myths and Legends, Morgan le Fay
  • 2 Pounds 2023, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, Myths and Legends, Morgan le Fay
  • 2 Pounds 2023, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, Myths and Legends, Morgan le Fay, Box with a certificate of authenticity
Description

The Royal Mint has launched a range of collector coins which is part of the popular “Myths and Legends” series. The set for 2023 begins with a design honouring the legendary King Arthur, the fabled leader of the Knights of the Round Table. The second commemorative coin pays tribute to Merlin, the prophetic sorcerer and trusted adviser to King Arthur. Morgan le Fay follows King Arthur and Merlin to feature on the third and final coin inspired by Arthurian legend in our Myths and Legend Collection.

First appearing in Geoffrey of Monmouth’s Vita Merlini, which followed his seminal Historia Regum Britanniae (or The History of the Kings of Britain), Morgan le Fay is a central character within Arthurian legend.

Obverse

Depicts King Charles III’s effigy, surrounded by the Latin inscription. Engraver's initials on the neck.

CHARLES III DEI GRATIA REX FIDEI DEFENSOR means King Charles III, by the Grace of God King, Defender of the Faith.

Engraver: Martin Jennings (MJ)

•CHARLES III•D•G•REX•F•D•2 POUNDS•2023
MJ

Reverse

Depicts Morgan le Fay, a dark and powerful enchantress, wearing a winged headpiece and poised to use magic against her enemies. To the left and above the primary design is the text MORGAN LE FAY • MYTHS AND LEGENDS • 2023, which is placed along the edge.

Morgan le Fay is a powerful enchantress from the Arthurian legend. Her character varies in different texts. Initially depicted as benevolent and connected to King Arthur as his magical protector, she gains complexity over time. Sometimes seen as good, other times as evil, her origins likely blend Welsh mythology and other ancient tales. She's associated with the Isle of Apples and often portrayed as a healer or adversary of Arthur's knights. Later works establish her as Arthur's elder sister, often with a contentious relationship. She's portrayed as sexually active and scheming against Arthur. Despite being his enemy, she aids his final journey to Avalon. In later tales, she becomes the immortal queen of Avalon, alongside Arthur. In modern times, her character has experienced a resurgence and various reinterpretations, sometimes conflated with her sister's role.

Engraver: David Lawrence

MORGAN LE FAY • MYTHS AND LEGENDS • 2023
D.L

Edge

2 Pounds

One Ounce Silver Proof Coin
KM#
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 31.21 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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