The Royal Mint has recently introduced a new series of silver and gold bullion coins featuring a modern take on the legendary story of St. George and the dragon. This release honors a centuries-old tale that has captivated artists and coin designers for generations. On June 20, 2024, the new series launched with a striking design that emphasizes the classic battle between good and evil. Below is an in-depth look at the new coin series, its significance, and the details of each release.
| Coin Type | Metal | Face Value | Weight | Diameter | Fineness | Mintage | Designer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-ounce Silver Coin | Silver | £2 | 31.21 grams | 38.61 mm | .999 fine | Unlimited | Jody Clark (reverse), Martin Jennings (obverse) |
| Kilogram Silver Coin | Silver | £500 | 1,005 grams | 100 mm | .999 fine | Unlimited | Jody Clark (reverse), Martin Jennings (obverse) |
| Quarter-ounce Gold Coin | Gold | £25 | 7.8 grams | 22 mm | .9999 fine | Unlimited | Jody Clark (reverse), Martin Jennings (obverse) |
| 1-ounce Gold Coin | Gold | £100 | 31.21 grams | 32.69 mm | .9999 fine | Unlimited | Jody Clark (reverse), Martin Jennings (obverse) |
The History Behind St. George and the Dragon
The legend of St. George and the dragon dates back to the 11th century and has been told in various texts and depicted in numerous forms of art. The story typically features St. George, a knight, courageously slaying a dragon to save a kingdom. This tale has inspired many artists, but it is perhaps best known in the world of coins through Benedetto Pistrucci’s iconic 1817 interpretation, which appeared on the reverse side of the sovereign coin.
The Royal Mint’s New Bullion Coin Series
The Royal Mint’s latest release reimagines this legendary battle with a fresh perspective. Designed by Jody Clark, the reverse of the coin showcases an action-packed scene where St. George drives his lance into the dragon while riding a rearing horse. This dynamic portrayal captures the essence of the eternal struggle between good and evil.
The obverse of the coins features a portrait of King Charles III, designed by Martin Jennings. The new series is part of an ongoing collection that will continue to explore different artistic interpretations of the St. George and dragon tale.
Coin Specifications and Mintages
The new series consists of two gold versions and two silver versions, offering collectors and investors a range of options. All coins are priced based on the current bullion market and are available directly through the Royal Mint or its global distributors.
Silver Coins
- 1-ounce .999 fine silver £2 coin
- Weight: 31.21 grams
- Diameter: 38.61 millimeters
- Mintage: Unlimited
- Kilogram .999 fine silver £500 coin
- Weight: 1,005 grams
- Diameter: 100 millimeters
- Mintage: Unlimited
Gold Coins
- Quarter-ounce .9999 fine gold £25 coin
- Weight: 7.8 grams
- Diameter: 22 millimeters
- Mintage: Unlimited
- 1-ounce .9999 fine gold £100 coin
- Weight: 31.21 grams
- Diameter: 32.69 millimeters
- Mintage: Unlimited
How to Buy the Coins
All coins in this series are sold at bullion-related prices, making them accessible to both collectors and investors. They can be purchased directly from the Royal Mint’s website or through authorized distributors worldwide.
FAQs
1. What is the theme of the new coin series?
The new series from the Royal Mint focuses on the legendary tale of St. George and the dragon, symbolizing the battle between good and evil. This timeless story has been revisited with a modern artistic interpretation by designer Jody Clark.
2. What metals are used in the St. George and the dragon coins?
The series includes coins made from both silver and gold. The silver coins are .999 fine silver, while the gold coins are .9999 fine gold.
3. Who designed the new St. George and the dragon bullion coins?
The reverse side of the coin, featuring the battle scene between St. George and the dragon, was designed by Jody Clark. The obverse side, showing King Charles III, was designed by Martin Jennings.
4. What sizes are available in the new series?
There are two silver coins and two gold coins available in this series:
A 1-ounce silver £2 coin
A kilogram silver £500 coin
A quarter-ounce gold £25 coin
A 1-ounce gold £100 coin
5. What is the significance of St. George in British culture?
St. George is a celebrated figure in British culture, known as the patron saint of England. His legendary battle with the dragon has been depicted in art and literature for centuries, symbolizing bravery and the triumph of good over evil.