Ceylon / Sri Lanka
Assam, India
Japan
Taiwan
Nepal
China
Kenya
Egypt
South Africa
Specification
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Alloy
Fine Gold - 999.9Au
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Denomination
£5
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Weight
2oz
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Authority
St Helena
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Diameter
45mm
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Edge
Milled
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Issue limit
25
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Total Mintage
25
BEHIND THE CRAFT
Behind the Craft - Faerie Queene & Redcrosse
First published in 1590, The Faerie Queene is a classic work of medieval English literature. At over 36,000 lines long, its six books contain one of the longest poems in the English language, believed to be an allegory for the life of Queen Elizabeth I.
Our series starts at the beginning, with Queen Gloriana, the Queene of Faerieland, hosting ‘The Feast of 12 Days’. Spencer describes how on each of these 12 days, The Faerie Queene will listen to appeals for help from her subjects who find themselves in trouble, and on each day she will select a worthy quest and assign it to one of her bravest knights.
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Book One tells the story of The Redcrosse Knight and the quest he is given by Queen Gloriana; to rescue the Lady Una’s parents from the captivity of an evil dragon. Through the various trials and tribulations of his quest, he transitions from a young peasant boy to the brave and embattled Redcrosse Knight, an allegory for the life of St George, the patron saint of England.
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• The first coin in our new Faerie Queene series
• Limited edition of just 25 coins worldwide • Two ounces of sparkling 0.999 fine gold • Impressive 45mm diameter • Exclusive new design by the celebrated artist Joel Iskowitz • Struck to our finest Proof quality • Presented in a luxury display case with certificate of authenticity |
Product Detail
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Book One tells the story of The Redcrosse Knight and the quest he is given by Queen Gloriana; to rescue the Lady Una’s parents from the captivity of an evil dragon. Through the various trials and tribulations of his quest, he transitions from a young peasant boy to the brave and embattled Redcrosse Knight, an allegory for the life of St George, the patron saint of England.
|
• The first coin in our new Faerie Queene series
• Limited edition of just 25 coins worldwide • Two ounces of sparkling 0.999 fine gold • Impressive 45mm diameter • Exclusive new design by the celebrated artist Joel Iskowitz • Struck to our finest Proof quality • Presented in a luxury display case with certificate of authenticity |
Stories
The Story of the Faerie Queene
The story begins with Una arriving at the court of Queen Gloriana carrying a suit of armour upon which is painted a red cross.
Also at court is a young peasant boy who has attended the palace to ask the Queen to give him the responsibility of a quest, so that he can prove his strength and virtue.
Una is desperately sad, as her parents have been captured and taken prisoner by a vicious dragon in a faraway town, and she asks the Faerie Queene to assign one of her bravest knights to help her rescue them.
Also at court is a young peasant boy who has attended the palace to ask the Queen to give him the responsibility of a quest, so that he can prove his strength and virtue.
Una is desperately sad, as her parents have been captured and taken prisoner by a vicious dragon in a faraway town, and she asks the Faerie Queene to assign one of her bravest knights to help her rescue them.
The boy sees his chance and volunteers for the task. Una is initially unsure, as she was hoping for a proven knight for such a personal and daring mission.
But she considers his plea and says he can try on the armour she is carrying and, if it fits, she will grant him his wish.
So the boy tries on the armour, and sure enough it fits him as if it were tailor made. Because of the armour’s distinctive design, Queen Gloriana dubs him ’The Redcrosse Knight’ before giving him the quest to rescue Una’s parents.
But she considers his plea and says he can try on the armour she is carrying and, if it fits, she will grant him his wish.
So the boy tries on the armour, and sure enough it fits him as if it were tailor made. Because of the armour’s distinctive design, Queen Gloriana dubs him ’The Redcrosse Knight’ before giving him the quest to rescue Una’s parents.
This first coin captures that moment in a classical design by celebrated coin and medal artist Joel Iskowitz, whose expressive style and detail reflect the essence of the illustrative storytelling of this period in history.
Redcrosse sits upon his mighty steed with Una by his side, while in the distance we can see the ruthless dragon high on the wing, circling a faraway castle where Una’s parents are imprisoned and in fear for their lives.
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FAQ
What is the difference between maximum mintage and issue limit?
Maximum mintage is the total number of individuals coins which will be struck, this includes coins presented is sets. The Issue limit refers to the number of coins which will be sold in the specific presentation.
What if the maximum mintage and issue limit is the same?
This means the coin will only be available in the presentation shown and will not be issued in any other way.
How do I make sure I have access to the next coin in the collection?
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Delivery & Returns
UK Standard Delivery: £9.95
See our delivery page for more information and overseas delivery. - Reviews
