We’ve been very excited to share our Celtic Lore series with you, and it seems that you all have enjoyed it as well! Featuring the original artwork of Howard David Johnson, this series showcases some of the most popular characters and creatures from the folklore and legends of the early Celts. Following Merlin and the Morrigan, the third release in this mystical series depicts the Welsh Red Dragon.
The Welsh Red Dragon is currently seen on the Welsh flag and has come to be known as a symbol of Wales, but the creature’s significance stems back centuries. In fact, the oldest recorded use of the Red Dragon to symbolize Wales was written by a historian named Nennius in the Historia Brittonum in 820. The dragon went on to adorn Welsh battle flags and was later linked to the famous Arthurian legends by Geoffrey of Monmouth.
As the legend goes, a Red Dragon and a White Dragon were locked in a destructive battle that seemed to be neverending. To stop the carnage, the king of Britain dug a large pit and placed a cauldron of mead inside of it. The dragons were lured into the pit and fell asleep after consuming the mead. The king then buried the two dozing dragons.
Centuries later, King Vortigern continuously attempted to build a castle in the same location. But each night, the newly built walls would crumble. The king sought the help of magicians and was advised to find a boy without a father and sprinkle his blood over the castle walls. Upon finding such a boy, the king had him dig a pit underneath the castle. The dragons were then discovered as the source of the castle woes. Once released, the Red Dragon defeated the White Dragon, which the boy said was representative of the Welsh overcoming the English. This boy was Merlin.
The Red Dragon was never present on Welsh royal coats of arms. Rather, the beast seemed to become representative of the Welsh people. In 1959, Queen Elizabeth II declared that “only the Red Dragon on a green and white flag should be flown on government buildings in Wales.” The green and white colors have been used by the Welsh military independently of the Red Dragon since the thirteenth century.
The shared reverse of the Celtic Lore series features intricate celtic knot work that was commonly used in the artwork from that period. The ropes twist into two stylized wolf heads on each side, facing inward toward a central knotted design. Inscriptions include the series name, along with the round’s weight and purity.
Each Welsh Red Dragon .999 fine silver round will be offered in six variations: one and five ounce proof, one and five ounce antiqued, and one and five ounce colorized. Rounds come nestled in a protective box with a certificate of authenticity. Celtic Lore rounds will be produced in limited mintages from the Osborne Mint, in partnership with Anonymous Mint.
Out of the three Celtic Lore designs currently available, which have you enjoyed the most so far?
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