2022 1 oz Silver Great Britain Maid Marian BU

Unveiling the Outlaw’s Queen: The Enduring Legend of Maid Marian

Amid the ancient greenwood of Sherwood Forest, tales of daring archers and noble outlaws have enchanted generations. Yet, among this storied band, one figure stands as a beacon of resilience and wit—Maid Marian, the legendary counterpart to Robin Hood. Once relegated to the role of a passive maiden or damsel, Marian’s place within the Robin Hood mythos has evolved dramatically. In many accounts, she is as skilled with a bow as Robin himself, a strategist whose intelligence and audacity proved vital to the Merry Men’s survival. The historical resonance of Maid Marian extends far beyond romantic intrigue; she is celebrated as an emblem of female agency and fortitude in a world often defined by chivalric bravado.

Medieval traditions, particularly the lively festivities of May Day, wove her narrative into the fabric of English folklore. In these revelries, she joined Robin as the “Queen of the May,” presiding over rustic games and dances that marked the season’s renewal. Her character drew from even older French pastoral plays where a maiden named Marion matched wits and courage with wandering knights—a fusion of influences that transformed Marian into an enduring symbol of both virtue and vigor. The resulting legend is not one of passive admiration but of partnership, rebellion, and shared ideals.

Far from the sheltered halls of Nottingham Castle, Maid Marian is often depicted as an active participant in the outlaws’ cause. Whether disguising herself in armor, mastering the arts of archery and swordplay, or acting as a covert informant amidst aristocratic intrigue, Marian’s story challenges expectations of her era. Her refusal to submit to the designs of powerful suitors and her unwavering loyalty to Robin Hood underscore themes of self-determination and social justice—values that continue to resonate with collectors and historians alike.

The Royal Mint’s Maid Marian series pays tribute to this multifaceted heroine, capturing her in the full flush of her woodland exploits. As immortalized in art and story, Maid Marian is not a mere appendage to a legend but a figure of legend in her own right—a champion of the oppressed and an icon of courage whose legend has grown with each retelling. Her image on silver is a celebration of England’s mythic past and the indomitable spirit of those who fight for freedom.

Each coin commemorating Maid Marian draws from centuries of lore and cultural transformation, embodying the timeless allure of virtue allied with vigilance. To own this silver tribute is to embrace not just a moment of historical artistry but the living narrative of a heroine whose story continues to inspire.

Design Features

The obverse of this stately silver coin features the regal effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, a design distinguished by its precision and tradition, reflecting The Royal Mint’s commitment to excellence and the legacy of the monarchy. Around her portrait, inscriptions denote her reign and the coin’s legal tender status, providing continuity with centuries of British coinage.

On the reverse, the dynamic figure of Maid Marian emerges from the shadowed depths of Sherwood Forest. Rendered with crisp detail, she stands poised amidst ancient oaks and leafy undergrowth, bow in hand, ready to defend her companions or deliver crucial intelligence. The artist’s composition emphasizes Marian’s elegance and strength—a woodland sentinel set against foliage that sways with both danger and hope. The design’s narrative flair evokes the clandestine life of an outlaw: resourcefulness, resolve, and unyielding conviction in the face of adversity. The inscription of her name completes the tableau, marking her as both historical myth and enduring muse.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Purity: 0.999
• Weight: 1 oz
• Grade: BU – Brilliant Uncirculated
• Manufacturer: The Royal Mint
• IRA Eligible: Yes
• Obverse: Features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, surrounded by inscriptions denoting her title and the coin’s denomination.
• Reverse: Depicts Maid Marian with her bow, standing resolute among the trees of Sherwood Forest, blending artistry with the legend’s core symbolism.

Investment Appeal

Struck in one troy ounce of .999 fine silver by The Royal Mint, this coin offers both intrinsic value and numismatic prestige. Its BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) grade ensures lasting luster and exceptional condition, making it a prime addition to any collection or investment portfolio. The Maid Marian series appeals to collectors for its narrative depth and connection to English folklore, while investors will appreciate its universal recognition, liquidity, and inclusion in precious metals IRAs. With a design that unites artistry, mythology, and precious metal purity, this coin stands as a tangible asset—and a testament to one of history’s most enduring heroines.