‘George & the Dragon’ – 2015 – 22ct PROOF GOLD Sovereign St. George & the Dragon is a famous medieval legend that has become the famous representation of England and other states that took St. George as their patron such as Georgia and the former Republic of Genoa. The tale belongs to the genre of medieval romance and has no exact origins, although it stems from the more real-life Saint George, a soldier who died for his faith at the hands of heathen oppressors. The coin’s reverse features an iconic design of the medieval interpretation of St. George atop his Destrier, smiting the evil dragon with his lance. George is exquisitely recognised in medieval attire, with the power of the horse and the anger of the dragon caught so strikingly that it appears to be in motion. Though a simple fantasy tale in its own right, the story of George & the Dragon bears strong metaphorical meaning. Brought back by medieval crusaders from the Holy Land, the tale represents a Christian victory over those who attempt to oppress it, and the age-old ties it now bears to England have seen modern interpretations of England’s noble victories against mighty opponents being used in both world wars and subsequent conflicts thereafter. Furthermore, it is this St. George who’s cross has been flown by English monarchs since 1348 and being involved in the national flag since the original Union Jack was created in 1606.