Die Faerie Queene Redcross & Dragon Münze ist eine 1 kg schwere Silbermünze mit einem Feingehalt von 0,999. Hergestellt in Großbritannien von der British Royal Mint und zertifiziert mit einem offiziellen Zertifikat, ist diese Münze ein seltenes Sammlerstück. Das Design zeigt den Redcross-Ritter und den Drachen aus dem epischen Gedicht Faerie Queene von Edmund Spenser. Mit Erhaltungsgrad Proof und geprägt in limitierter Auflage für das Jahr 2024 ist diese Münze eines der begehrtesten Stücke aus der Saint-Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Münzserie.
The Faerie Queene is an English epic poem written by Edmund Spenser. The first three books were initially published in 1590, and in 1596, they were reissued along with books IV-VI. The Faerie Queene is notable for its form: with over 36,000 lines and more than 4,000 stanzas, it is one of the longest poems in the English language. It is also the work in which Spenser invented the verse form known as the Spenserian stanza.
On a literal level, the poem follows several knights as they explore various virtues. Although primarily an allegorical work, it can be read through multiple allegorical lenses, including as praise (or later, criticism) of Queen Elizabeth I. In Spenser's "Letter of the Authors," he states that the entire epic is "cloudily enwrapped in allegorical devices" and that the purpose of publishing The Faerie Queene was to "fashion a gentleman or noble person in virtuous and gentle discipline."
Spenser presented the first three books of The Faerie Queene to Elizabeth I in 1589, likely sponsored by Sir Walter Raleigh. The poem was a clear attempt to gain favor with the court, and as a reward, Elizabeth granted Spenser a lifelong pension of £50 per year. However, there is no further evidence to suggest that Elizabeth I ever read the poem. This royal patronage propelled the poem to success, making it Spenser's defining work.