First issued in the 1460s during the reign of Edward IV as a smaller replacement to the noble, the angel went on to become a protective healing piece associated with ‘touching ceremonies’. During these ceremonies, it was believed that the reigning monarch could pass on some of their God-given power and therefore cure sufferers of scrofula, a bacterial infection of the lymph nodes also known as the ‘king’s evil’, through the coin. The angel would be touched and often pierced then hung around the person’s neck with white ribbon to continue to protect the person wearing it.  

For 2026, the angel’s protective legacy has been revitalised for a bullion coin that features a modern interpretation of St Michael slaying Satan, presented in the form of a dragon, on the reverse. Embellished with a secure pattern to protect against counterfeiting, the reverse design is encircled by the inscription ‘PER CRUCEM TUAM + SALVA NOS CHRISTE REDEMPTOR’, which translates as ‘By thy Cross, save us, O Christ, our Redeemer’.

• An opportunity to invest in a modern interpretation of one of the most fascinating coins in numismatic history 
• Sandra Deiana has created a fresh reimagining of the historic St Michael design 
• Pays tribute to a famous coin traditionally thought to offer protection and good fortune  
• The coin’s reverse is embellished with a secure pattern for added protection against counterfeiting 
• Struck in 999 fine silver, the coin is also available as 1oz and 1/4oz gold editions