$508,200.00 USD
Test product: DO NOT BID OR BUY
Struck in 1839 to commemorate the early reign of Queen Victoria, the “Una and the Lion” gold £5 is widely revered as the most beautiful coin ever produced by the Royal Mint. Designed by William Wyon, it draws from Edmund Spenser’s allegorical epic The Faerie Queene, symbolizing the young monarch as Lady Una guiding the British Empire, depicted as a lion, with poise and righteousness.
Obverse Features a finely detailed left-facing bust of Queen Victoria at 20 years of age, with her hair tied in a braided bun and wearing a diadem. Encircling the portrait is the Latin legend “VICTORIA D: G: BRITANNIARUM REGINA F: D:”, translating to “Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith.” The exquisite proof striking in Deep Cameo form gives the youthful effigy a frosted finish that contrasts beautifully with the mirrored fields.
Reverse Depicts Queen Victoria as Una, elegantly robed and holding a scepter, with the British lion at her side. The Latin motto “DIRIGE DEUS GRESSUS MEOS” (“May God direct my steps”) arcs overhead. The date “MDCCCXXXIX” (1839) lies in the exergue. The balance of elegance, allegory, and technical precision sets this design apart as a high-water mark in medallic art.
Graded PCGS PR63DCAM, this specimen displays Deep Cameo contrast—a rare feature for the issue, as most surviving examples exhibit muted reflectivity or have been impaired over time. With only 400 pieces originally struck, many of which are now in permanent institutional collections, this coin is a prized acquisition for elite numismatists and global art connoisseurs alike. Its combination of historical symbolism, artistic grandeur, and technical mastery make it one of the most sought-after British numismatic treasures.
