Great Britain: Victoria gold Proof "Una and the Lion" 5 Pounds 1839 PR60 Cameo NGC,...

Description

Beloved Una and the Lion with Timeless Appeal

Victoria gold Proof "Una and the Lion" 5 Pounds 1839 PR60 Cameo NGC, KM742, S-3851, Fr-386, W&R-279 (R2), Marsh-F26 (R2). Medal alignment. Front fillet five scrolls, rear nine leaves. By William Wyon, lettered edge reads DECUS ET TUTAMEN * ANNO REGNI TERTIO *. Originally designed for inclusion in Queen Victoria's long-delayed 1839 Proof Set, this piece showcases magnificent artistry that has inspired admiration since its debut almost 200 years ago. With demand quickly exceeding the roughly 400 originally struck, the Royal Mint continued to produce examples to order for nearly five decades, extending production until 1886. Every detail remains remarkably sharp, a testament not only to its careful preservation but also to the technical sophistication of its engraver, with the design rendered in full across an opulent expanse of gold. The desirable Cameo designation elevates the piece, highlighting the strong contrast between the frosted devices and darkness of the open fields. Though minor handling, breaks in frosting, and occasional wisps modestly temper the grade, these have little impact on the overall desirability of this historically significant and visually compelling selection.

The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser is an epic allegorical poem following knights who each represent a particular virtue on quests assigned by the Faerie Queene, Gloriana. Among them is the Redcrosse Knight, who symbolizes Holiness and, by the poem's end, is revealed to become St. George, the patron saint of England and defender of the faith. Separated from Una, the personification of Truth, Redcrosse faces numerous spiritual and moral trials, while Una herself is protected for a time by a lion symbolizing natural virtue. That lion is eventually slain by Sansloy ("without law"), who also exposes Archimago, a sorcerer representing Hypocrisy, disguised as Redcrosse. Through richly layered allegory-including encounters with figures of Superstition, Falsehood, and Despair-Spenser explores the dangers truth and virtue face in a fallen world, blending Christian morality with chivalric romance and Protestant ideals.

Metal: Gold
Diameter: 35.5mm
Weight: 39.9403g
AGW: 1.1775oz
Mintage: 400

More information about Great Britain Coins. See also: Great Britain World Coin Nationality.

經典雋永的「尤娜與獅子」金幣

1839年英國「尤娜與獅子」5英鎊精製金幣。PR60 Cameo NGC。
背順。髮帶前方五個渦卷，後方九片樹葉。由William Wyon雕刻。邊緣銘文「DECUS ET TUTAMEN * ANNO REGNI TERTIO *」。此幣之設計本起源於延宕多時的1839年維多利亞女皇像精選套幣，設計美感超凡卓絕，即使在問世近二百年後贊歎之聲仍不絕於耳。原鑄幣產量僅約四百枚，遠不能滿足收藏者的需求，故皇家造幣廠在接下來的近五十年持續鑄造至1886年。此幣的每道細節都仍然銳利分明，不光足見其呵護備至的保存狀態，更能一窺雕刻師的匠心獨運，圖案在開闊的黃金幣面上得以展露無遺。霜感冰寒的圖文與深暗開闊的底板形成鮮明對比，魅力非凡的浮雕效果更是畫龍點睛。雖然微不足道的觸痕導致霜感有所減損，偶見的絲痕令評分略減，但對整體的吸引力而言瑕不掩瑜。此幣深具歷史意義，外觀迷人不已。

Edmund Spenser所著的《The Faerie Queene》為一部意象豐富的史詩，內容緊隨一群騎士的步伐。他們每位都代表一種美德，並竭力完成仙后葛洛莉安娜賦予的重任。而按詩歌結局所揭露，當中象徵神聖的紅十字騎士成為了英格蘭的守護者和信仰的保衛者聖佐治。在與真理的化身尤娜告別告，紅十字騎士面臨著無數的信仰和道德的考驗。而另一邊廂，尤娜則被象徵自然的雄獅沿路保護。該頭雄獅最後被桑斯洛伊（意即「法外之徒」）殺死，但他亦揭露了象徵偽善，並冒認紅十字騎士信使的巫師阿奇馬戈。神話故事曲折離奇，不乏迷信、虛假和絕望的情節輪番上演。Spenser將基督教的倫理觀與騎士浪漫主義和新教理想融會貫通，探索了真理和美德在一個墮落世界中面臨的種種危機。


Estimate: $100,000 - $150,000.

Note for clients in the European Union: This lot is considered by the European Union to be “investment gold”. We believe that it meets the criteria established in Article 344(1), point (2) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC and thus should be exempt from import VAT regardless of the selling price. Any questions or concerns about VAT should be addressed to your accountant or local tax authority.

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