Great Britain: Victoria gold Proof "Una and the Lion" 5 Pounds 1839 PR63 Ultra Cameo NGC,...

Description

Coveted Choice Ultra Cameo Una and the Lion 5 Pounds

Victoria gold Proof "Una and the Lion" 5 Pounds 1839 PR63 Ultra Cameo NGC, KM742, S-3851, W&R-278 (R4), Marsh-F23 (R3). Medal alignment. DECUS ET TUTAMEN * ANNO REGNI TERTIO * edge. DIRIGE legend, 6 scrolls, and 11 leaves. By William Wyon. Few issues not just of British origin, but across all of numismatics consistently demand the attention of bidders at such a high level as do the works of William Wyon, most notably here with his "Una and the Lion." The celebrated 19th century engraver is responsible for so many of the most iconic types, becoming the subject of a modern revival in the "Great Engravers Series" produced by the British Royal Mint, many examples of which populate this very Platinum Session. Here we proudly display an absolutely captivating representative of an original striking.

Designed exclusively for inclusion in Victoria's delayed 1839 Proof Set, the magnificent artistry presented with such precision here is well-known to have inspired as much renown when it was first produced 182 years ago, with demand far outstripping the 400 or so of these that were originally minted, making it necessary for the Royal Mint to produced examples to-order for almost 50 years until 1886. Every detail remains decidedly crisp, owed to not only a superior preservation but an advanced technical prowess of a skilled engraver; all designs perfectly endowed upon an expansive harvest-gold canvas as intended, producing such a deep effect as to demand an "Ultra Cameo" designation. Victoria's bust, so accurately capturing her optimistic youth, projects boldly at even the slightest tilt, while the eponymous reverse design endures in semi-medallic fashion. While grade-defining contact marks appear exclusively to the fields, the frosted central motifs remain largely spared, doing little to detract from the overall eye appeal. As such we expect a high level of bidder participation consistent with the rapidly expanding market for both vintage and modern examples of this simply iconic type.

Metal: Gold
Diameter: 35.5mm
Weight: 39.9403g
AGW: 1oz
Mintage: 400

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



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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