Great Britain: Victoria gold Proof "Una and the Lion" 5 Pounds 1839 UNC Details (Repaired) PCGS,...

Description

The Iconic "Una and the Lion" 5 Pounds

Victoria gold Proof "Una and the Lion" 5 Pounds 1839 UNC Details (Repaired) PCGS, KM742, S-3851, W&R-279 (R2). Medal alignment. Edge: DECUS ET TUTAMEN * ANNO REGNI TERTIO *. DIRIGE legend. 5 scrolls and 9 leaves. By William Wyon. An attainable example of this iconic issue, offering ample eye-appeal despite repair. Wyon's lifelike Victoria captivates; intricate details are highlighted by the gentle dandelion glow that is revealed when in motion.

William Wyon's reverse design for this iconic 1839 gold £5 draws directly from the first volume of Edmund Spenser's poem The Faerie Queene (1590), where Lady Una symbolizes truth, innocence, and the Protestant Church. In the poem, Una tames a fierce lion through her purity, and he becomes her protector. Wyon reimagined this allegory by portraying Queen Victoria as Una, guiding the British lion with a scepter and holding an orb, symbols of monarchical authority and divine right. This depiction suggests that the young queen embodies moral virtue and leads the nation with wisdom and strength.

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.

Estimate: $60,000 - $80,000.

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.