Minted in 1839 to commemorate the early reign of Queen Victoria, the “Una and the Lion” gold coin is widely regarded as the most beautiful gold coin ever produced. Issued in an extremely limited run of just around 400 pieces, this coin combines royal symbolism, poetic inspiration, and breathtaking design. Today, its market value ranges from tens of thousands to over a million dollars, making it a coveted masterpiece for both collectors and investors. This article explores the history, artistry, rarity, and modern relevance of this extraordinary coin.

The Historical Roots of Una and the Lion

Victoria’s Rise and the Glory of the British Empire

In 1837, 18-year-old Queen Victoria ascended the British throne. Two years later, the Royal Mint issued the “Una and the Lion” coin to commemorate her coronation. This was the dawn of “Pax Britannica”, a golden age where Britain ruled the seas, commanded global trade, and expanded its empire across the world.

While young and inexperienced at the time of her coronation, Victoria proved to be one of Britain’s most influential monarchs. Her 63-year reign would define an era. The “Una and the Lion” coin reflected early optimism for her rule—and a belief in the moral and political leadership she would bring to the empire.

A Coin Meant for the Elite

The Una coin was not struck for general circulation. Instead, it was reserved for royalty, high-ranking officials, and nobles, never intended to be seen by the public. In fact, it wasn’t until 1843—four years after its release—that this coin even became known to private collectors.

A Masterpiece of Design and Symbolism

William Wyon’s Artistic Genius

The designer of the coin was William Wyon, Chief Engraver of the Royal Mint and widely considered one of the most gifted coin artists in history. Born in Birmingham in 1795, Wyon served as chief engraver from 1828 until his death in 1851.

Wyon’s attention to detail and ability to render lifelike, refined features made his portraits—particularly of Queen Victoria—extraordinary works of numismatic art. The Queen’s serene, youthful profile on the coin is widely acknowledged as one of the finest royal depictions ever engraved.

The Obverse and Reverse Designs

On the obverse, we see a left-facing bust of Queen Victoria. On the reverse, Wyon drew inspiration from Edmund Spenser’s 16th-century poem, “The Faerie Queene,” featuring the character Una leading a lion.

In this allegory, Una represents truth and purity, while the lion represents strength and the British nation. Together, they symbolize the Queen’s role in guiding the empire. A Latin inscription below reads: “DIRIGE DEUS GRESSUS MEOS”—“May God direct my steps.”

The coin is also notable for its proof finish, an advanced technique at the time, resulting in a high-contrast, mirror-like surface that enhances the coin’s visual impact.

Rarity, Variants, and Classification

Multiple Types Despite Limited Mintage

Despite the small number minted, there are at least nine known variants of the Una and the Lion coin, distinguished by subtle differences in inscriptions, ribbon design, and edge finishes. These are classified using Wilson & Rasmussen (WR) numbers, such as WR277, WR278, and WR280.

For example:

• WR280 features 11 leaf decorations in Victoria’s ribbon and has a plain edge.

• WR278 includes two ribbon ties, one with 6 spiral designs and another with 11 leaves.

A Rare Beauty

WR280 is classified with a rarity score of 7 out of 7, making it exceptionally scarce. WR278 is slightly more common, but still extremely rare with a score of 4. The value of each coin also depends heavily on grading. An NGC PF62+ Ultra Cameo, for instance, ranks among the highest-quality examples known to exist.

Market Value and Auction Highlights

Soaring Prices in Recent Years

In 2022, a WR280 Una and the Lion sold for 400,000 Swiss Francs (approx. $460,000 USD) at a SINCONA auction.

Even more remarkable is the performance of WR278 examples:

• 2015: One example sold for $270,000.

• 2022: A similar example fetched nearly $540,000, doubling in value in just 7 years.

In exceptional cases, top-grade or unique types have sold for over $1 million, making this coin a serious contender for long-term investment and historical significance.

Why Prices Keep Climbing

Several factors have contributed to rising demand:

• Growing interest in physical asset investing.

• The coin’s limited supply and artistic prestige.

• Ongoing reverence for Queen Victoria and British heritage.

Collectors often see the Una and the Lion as the “entry grail” when building a Victorian-era collection.

Modern Tributes and Public Exhibitions

Contemporary Reissues and Interpretations

The legacy of Una and the Lion continues today. In 2019, the Royal Mint launched a Great Engravers series beginning with a modern reissue of the coin.

More recently, in 2024, the East India Company released a reinterpretation of Una and the Lion by wildlife artist Carol Hutchings, bringing the design into the modern era while honoring its historic symbolism.

Museum Display in Japan

In June 2024, the British Antique Museum (BAM) in Kamakura, Japan, held the 2nd British Antique Coin Exhibition, featuring a 5-kilo trial piece of the 2019 Una coin—a unique, museum-grade prototype. The event was co-hosted by Coin Palace, and drew significant attention from collectors and the general public alike.

The Una and the Lion gold coin stands at the pinnacle of numismatic art and historical significance. With its stunning design by William Wyon, deep literary symbolism, and ties to Queen Victoria’s reign, it transcends its function as currency to become a timeless cultural artifact.

As demand for high-quality rare coins grows, and with the coin’s permanent rarity and exceptional legacy, Una and the Lion will continue to be one of the most coveted coins in the world—an enduring inspiration for collectors, investors, and historians alike.

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