In 1839, William Wyon created the Una and the Lion gold coin, portraying Queen Victoria as Una—the heroine from Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queene—who leads Britain’s lion as a symbol of truth guiding strength. This imaginative reworking of royal portraiture presented the young monarch as a figure of moral purpose and national confidence. Struck in 22‑carat gold, the coin is recognised as one of Britain’s finest numismatic achievements. Today, collectors prize both the rare Victorian originals and The Royal Mint’s modern remastered pieces, which keep this legacy alive nearly two centuries later.
Artistic Genesis and Technical Mastery
Wyon’s design demonstrates exceptional precision and artistry. The original five-pound gold pieces, struck in 22-carat gold, weighing 39.94 grams, with a 36-millimetre diameter, showcased the Royal Mint’s commitment to craftsmanship beyond monetary purpose. Each coin required meticulous engraving to capture the design’s subtle details.
The obverse shows Victoria’s portrait with carefully arranged hair and the inscription “VICTORIA D:G: BRITANNIAR: REGINA F:D.” Around the reverse, Una stands gracefully with sceptre and orb, the British lion resting faithfully by her side. The Latin motto “DIRIGE DEUS GRESSUS MEOS” (“May God direct my steps”) deepens the allegory’s moral resonance. Wyon’s signature, “W. Wyon R.A.,” marks his role as Royal Academician.
A notable experimental version—the DIRIGIT reverse pattern—exists in only one or two examples. It weighs 39.94 grams in 22-carat gold and replaces DIRIGE with DIRIGIT, displaying subtle design shifts: the lion’s shoulder lowered, the date “1839” set slightly outward, and Wyon’s signature centred. While approximately 400 DIRIGE proofs survive, the single DIRIGIT pattern realised £680,000 ($897,600) at Baldwin’s in 2015 and would approach £750,000 ($990,000) today—a premium reflecting its extraordinary rarity and craftsmanship.
Each proof required multiple strikes to achieve its high‑relief finish. Production was strictly limited—an estimated 300 to 600 pieces—primarily intended for presentation rather than circulation. The combination of 22‑carat gold, refined modelling, and hand-finished dies gives each coin a distinctive quality that modern technology can reproduce but never quite replicate.
The Royal Mint occasionally offers rare patterns, off-metal strikes, and trial pieces from this development process. These works trace Wyon’s creative experiments and remain among the most coveted objects in British numismatics.
Collector Perspectives and Contemporary Appeal
Collectors are drawn to the Una and the Lion coin for its blend of design, meaning and craft. The coin balances regal authority with literary imagination, standing as both a historical artefact and a work of art. Its departure from traditional royal imagery—showing a scene rather than a portrait—continues to set it apart.
In today’s market, condition is decisive. Proof examples hold significant premiums, and certified coins command confidence and higher bids. Collectors value both the educational depth of its Spenserian roots and its embodiment of Victorian craftsmanship, linking culture and artistry in a single object.
Market Performance and Trading Patterns
The Una and The Lion series remains highly sought-after, with original Victorian proofs typically fetching between £100,000 and £500,000 ($132,000 – $660,000), especially for high-grade specimens. Exceptional examples, such as PF67+ graded coins, can reach around £450,000 ($594,000). The rare DIRIGIT pattern stands at the series’ price peak, with auction records exceeding £680,000 ($897,600), reflecting its extraordinary rarity and desirability.
Certification by PCGS or NGC adds value, especially when linked to provenances like the Jocelyn or Montagu collections. Within the gold series, standard DIRIGE proofs offer entry-level access at around £150,000 ($198,000) to £450,000 ($594,000), while the DIRIGIT pattern commands the highest premiums.
The modern Great Engravers series, including limited-edition gold proofs such as the 2019 Una and the Lion reissue, has developed a strong following. These pieces regularly sell out and trade at premiums. The two-ounce gold versions, with mintages as low as 225, perform especially well among collectors focused on rarity and presentation.
Market liquidity differs between original Victorian specimens, which rarely appear and prompt competitive bidding, and modern editions, which are more accessible but benefit from limited mintages that support sustained demand.
Authentication by recognised third-party grading services remains crucial. Certification ensures authenticity, builds buyer confidence, and generally leads to stronger auction results.
Legacy and Continuity
Nearly two centuries on, Wyon’s vision still inspires collectors and artists alike. His fusion of portraiture and allegory helped redefine British coin design and continues to influence The Royal Mint’s work. The Una and the Lion design now extends into modern bullion and commemorative ranges, bridging historical tradition with contemporary craft.
Its limited Victorian mintage and carefully managed modern production sustain the coin’s enduring appeal. More than a collectable, the coin embodies British artistic vision and imagination- a timeless story told in gold that continues to resonate with new generations of collectors.
Price ranges are based on recent auction results as of 2025 and are subject to market fluctuations, coin condition, and provenance.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Collectors and investors should conduct their own research and consult professional advisors before making decisions. Investments in proof gold coins involve risks, including price volatility and limited liquidity.
