| Heritage World Coin Auctions > CSNS Signature Sale 3115 | Auction date: 8 May 2024 |
| Lot number: 31217 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction - Bid on this lot  | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Great Britain Victoria gold Proof "Una and the Lion" 5 Pounds 1839 PR62 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. Struck only two years into Queen Victoria's reign, this iconic piece narrates a symbol drawn from Edmund Spenser's 16th-century epic, "The Faerie Queene", with Una representing Truth and the lion symbolizing the full might of England. As a highly coveted and elusive issue, the awe-inspiring execution of this design offers an unrivaled example of numismatic mastery by 19th century Royal Mint Chief Engraver William Wyon. The coin's obverse possesses a youthful Queen Victoria, her soft portrait exuding an aura of nascent reign and hopeful futures. It is the delicate intricacies that truly impress - the detailed rendering of her youthful features, the gentle fall of her hair secured in a curly bun, complemented by the impressively replicated pattern in the royal diadem. On the reverse, the iconic image of Una leading the lion imbues this coin with its autograph character. The gracefulness of Una, standing before the imposing lion, creates a visual splendor that has been desired since its creation. One of the most notable characteristics is its Ultra Cameo designation; a stunning juxtaposition and depth between the gleaming, mirror-like golden fields and the frosty-harvest finish of the motifs. Additional toning is present with just a few splotches of tangerine hues, especially near "BRITANNIARUM" on the obverse. For completeness, we note hairline wisps upon the surfaces, typical for these Proof issues. This level of contrast, complemented by sharp legends and masterful imagery, creates a truly exquisite Victorian-era piece. As such, the 1839 Una and the Lion is a profound testament to the legacy of British numismatics, continuously representing a stunning convergence between monarch history and engraving artistry. From the Faerie Queen Collection https://coins.ha.com/itm/great-britain/great-britain-victoria-gold-proof-una-and-the-lion-5-pounds-1839-pr62-ultra-cameo-ngc-/a/3115-31217.s?type=DA-DMC-CoinArchives-WorldCoins-3115-05082024 HID02906262019 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved Estimate: 150000-250000 USD |  |
