This British 1839 Una and the Lion Crown replica captures what many numismatists consider the most beautiful coin ever struck by the Royal Mint — the legendary Una and the Lion. The obverse features the exquisite bare-headed Young Head portrait of Queen Victoria with the inscription Victoria D.G. Britanniarum Regina F.D. — "Victoria by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britons, Defender of the Faith" — encircling the design within a fine toothed border. The reverse displays the iconic design by master engraver William Wyon R.A. — Queen Victoria portrayed as Una, the embodiment of Truth from Edmund Spenser's The Faerie Queene, crowned and robed in flowing drapery, her right hand resting gently on the mane of a great lion as she leads him forward — with the Latin inscription Dirige Deus Gressus Meos — "May God Direct My Steps" — above, and the date MDCCCXXXIX (1839) in Roman numerals at the base.
The Una and the Lion Crown was struck as a pattern proof coin in 1839 to mark the first coinage of Queen Victoria's reign — never intended for general circulation, it was produced in extremely limited numbers for presentation and collector purposes. The allegorical design — Victoria as Una guiding the British lion — was a deliberate statement of the young queen's moral authority and the strength of the British Empire at the dawn of the Victorian era. This 41mm replica faithfully reproduces the extraordinary sculptural relief of Wyon's masterpiece. This piece is a British Victorian historical collectible coin designed for display and collection.
About the Design
William Wyon (1795–1851) is widely regarded as the greatest British coin engraver of the 19th century, and the Una and the Lion is considered his masterpiece. The design draws on Edmund Spenser's epic poem The Faerie Queene (1590), in which Una — representing Truth and the True Church — is accompanied and protected by a lion. Wyon's genius was to cast the young Queen Victoria in the role of Una, presenting her as a figure of moral purity guiding the power of Britain. The Latin motto Dirige Deus Gressus Meos — "May God Direct My Steps" — reinforces the spiritual and political symbolism of the design. The 1839 Una and the Lion is consistently ranked among the top ten most beautiful coins ever struck anywhere in the world.
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Product Features
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Design: Queen Victoria Young Head obverse / Una and the Lion by William Wyon reverse
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Inscription: Victoria D.G. Britanniarum Regina F.D. / Dirige Deus Gressus Meos · MDCCCXXXIX
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Engraver: William Wyon R.A.
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Material: Copper with silver plating
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Diameter: 41mm
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Finish: Antique silver
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Packaging: Securely packaged, ready for display or gifting
Perfect For
- Collectors of British Victorian and Royal Mint coins
- Queen Victoria, William Wyon and British numismatic art enthusiasts
- Pattern coin and proof coin collections
- Display in coin cabinets, shadow boxes, or collector trays
- Unique gift for British history, royalty and art lovers
Shipping
Free worldwide tracked shipping. Estimated delivery: 9–14 days. Each coin is securely packaged for safe arrival.
Explore more historical world currency replicas in our Historical World Coins Collection.
This item is a commemorative collectible and is not affiliated with any official government mint.
This item is a commemorative collectible and is not legal tender, not issued by a government mint, and not an investment product. It is intended for hobby collecting and display purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an original 1839 Una and the Lion Crown?
No. This is a high-quality replica collectible inspired by the original 1839 Una and the Lion pattern proof Crown struck at the Royal Mint by William Wyon. It is produced for display and collecting purposes only and is not an authentic historical artefact.
What is the Una and the Lion?
The Una and the Lion is a pattern proof coin struck in 1839 to mark the first coinage of Queen Victoria's reign. Designed by William Wyon, it depicts Victoria as Una from Edmund Spenser's The Faerie Queene, leading a lion — symbolising moral authority guiding British power. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful coins ever struck.
What is it made of?
The coin is made from copper with silver plating and features an antique silver finish replicating the appearance of the original Royal Mint proof piece.
Is this coin legal tender?
No. This item is a commemorative collectible and is not legal tender, not issued by any government mint, and has no monetary value. It is intended solely for hobby collecting and display.
How is it packaged and when will it arrive?
Each coin is securely packaged for safe arrival. We offer free worldwide tracked shipping with an estimated delivery time of 9–14 days.
Because every collection deserves one more coin.
