This gold Sovereign collection features a re-issue of the reverse design of the Saint Helena 2019 five sovereigns - a modern re-interpretation of one of the world’s most beautiful coins, the iconic Una and the Lion Five Pound piece by William Wyon, issued in 1839 for inclusion in the first specimen coin sets of Queen Victoria's reign.
Wyon’s reputation as one of history’s greatest coin engravers is forever linked to the reign of Queen Victoria. When Victoria was crowned Queen in 1838 Wyon created the iconic ‘Young Head’ portrait, which was so well liked by the monarch that it graced the coins of her reign for nearly 50 years. In 1839, one of Wyon's most famous designs depicted the young queen Victoria as the princess Una guiding her Lion, representing the British Empire with a sceptre. It was to become one of the artist's defining moments cementing his status as one of Britain's Master Engravers.
When designing the famous £5 coin to commemorate the first anniversary of Queen Victoria’s coronation, Wyon took inspiration from Edmund Spenser’s epic medieval poem; The Faerie Queene. Una is a young princess on a quest to free her parents who have been imprisoned by a dragon. She is symbolic of innocence and truth.
Una meets a lion, initially fierce but quickly subdued as he is captivated by Una’s beauty and compassion. The Lion becomes her companion, devoted to protecting Una as she continues her quest. He represents the British nation. Together, Una & the Lion embody strength, courage and commitment. | 
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