Silver Ounce 2020 Una and the Lion, Proof, Coin from Saint Helena - detailed information

Saint Helena is a small island in the South Atlantic Ocean which is part of the British overseas territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. The currency of the island is the Saint Helena pound, fixed at parity with the pound sterling. The island has authorised some private mints to issue coins under its jurisdiction, which come in a variety of sizes - including in the popular silver ounce (1 oz silver) format, usually denominated as £1.

The Mint says about this coin:
The newest coin in our collection features Una, a heroine for all ages, symbolising beauty, purity and integrity and her Lion, representing strength and honour. This is the first design in a much-anticipated new yearly collection and a hallmark coin for The East India Company.

Designed by Glyn Davies, this modern interpretation of a classic heroine and her protector are beautifully captured in a striking pose full of beauty and power. The story of Una and the Lion is the allegorical creation of celebrated English poet Edmund Spencer, author of The Faerie Queen in 1590. The iconic pair first featured on a British coin in 1837 with the issue of Queen Victoria’s majestic £5 gold piece and have long been considered symbols of beauty, strength and honour

Una is a beautiful princess whose parents and kingdom are captured by a ferocious dragon. She sets out on a quest to free them from the dragons clutches, taking her on an epic journey of battles, adventure and romance. During her quest she faces many challenges that tests her humility and determination, including being confronted by a fierce lion. The lion is so taken by her beauty and purity that he abandons his attack on her, becoming her protector and loyal companion. Una enlists the help of a knight to help her slay the Dragon. Steadfast and true to her cause, Una’s virtues inspire the knight to slay the dragon and fulfil his destiny as the hero St George, the Patron Saint of England.