Silver Ounce 2021 Masterpiece - Una and the Lion, 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.

This coin is 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.

The obverse of the original showed the young portrait of Queen Victoria, also by Royal Mint engraver William Wyon (1795 - 1851). The reverse draws its theme from Edmund Spenser’s epic poem entitled the Faerie Queene, first published in 1590 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, and depicts the Queen as Una guiding the British lion. There is a powerful contrast between the restrained energy conveyed by the lion and the peace and grace of the standing figure of Una. The design is an unusual one for a British coin, being too medallic - but then, it was never intended for circulation.

The Mint says about this coin:
William Wyon framed his Una and the Lion with the Latin phrase "DIRIGE DEUS GRESSUS MEOS" which translates as “May the Lord direct my steps” in reference to Queen Victoria’s role as head of the Church of England.

In further clues to her true identity, Una carries various symbols of monarchy, such as an orb and sceptre. Beside her is a mighty lion, the British Empire’s energy and power seemingly under Una’s control as she guides it forwards with her sceptre. It is a stunning example of visual storytelling, and while it is now held in the highest regard by enthusiasts, it did initially cause some controversy. Sitting British monarchs were traditionally depicted on their coins in classic positions or poses, for example on a throne or as a portrait. Never before had a current monarch been shown in a narrative setting like this, so it was a bold move by Wyon which paid off when its beauty held sway over any concerns about its concept. It now takes its rightful place in The East India Company’s Masterpiece Collection.