BEHIND THE CRAFT
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Behind the Craft - 2022 Una and the Lion

The legend of Una & the Lion dates back to Edmund Spencer’s epic 16th Century poem The Faerie Queene, believed to be an allegory for the life of Queen Elizabeth I. More than 200 years later the idea of Una representing a strong female monarch influenced a coin design produced to mark the first anniversary of the coronation of Queen Victoria.

William Wyon’s 1839 design cast Victoria as Una, the young Queen still only 20 years old but shown to be radiating grace and poise. Beside her was a mighty lion representing the British nation, its barely suppressed power and energy being guided forward by Una’s hand.

FG22UNAGP1OZ

2022 Una & the Lion 1oz Gold Proof Coin - SOLD OUT

ONLY 200 COINS WORLDWIDE

Our celebrated annual ‘Una & the Lion’ series returns, their heroic story once again reimagined by one of the world’s leading coin designers.

The East India Company - Collections

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This 2022 Una & the Lion has been created by designer Glyn Davies. His elegant, determined Una and powerful, poised lion sit facing each other, communicating their thoughts, hopes and fears through their held gaze. His modern retelling of this ancient bond captures all the grace, courage and trust of the original story of this brave princess and the mighty beast at her side.
• Strictly limited edition of just 200 coins worldwide
• 1oz of gleaming 999.9 fine gold
• Struck to our highest Proof quality finish
• Bespoke presentation case and storytelling booklet

Product Detail

This 2022 Una & the Lion has been created by designer Glyn Davies. His elegant, determined Una and powerful, poised lion sit facing each other, communicating their thoughts, hopes and fears through their held gaze. His modern retelling of this ancient bond captures all the grace, courage and trust of the original story of this brave princess and the mighty beast at her side.
• Strictly limited edition of just 200 coins worldwide
• 1oz of gleaming 999.9 fine gold
• Struck to our highest Proof quality finish
• Bespoke presentation case and storytelling booklet

Specification

  • Alloy

    Fine Gold - 999.9Au

  • Denomination

    £5

  • Weight

    1oz

  • Authority

    St Helena

  • Diameter

    32mm

  • Edge

    Milled

  • Issue limit

    200

  • Total Mintage

    200

Stories

Una & the Lion:
Beauty, Strength and Honour

Edmund Spencer’s epic poem The Faerie Queene is a classic work of medieval English literature. At over 36,000 lines long its six books contain one of the longest poems in the English language, each telling the story of a knight’s quest to prove their particular virtue.

As a whole it is believed to be an allegory of the life and achievements of Queen Elizabeth I, but it is in Book One where we meet the heroic figure of Una.
Una is a beautiful princess on a quest to save her mother and father from a cruel dragon who has imprisoned them in a tower. She is accompanied by the Redcrosse Knight, whose destiny is to become St. George, the patron saint of England.


While on her journey Una enters a dark wood where she encounters a fierce lion. However the lion’s rage soon gives way to wonder, his anger subdued as he is captivated by Una’s beauty and innocence. Instead of attacking her, he kisses her weary feet and licks her hands, becoming her faithful companion; forever by her side and protecting her from harm.

The East India Company’s celebrated annual Una & the Lion series continues with this stunning new design by Glyn Davies, offering contemporary collectors a modern twist on the ancient legend of heroic Una and her devoted companion the Lion.

This delicate limited-edition 1oz gold coin has been struck to our highest Proof quality, every fine detail of the design carefully reproduced. It is presented in a luxury display case and accompanied by its certificate of authenticity.

  • FAQ

    What is the difference between maximum mintage and issue limit?
    Maximum mintage is the total number of individuals coins which will be struck, this includes coins presented is sets. The Issue limit refers to the number of coins which will be sold in the specific presentation.

    What if the maximum mintage and issue limit is the same?
    This means the coin will only be available in the presentation shown and will not be issued in any other way.

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  • Delivery & Returns

    UK Standard Delivery: £9.95
    See our delivery page for more information and overseas delivery.

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