Best looking coin ever....??? Una and the lion

The Una and the Lion gold coin is widely celebrated as one of the most beautiful coins ever minted in Britain. Originally struck in 1839 to commemorate the start of Queen Victoria's reign, it was designed by the Royal Mint’s Chief Engraver, William Wyon.

The Una and the Lion gold coin is widely considered the most beautiful piece in British numismatic history. First struck in 1839 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Victoria, the coin was the masterpiece of William Wyon, the Royal Mint’s Chief Engraver. It famously depicts a young Victoria as the character Una from Edmund Spenser’s epic poem The Faerie Queene, gracefully guiding a massive lion that symbolises the strength of the British nation.

This was a landmark moment in coinage, as it marked the first time a British monarch was portrayed as a fictional character. The reverse of the coin bears the Latin inscription DIRIGE DEUS GRESSUS MEOS, meaning "May the Lord direct my steps," further elevating its regal and spiritual tone.

Because the original 1839 Five Pound gold coins were produced in extremely limited quantities—estimated at only 300 to 500 pieces—they have become some of the most sought-after prizes for collectors worldwide. Their rarity and artistry command staggering prices at auction, with well-preserved specimens often fetching between £340,000 and £680,000. The design's enduring legacy led the Royal Mint to revive it in 2019 as part of their "Great Engravers" series, using modern technology to remaster Wyon's original work. Today, while the 19th-century originals remain out of reach for most, modern gold proof and bullion versions allow a new generation of investors to own a piece of this historic design, with prices for these newer editions typically ranging from £1,350 to over £36,000 depending on the weight and rarity.