Britain’s ‘most beautiful coin’ sold for £110,000

Auction Details

A rare British coin, described as the “most beautiful ever minted,” recently sold for £110,000 at auction. This five-pound gold piece, known as “Una and the Lion,” was discovered in a private collection during a probate valuation at a residence near Bangor, Gwynedd.

Historical Significance

Produced in 1839, fewer than 300 of these coins were made to mark the start of Queen Victoria’s reign. They feature a unique depiction of the Queen as Lady Una, a character from Edmund Spenser’s 16th-century poem “The Faerie Queene,” symbolizing truth and purity. The coin shows her guiding a lion, an emblem thought to represent her composed demeanor and the nation’s enduring strength under her rule.

Design and Artistry

William Wyon, the Royal Mint’s chief engraver in the 19th century, crafted this coin, which is regarded as his pinnacle achievement. The design blends royal history with literary elements, making it a coveted item for numismatists. Rogers Jones and Co, the auction house, called it “a holy grail” for collectors, emphasizing its rarity, artistic value, and cultural depth.

“The original scarcity of these coins means they very rarely come to auction, so we’re expecting a lot of interest from around the world on this,” said Charles Hampshire, the auctioneer based in Chester.

Record Price

Despite the £110,000 sale, the coin’s highest recorded price remains £340,000. Its combination of literature, artistry, and royal iconography sets it apart as a singular treasure. An independent expert from the British Numismatic Trade Association noted the coin exhibits “a good cameo appearance” with “light hairlines and handling scuffs throughout.”

“It is widely considered the most beautiful British coin ever minted and one of the most valuable in the world due to its extreme rarity, unprecedented artistry, and deep cultural significance,” stated Rogers Jones and Co.

“A coin with such a unique narrative and historical weight is a rare find,” added the consultant, highlighting the piece’s enduring appeal among collectors.