William Wyon is one of history’s great coin designers, a reputation built on masterpieces such as his neoclassical ‘The Three Graces’. He is best known for his portraits of Queen Victoria, who first sat for him as a 13-year-old princess. When Victoria was crowned Queen in 1838, his iconic ‘Young Head’ portrait captured the new monarch’s youthful poise.

To celebrate the first anniversary of Victoria’s coronation, Wyon created his Una & the Lion. Now recognised as one of history’s most beautiful coin designs, it is full of beauty and poise while capturing the ambitious beginnings of a powerful global Empire.