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Creating a Modern Classic
The Story behind ‘Una & the Lion’
The story of Una & the Lion is told in the first book of Edmund Spenser’s medieval epic The Faerie Queene, one of the longest poems in British literary history. Una is a beautiful princess who, on a quest to save her mother and father from a cruel dragon is searching for Redcrosse, a noble knight whose destiny is to become St. George, the patron saint of England.
During her journey she faces many challenges that test her humility and determination, including when she is confronted by a fierce lion. Amazed by the sight of her beauty his rage turns to pity, and as Una continues on her quest the lion becomes her strong guard and faithful companion – keeping her from harm’s way.
Inspired by the history and symbolism of the prestigious pair, East India Company Collections’ exclusive ‘Una and the Lion’ series brings a modern perspective to this historic tale, with a new design released every year and issued as strictly limited editions.
A MODERN CLASSIC
In 2019 we issued our very first Modern Una & the Lion coin releasing just 10 silver kilo coins depicting the design that was to feature on the first 2020 Una & the Lion coin release. Selling out in minutes these 10 kilo coins were to become the footprint for a new highly anticipated Una release every year. Designed by engraver Glyn Davies the 2020 design was his first of four designs which were to grace these Una coins from 2020 to 2023.
Explora All Una Coins
In 2024 we invited a new designer to interpret this ancient story and wildlife artist, Carroll Hutchings created a breathtaking reimagining offering collectors a new take on this classic tale. With an ultra modern design came new specifications with an extremely limited 2oz Silver Ultra High Relief finished in an Antiqued tone and for the first time BU coins available directly from EIC added to the range.
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CAPTURED IN COINAGE SINCE 1839
More than 200 years after The Faerie Queene was first published, the theme of Una representing a strong female monarch harnessing the power of a mighty beast, the British Empire was translated into a coin design.
The 1839 five-pound piece was produced to mark the first anniversary of the coronation of Queen Victoria and featured a bold neoclassical design by William Wyon.
Today this iconic 1839 Una & the Lion coin is considered one of the most beautiful British coins ever produced with an NGC graded version realising approximately $930,000 at auction as recently as May 2020.
Highly sought after and admired, Una & the Lion remains today one of numismatics most globally recognised pairing.
THE 2023 UNA & THE LION COLLECTION
Our long awaited 2023 Una & the Lion coin collection continues with strictly limited edition gold and silver coins. Featuring the iconic pairing for the first time with the official St Helena effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, interestingly both obverse and reverse of the coins have been designed by Glyn Davies.
2023 sees Una & her protector seated and facing forward surrounded by foliage, the balance of power, strength and innocence perfectly captured.
INSPIRED BY THE LEGENDARY TALE
The legend of Una & the Lion dates back to the 16th Century and Edmund Spencer’s epic poem The Faerie Queene, 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 book telling stories of different knights on their various quests to prove or demonstrate their particular virtues. 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. To help her defeat the dragon, she searches for the Redcrosse knight, whose destiny is to become St. George, the patron saint of England.
While on her journey Una enters a dark secluded wood, where she encounters a fierce lion who launches an attack on her. However, before he is able to leap upon his prey his initial rage is replaced by wonder, his anger subdued as he is instantly captivated by Una’s beauty and innocence. Instead of tearing her to pieces, he kisses her weary feet and licks her hands. He becomes her strong guard and faithful companion, forever by her side, filling her with courage and protecting her from harm.
Una, the beautiful princess on a quest to release her parents from a dragon.
The Lion, her faithful companion, protecting her from harm.
THE FAIRY TALE CONTINUES…
The 2022 Una & the Lion has been created by world renowned designer Glyn Davies.
His elegant, determined Una and the powerful but poised lion sit facing each other, staring deeply into each other’s eyes as they ponder their next move, seeming to communicate 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.
INSPIRED BY THE LEGENDARY TALE
The legend of Una & the Lion dates back to the 16th Century and Edmund Spencer’s epic poem The Faerie Queene, 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 book telling stories of different knights on their various quests to prove or demonstrate their particular virtues. 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. To help her defeat the dragon, she searches for the Redcrosse knight, whose destiny is to become St. George, the patron saint of England.
While on her journey Una enters a dark secluded wood, where she encounters a fierce lion who launches an attack on her. However, before he is able to leap upon his prey his initial rage is replaced by wonder, his anger subdued as he is instantly captivated by Una’s beauty and innocence. Instead of tearing her to pieces, he kisses her weary feet and licks her hands. He becomes her strong guard and faithful companion, forever by her side, filling her with courage and protecting her from harm.
The Lyon would not leave her desolate,
But with her went along, as a strong gard
Of her chast person, and a faithfull mate
Of her sad troubles and misfortunes hard:
Still when she slept, he kept both watch and ward,
And when she wakt, he waited diligent,
With humble service to her will prepard:
CAPTURED IN COINAGE SINCE 1839
More than 200 years after The Faerie Queene was first published, the theme of Una representing a strong female monarch harnessing the power of a mighty beast was translated into a coin design.
The 1839 five-pound piece was produced to mark the first anniversary of the coronation of Queen Victoria and featured a bold neoclassical design by William Wyon.
More than 200 years after The Faerie Queene was first published, the theme of Una representing a strong female monarch harnessing the power of a mighty beast was translated into a coin design.
The 1839 five-pound piece was produced to mark the first anniversary of the coronation of Queen Victoria and featured a bold neoclassical design by William Wyon.
A UNIQUE COLLECTION FOR THE MODERN ERA
The East India Company Collection’s annual series of Una & the Lion designs builds on Wyon’s legacy. Inspired by the history and symbolism of the heroic pair, each year their legend is reinterpreted with a modern twist for today’s collector. Minted to the highest quality proof finish, this collection of gold and silver coins is presented in extremely low issue limits, making each annual edition one of the most exceptional, beautiful, and sought-after coin designs in the world.
