BEHIND THE CRAFT
image

Behind the Craft - 2021 Una & 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.

FG21UNAGP1OZ

2021 Una & the Lion 1oz Gold Proof Coin - SOLD OUT

ONLY 300 COINS WORLDWIDE

The 2021 Una & The Lion Collection sees their ancient legend retold with a new, contemporary design by Glyn Davies.

The East India Company - Collections

-
+

This powerful and dramatic 2021 design by Glyn Davies highlights the beauty of Una and the raw power of the lion. It features a stylised representation of Una & the Lion, the lion standing in an aggressive stance with teeth bared and full mane flowing. By his side, exquisite Una gazes down at him with her robes flowing out behind her capturing both her beauty and strength.
• A strictly limited edition of just 300 coins worldwide
• Five ounces of sparkling 999 fine silver
• Beautiful contemporary interpretation by designer Glyn Davies
• Spectacular 65mm diameter presents every design detail
• Struck to our highest Proof quality finish
• Bespoke presentation case and storytelling booklet

Product Detail

This powerful and dramatic 2021 design by Glyn Davies highlights the beauty of Una and the raw power of the lion. It features a stylised representation of Una & the Lion, the lion standing in an aggressive stance with teeth bared and full mane flowing. By his side, exquisite Una gazes down at him with her robes flowing out behind her capturing both her beauty and strength.
• A strictly limited edition of just 300 coins worldwide
• Five ounces of sparkling 999 fine silver
• Beautiful contemporary interpretation by designer Glyn Davies
• Spectacular 65mm diameter presents every design detail
• Struck to our highest Proof quality finish
• Bespoke presentation case and storytelling booklet

Specification

  • Alloy

    0.9999Au

  • Denomination

    £5

  • Weight

    1oz

  • Authority

  • Diameter

    32mm

  • Edge

  • Issue limit

  • Total Mintage

Stories

The Story of 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 and his rage turns to pity. 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.

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 strictly limited 1oz gold coin has been struck to our highest Proof quality, its elegant 32mm diameter demanding the utmost precision. It is presented in a luxury display case along with its certificate of authenticity.

  • FAQ

    Why order directly from EIC?
    When you trade with www.royalmint.com you trade with the confidence that comes with dealing with a trusted organisation.

    What is the life expectancy of a coin?
    While it is known for coins to suffer damage and/or to become severely worn in circulation, the average life of a coin in active circulation can be in excess of forty years. Many people who used pre-decimal coins still remember that coins of Queen Victoria's reign, dating back to the 1860's, were not uncommon.

  • Delivery & Returns

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

  • Reviews