Ceylon / Sri Lanka
Assam, India
Japan
Taiwan
Nepal
China
Kenya
Egypt
South Africa
Specification
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Alloy
Fine Gold - 999.9Au
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Denomination
£2
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Weight
1/4oz
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Authority
St Helena
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Diameter
25mm
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Edge
Milled
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Issue limit
499
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Total Mintage
499
BEHIND THE CRAFT
Behind the Craft - 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.
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This powerfully elegant 2023 design by Glyn Davies captures the inseparable bond and unwavering courage of Una & the Lion, giving equal prominence to these two legendary characters. The design’s Art Nouveau influences beautifully emphasise the fantastical nature of Spenser’s epic poem and the steely determination of the brave princess and mighty beast at her side.
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• A strictly limited edition of just 499 coins worldwide • One quarter ounce of gleaming 999.9Au fine gold • Beautiful contemporary interpretation by designer Glyn Davies • Struck to our highest Proof quality finish • Bespoke presentation case and storytelling booklet • First Una & Lion coin collection to feature portrait of King Charles III by Glyn Davies |
Product Detail
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This powerfully elegant 2023 design by Glyn Davies captures the inseparable bond and unwavering courage of Una & the Lion, giving equal prominence to these two legendary characters. The design’s Art Nouveau influences beautifully emphasise the fantastical nature of Spenser’s epic poem and the steely determination of the brave princess and mighty beast at her side.
|
• A strictly limited edition of just 499 coins worldwide • One quarter ounce of gleaming 999.9Au fine gold • Beautiful contemporary interpretation by designer Glyn Davies • Struck to our highest Proof quality finish • Bespoke presentation case and storytelling booklet • First Una & Lion coin collection to feature portrait of King Charles III by Glyn Davies |
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.
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 her beauty, compassion, and humbleness his rage turns to enchantment, 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.
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 1/4oz gold coin has been struck to our highest Proof quality to beautifully emphasise every detail of Glyn Davies’ stunning design. It is presented in a luxury display case along with its certificate of authenticity.
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FAQ
What is the difference between maximum mintage and issue limit?
Maximum mintage is the total number of individuals coins which will be struck, this includes coins presented is sets. The Issue limit refers to the number of coins which will be sold in the specific presentation.
What if the maximum mintage and issue limit is the same?
This means the coin will only be available in the presentation shown and will not be issued in any other way.
How do I make sure I have access to the next coin in the collection?
By subscribing to our newsletter you can ensure you benefit from early access offers, pre-notification of releases and are the first to hear of our next release. Please ensure you mark any emails from us as trusted to ensure they don’t end up in your junk emails.
Do you have any offers or run promotions?
From time to time we will offer customers incentives or promotions. You can also subscribe to the newsletter sign up which is the best way to access special offers available only to our newsletter database. -
Delivery & Returns
UK Standard Delivery: £9.95
See our delivery page for more information and overseas delivery. - Reviews
