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 2024
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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The 2024 Una & the Lion is by wildlife artist Carroll Hutchings who initially worked in pen and ink to create an illustration casting elegant Una and the mighty lion as two connected sides of one story. Carroll’s fresh interpretation breathes new life into their timeless legend, Una’s poise balanced against the lions’ ferocity, their individual personalities entwined by natural features that might have been found in the woodland where they met.
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• A strictly limited edition of just 499 coins worldwide • One quarter ounce of gleaming 999.9 fine gold • New modern design by a female wildlife artist Carroll Hutchings • Fresh, natural interpretation of their bond and courage • Graceful 25mm diameter demands the utmost precision. • Struck to our highest Proof quality finish • Bespoke presentation case and storytelling booklet |
Product Detail
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The 2024 Una & the Lion is by wildlife artist Carroll Hutchings who initially worked in pen and ink to create an illustration casting elegant Una and the mighty lion as two connected sides of one story. Carroll’s fresh interpretation breathes new life into their timeless legend, Una’s poise balanced against the lions’ ferocity, their individual personalities entwined by natural features that might have been found in the woodland where they met.
|
• A strictly limited edition of just 499 coins worldwide • One quarter ounce of gleaming 999.9 fine gold • New modern design by a female wildlife artist Carroll Hutchings • Fresh, natural interpretation of their bond and courage • Graceful 25mm diameter demands the utmost precision. • Struck to our highest Proof quality finish • Bespoke presentation case and storytelling booklet |
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 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.
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.
Our celebrated annual Una & the Lion series continues with this new design by wildlife artist Carroll Hutchings, who offers a beautifuly natural interpretation of the unbreakable bond and unwavering courage of their ancient legend.
This strictly limited ¼ oz gold coin has been struck to our highest Proof quality and is presented in a luxury display case, its 25mm diameter demanding absolute precision to capture every detail of Carroll’s beautifully organic design.
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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?
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Do you have any offers or run promotions?
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Delivery & Returns
UK Standard Delivery: £9.95
See our delivery page for more information and overseas delivery. - Reviews
