2024 EIC Una & the Lion Gold Proof Sovereign

Sold out rapidly – in high demand

As the very first Sovereign to feature the great engraver’s 1839 masterpiece, the new limited edition William Wyon ‘Una and the Lion’ Gold Proof Sovereign became one of the East India Company’s fastest selling products of recent years when its entire allocation SOLD OUT at an almost unprecedented rate, within 12 hours, due to an extremely high level of demand!

In tribute to a famous coin design

Despite this huge demand, Harrington & Byrne collectors still have a chance to own this superb new coin, which has been expertly struck in 22 Carat Gold to the finest Proof finish and inspired by Wyon's iconic portrayal.

To mark the official start of Queen Victoria’s reign, Wyon, who also created the first of Her Majesty’s official coinage portraits, designed what many regard as the most beautiful coin ever, the ‘Una and the Lion.’

Just like the original, depicted on this new gold Sovereign is Victoria, in a crown and flowing robes, holding the ceremonial Sceptre to guide the lion at her side, his own personal expression of loyalty to his beloved monarch who is seen as both powerful yet virtuous, leading the British Empire.

This iconic image (now one of the most well-known coin designs all time) draws its inspiration from Edmund Spenser’s 16th century ‘Fairie Queene’ poem which featured Elizabeth I as Una who uses her beauty to charm a ferocious dragon into becoming her companion. Also on the design is the Latin for ‘MAY GOD DIRECT MY STEPS,’ again, just like the original, while on its obverse is an official portrait of His Majesty Charles III.

Only 699 available worldwide

Issued with a low worldwide mintage of just 699 coins worldwide, the new William Wyon Una and the Lion Gold Proof Sovereign can now be secured in limited numbers from Harrington & Byrne. Its rapid sell-out is a clear indication of the demand to own Wyon’s classic design for the first time ever on a Sovereign and is testament to the former Chief Engraver’s creative genius and enduring legacy.

Each arrives housed within a luxury EIC Presentation Case, and arrives complete with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity, confirming its low edition limit and official specifications.

Key Issue Information:

• For the FIRST TIME the iconic Una & the Lion coin design by William Wyon has been combined with the effigy of King Charles III on a Gold Sovereign
• Iconic 19th Century design is widely regarded as the most beautiful of all time
• A strictly limited edition of just 699 coins worldwide - due to demand, now SOLD OUT at The East India Company who issued this new release and have traded in gold coins and other valuable commodities since 1600
• The Una & the Lion Sovereign is struck in gleaming 22 Carat Gold to the historic specifications of the UK Sovereign and to the finest Proof quality
• Securely housed in an official bespoke EIC Presentation Case and individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity