Lot 1101
Lot 31101 > Victoria gold Proof "Una and the Lion" 5 Pounds 1839 PR62 Cameo PCGS, KM742, S-3851, W&R-278. DIRIGE legend, medal rotation. Small LE, 6 Scrolls. By William Wyon. A coin which needs no introduction, the celebrated Una and the Lion 5 Pounds struck exclusively for inclusion in Victoria's 1839 Proof set. Famous for its exceptional composition and engraving quality, collector interest has been strong from the moment this type was first struck, and the Royal Mint found it necessary to produce examples to-order for almost 50 years until 1886 in order to meet demand. The present specimen is a superb representative of the type, its fields exhibiting friction marks and hairlines commensurate with its grade, the reverse field showing some more notable abrasions yet none significantly detracting from the overall visual appeal; the devices are only lightly brushed at the highpoints and retain their matte coat of frost in line with the 'cameo' designation awarded by PCGS. Arguably the most popular British Proof coin, presented here in near-choice grade. Accompanied by a fitted red leather box produced for a George V coronation medal in 1911, with which this coin has been coupled for many years.
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