Victoria gold Proof "Una and the Lion" 5 Pounds 1839 PR64 Ultra Cameo NGC, KM742, S-3851, W&R-279 (R2), Marsh-F26 (R2). DIRIGE legend, medal alignment. Small lettered edge, front fillet with 5 scrolls, rear with 9 leaves. By William Wyon. A rich offering which remains among the most collected types across all of numismatics, and whose modern strikings garner significant premium due in part to the sheer beauty of their original design. Showcasing a lavishly and carefully struck portrait of the young monarch for her delayed coronation Proof set and its now iconic allegorical scene inspired by Edmund Spencer's "The Faerie Queen," with Victoria as Una guiding the lion (Britain). Laden with blushes of apricot and honey that punctuate the profile bust of Wyon's expertise, one cannot help but appreciate every strand of hair or headband scroll and leaf as was initially intended. Despite the occasional mark, notably to Victoria's neck, the piece persists with outstanding visual and conditional character. Only two representatives for this W&R reference, of which there are 38, find themselves finer according the NGC's census and is destined for a top spot at the conclusion of this auction. HID09801242017 © 2023 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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