Victoria gold Proof "Una and the Lion" 5 Pounds 1839 PR63+ Ultra Cameo NGC, KM742, S-3851, W&R-278 (R4), Marsh-F23 (R3). Medal alignment. DECUS ET TUTAMEN * ANNO REGNI TERTIO * edge. DIRIGE legend, 6 scrolls, and 11 leaves. By William Wyon. An icon that needs no introduction and one that has inspired collectors for nearly two centuries, Victoria's "Una and the Lion" 5 Pounds stands among the most instantly recognizable motifs in numismatics. An immense emission that was first issues as part of Victoria's delayed coronation Proof set and later produced on demand until 1886 because of the issue's understandable popularity. This admiration would continue into modernity with the reprisal of William Wyon's most famous designs through the Royal Mint's "Great Engravers" series. An alluring effigy of Victoria dons the obverse, capturing her youthful optimism, while the whimsical reverse boasts Wyon's sensitive interpretation of Edmund Spencer's "The Faerie Queen." Wholly deserving of its assigned "Ultra Cameo" superlative via jet-black mirrors and ample frosting, the piece at hand ranks among the finer we've handled in recent years, tempered by innocuous wisps characteristic of these large gold denominations and likely cause precluding a near-Gem assignment. As such we expect a high level of bidder participation consistent with the rapidly expanding market for both vintage and modern examples of this simply iconic type. HID09801242017 © 2023 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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