If you’ve got a forgotten pile of cash in your loft, it’s probably worth checking it over. Experts have put a spotlight on a little-known British coin that’s worth a hefty sum.
The gold five-pound coin was minted in 1839, celebrating the inception of Queen Victoria’s rule just two years after it began. While the Royal Mint says it’s not the rarest in the world, it’s often regarded as one of the ‘most beautiful’ due to its unique and intricate design.
One side of the coin features a young head portrait of Queen Victoria, who was just 18 years old when she became a monarch. But most remarkably, the reverse shows Her Majesty depicting the character of ‘Princess Una’ guiding a maned lion.
Such an unusual image is actually rooted in a 1590 poem called ‘The Faerie Queen’, with the lion thought to be a symbol for something far bigger. The London Mint Office explains: “The story can be found in Edmund Spenser’s epic and multi-layered poem ‘The Faerie Queene’ first published in 1590.
“Una, the personification of truth and virtue is protected from danger by a fearsome Lion who is captivated by her beautiful face. Widely considered one of the most beautiful British coins ever issued, the Chief Engraver took the bold step of depicting Queen Victoria as the innocent Una guiding the great lion, which represents England.”
Despite its allure, it’s believed that no more than a few hundred ‘Una and the Lion’ coins were minted at the time. This is partly why they are so valuable, with one reportedly fetching £204,000 at a 2017 auction, according to Noonans Mayfair.
Fast forward to 2023, and another of these rare coins appeared on the block with an opening bid of £400,000, detailed by the Coin Cabinet, although it didn’t sell.
“The most famed of British coins in impeccable condition,” its description read at the time. “To hold the coin close is to see yourself staring back. No wear and light handling marks as indicated by grade. Extremely rare and exceedingly sought after – 11 to 20 examples known.”
However, it’s important to remember that a coin’s worth is heavily influenced by its condition. Chris Yang, Co-founder of Coins Value, previously told the Daily Star: “Coins in perfect ‘mint’ condition are worth far more than their well-worn, damaged, and poor-condition counterparts.
“Sometimes a minor difference in grade translates to hundreds, maybe thousands in value.” Beyond this, he also added: “If the coin you own is highly important, the best practice is to hold on to it unless the need to raise money is urgent. The better issues of these important coins gain in value over time. The prices of these scarce coins are subject to some uncertainty based on alterations in the overall market and economy.
“When selling, shop around various dealers and obtain the best price. An auction house is considered to achieve the maximum value for really spectacular pieces. Be prepared to pay a 10-20% commission on the selling price.
“In sum, scrutinise your coins, have them identified and graded professionally, and work with experienced numismatists to determine the real value of your coins so that you can sell them for the best price.
“Remember, the thrill of coin collecting isn’t always about striking gold; it’s about connecting with history and uncovering hidden treasures. Your old coin jar might hold more than just spare change – it could be a portal to a fascinating past.”