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The Great Britain 5 Pound Silver 2019 Una & the Lion PF69 NGC is one of the most visually stunning and symbolically powerful modern collector coins issued by The Royal Mint. Inspired by one of the most celebrated coin designs in British numismatic history, this magnificent piece revives the legend of Queen Una and her loyal lion—a tale drawn from Edmund Spenser's 16th-century epic poem *The Faerie Queene*. The 2019 silver proof version, struck in one ounce of .999 fine silver and graded PF69 Ultra Cameo by NGC, represents a triumphant fusion of literary allegory, regal heritage, and artistic mastery. The near-perfect PF69 grade enhances its desirability, offering both beauty and collector-grade preservation.
The story behind the Una and the Lion design has its roots in Renaissance literature. *The Faerie Queene*, written by Spenser during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, is a lengthy allegorical poem that praises virtue and celebrates the monarchy through mythic storytelling. In the poem, Una symbolizes truth and purity, while the lion, who becomes her protector, represents strength guided by virtue. The tale became emblematic of royal authority tempered by grace and righteousness, and this symbolism was first brought to life numismatically in 1839 by Royal Mint engraver William Wyon. His original gold £5 proof coin, created during Queen Victoria’s reign, is now among the most iconic and coveted coins in British numismatics.
In 2019, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Wyon's birth, The Royal Mint reimagined this classic design for a new generation of collectors. This modern Una & the Lion silver coin retains the essence of Wyon’s artistry but is reinterpreted by engraver Jody Clark, known for his modern portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. On the reverse, Queen Una stands with flowing robes, a scepter in her right hand, and her left hand resting gently on the lion's mane as he strides beside her. The figures exude elegance and strength, standing against a frosted field that contrasts vividly with the polished relief of the design. The inscriptions read “UNA AND THE LION” and “2019,” with a subtle decorative border that adds depth and refinement.
The obverse of the coin features Jody Clark's fifth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, crowned and facing right. Surrounding the effigy are the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II · D · G · REG · F · D · 5 POUNDS,” indicating her royal titles and the coin's denomination. This continuity of portraiture between the obverse and the reinterpretation of the classic reverse unites the monarchic symbolism of past and present. The Royal Mint has long maintained a tradition of exquisite craftsmanship, and this release exemplifies their capacity to honor tradition while embracing modern aesthetics and minting technology.
Each 2019 Una and the Lion silver coin contains 1 troy ounce (31.21 grams) of .999 fine silver, with a diameter of 38.61 mm. Struck to proof standard, the coin exhibits high relief details and deep mirrored fields that define the Ultra Cameo designation. The sharp contrast between the frosted designs and brilliant backgrounds is a testament to the care and precision with which the coin was produced. Only a limited number of these silver proof coins were minted, and most were quickly acquired by collectors around the world due to the global fame of the design and the quality of its modern execution.
The mintage for the 2019 one-ounce silver Una & the Lion proof was capped at just 3,000 coins, making it a low-population issue that combines historical reverence with modern rarity. In addition to the one-ounce silver coin, The Royal Mint also issued gold and platinum versions, including large-format pieces with extremely small mintages. However, the silver version struck a particular chord with collectors due to its affordability relative to the gold pieces and its retention of the full grandeur of the design. As demand surged, secondary market prices rose quickly, especially for examples with high grades like PF69 and PF70 from major grading services such as NGC and PCGS.
This example, graded PF69 by NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company), reflects a coin that is virtually flawless under magnification, possessing full strike, exceptional eye appeal, and minimal—if any—imperfections. PF69 is one grade below the absolute highest (PF70), yet remains in the top tier of collectible condition. It ensures the coin’s desirability among both registry set participants and collectors seeking long-term appreciation. The protective NGC holder preserves the coin’s pristine surfaces while clearly labeling its grade and authenticity, adding security and confidence for investors and collectors alike.
The presentation of this coin originally included a black Royal Mint box and a numbered certificate of authenticity, further enhancing its appeal. While the coin's artistic merit alone draws attention, its packaging and limited availability elevate it to a luxury numismatic offering. The narrative conveyed by Una and the Lion—virtue leading strength—adds symbolic depth that resonates with both British heritage and universal ideals. This makes the coin not only a collectible but also a story rendered in silver: a tale of honor, courage, and monarchic dignity.
For those interested in collecting royal-themed or allegorical coinage, the 2019 Una & the Lion silver proof represents a centerpiece item. Its combination of high silver purity, sophisticated artistry, and historical homage makes it unlike any other modern commemorative. As the first of a new generation of Una coins, this release marks a renaissance in numismatic storytelling, and its success has inspired continued interest in similar revival themes. The fact that this coin was released during Queen Elizabeth II’s final years as monarch adds a layer of poignancy and historic relevance.
The Great Britain 5 Pound Silver 2019 Una & the Lion PF69 NGC stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation. It embodies the timeless values of strength, virtue, and grace, and revives one of the most admired designs in British coinage history. As a low-mintage, high-grade modern classic, it appeals to discerning collectors and investors who appreciate both narrative depth and visual excellence. Whether admired for its beauty, valued for its silver content, or treasured for its historical lineage, the 2019 Una & the Lion remains one of the most evocative and collectible coins of the 21st century.