Lot 1162
Great Britain. Gold Pattern "Una and Lion" Five Pounds, 1839. By William Wyon. W&R-277 (R6); S-3851 (third piece listed, extremely rare). Ornate deeply toothed border on both sides. Plain edge. Obv. Young filleted head left, front fillet with five full scrolls, rear fillet plain, W. WYON.RA in relief on truncation, VICTORIA D:G: BRITANNIARUM REGINA F:D: legend. Reverse: the Queen as Una leading the British lion, plain left shoulder (no Garter Star), scepter extended in right hand, orb in left hand, above DIRIGIT DEUS GRESSUS MEOS. Date in roman numerals in exergue MDCCCXXXIX. above W WYON R.A. Struck en medaille. Exceedingly Rare. Pop 1. PCGS graded Proof 62 Deep Cameo. Estimated Value $200,000 - UP
This is an exquisite rarity, similar to the pieces issued in the 300 Proof Sets of 1839 but an early pattern made before the design was finalized-the prototype. It is similar to W&R-276 which has an edge legend in large raised letters and is R7 (1-2 known). No more than 5 pieces were made or are known of this. The cataloguer (BL) has never seen this pattern before (aside from its appearances in the noted auctions) in 45+ years of involvement in British coins. Most distinctive on this pattern is the bold rim on each side, which was abandoned for the final issue as being perhaps too distracting. In truth it provides the coin with a dramatic frame. Desite its modest grade of PR62, this is a coin of superb appearance in hand, and in fact such a rarity as to be a national treasure. It deserves a lasting home in a great collection!
Ex Baldwin Auction 17, 5 May 1998, lot 714; Spink, London, May 5, 2005, lot 210.
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| Realized $552,000 |
