2021 St Helena Una and the Lion £5 1oz Gold Proof Coin
£4,995.00
The 2021 St Helena Una and the Lion £5 1oz Gold Proof Coin is a limited-edition release issued through The East India Company, featuring a contemporary interpretation of William Wyon’s celebrated 1839 Una and the Lion design.
Struck from one troy ounce of 999.9 fine gold, this Gold Proof has a Maximum Coin Mintage of just 200 worldwide.
Featuring a reverse design by Glyn Davies and the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark, this example is supplied complete with its original presentation box and numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
1 in stock
Description
2021 St Helena Una and the Lion £5 1oz Gold Proof Coin
The 2021 St Helena Una and the Lion £5 1oz Gold Proof Coin is a limited-edition release issued under the authority of Saint Helena through The East India Company.
Inspired by William Wyon’s celebrated 1839 Una and the Lion design, this contemporary interpretation by Glyn Davies brings together Una and her protective lion in a striking modern composition.
Struck from one troy ounce of 999.9 fine gold, the coin has a Maximum Coin Mintage of just 200 worldwide.
This example is supplied complete with its original presentation box and numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
Why This Coin Stands Out
- Maximum Coin Mintage of just 200 worldwide
- 1 troy ounce of 999.9 fine gold
- Contemporary Una and the Lion design by Glyn Davies
- Inspired by William Wyon’s historic 1839 Una and the Lion
- Issued under the authority of Saint Helena
- Released through The East India Company
- Queen Elizabeth II obverse portrait by Jody Clark
- Official £5 Saint Helena legal tender
- Struck to Proof quality
- Original presentation box and numbered Certificate of Authenticity included
Collectors can also explore our 2023 St Helena Una and the Lion 1oz Gold Proof NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo First Releases.
Una and the Lion: A Celebrated Numismatic Design
The story of Una and the Lion originates from Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queene, first published in 1590.
Una represents truth and virtue, while the lion symbolises strength, courage and protection.
The design became particularly significant in British numismatics in 1839, when William Wyon created his celebrated Una and the Lion £5 gold coin featuring the young Queen Victoria.
Wyon’s original design is widely regarded as one of the finest artistic achievements in British coinage and continues to inspire modern interpretations.
The 2021 Saint Helena release follows this tradition while introducing a distinctly contemporary design rather than reproducing Wyon’s original composition.
Discover the history of William Wyon’s Una and the Lion through The Royal Mint’s Great Engravers Collection.
A Contemporary Interpretation by Glyn Davies
The reverse of the 2021 Una and the Lion was designed by Glyn Davies.
It depicts Una standing alongside a powerful lion, with her flowing robes and spear contrasting with the lion’s dramatic stance and detailed mane.
The composition reflects the relationship between Una and her guardian, combining the elegance of the central figure with the strength and protective symbolism of the lion.
The reverse also features the inscription UNA AND THE LION, the year 2021 and the East India Company mint mark.
The obverse carries the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark, together with the Saint Helena inscription and the coin’s official £5 denomination.
Maximum Mintage of Just 200 Worldwide
The 2021 St Helena Una and the Lion 1oz Gold Proof has a Maximum Coin Mintage of just 200 worldwide.
This defined production limit distinguishes the coin from standard gold bullion releases and gives it a clearly identifiable place among modern Una and the Lion issues.
The Maximum Coin Mintage represents the maximum number authorised for the issue. It should not automatically be interpreted as the number sold.
For more information about the distinction between coin production figures and certified populations, read our Coin Population vs Mintage guide.
One Troy Ounce of 999.9 Fine Gold
The coin is struck from 31.10 grams of 999.9 fine gold, equivalent to approximately one troy ounce.
Measuring 32mm in diameter, the coin is produced to Proof quality, with frosted design elements contrasting against highly polished fields.
The coin carries an official face value of £5 and is legal tender in Saint Helena.
Collectors interested in other premium Proof gold coins can explore our certified Gold Proof coin collection.
Original Presentation Box & Numbered Certificate
This example is supplied complete with its original presentation box and numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
The original packaging and accompanying certificate form part of the coin’s limited-edition presentation and provide additional provenance for collectors.
UK Capital Gains Tax Considerations
Although the 2021 Una and the Lion is official Saint Helena legal tender, it should not be confused with UK legal tender coins such as British Sovereigns and Britannias.
The UK Capital Gains Tax exemption generally applicable to qualifying UK legal tender coins does not automatically extend to Saint Helena legal tender coins.
HMRC explains that non-sterling currency can be a chargeable asset, while sterling currency receives different Capital Gains Tax treatment.
For a broader comparison of different physical gold products, read our Gold Coins vs Gold Bars guide.
Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and current legislation. This information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute personal tax advice.
2021 St Helena Una and the Lion Gold Proof Specifications
| Year | 2021 |
| Coin | Una and the Lion |
| Issuing Territory | Saint Helena |
| Issuing Authority | Government of Saint Helena |
| Issued Through | The East India Company |
| Monarch | Queen Elizabeth II |
| Denomination | £5 |
| Metal | Gold |
| Fineness | 999.9 / 24 Carat |
| Weight | 31.10g / 1 Troy Ounce |
| Fine Gold Content | Approximately 1 Troy Ounce |
| Diameter | 32.00mm |
| Quality | Proof |
| Maximum Coin Mintage | 200 |
| Reverse | Una and the Lion |
| Reverse Designer | Glyn Davies |
| Obverse | Queen Elizabeth II |
| Obverse Designer | Jody Clark |
| Original Presentation Box | Included |
| Numbered Certificate of Authenticity | Included |
| Legal Tender | Saint Helena |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many 2021 St Helena Una and the Lion 1oz Gold Proof coins were issued?
The coin has a Maximum Coin Mintage of just 200 worldwide.
Who designed the 2021 Una and the Lion?
The reverse was designed by Glyn Davies, presenting a contemporary interpretation of the historic Una and the Lion theme associated with William Wyon’s celebrated 1839 design.
How much gold does the coin contain?
The coin contains approximately one troy ounce (31.10g) of 999.9 fine gold.
Does the coin come with its original packaging?
Yes. This example is supplied with its original presentation box and numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
Is the 2021 St Helena Una and the Lion CGT exempt in the UK?
Saint Helena legal tender coins do not automatically qualify for the UK Capital Gains Tax exemption applicable to qualifying UK legal tender coins. Individual tax circumstances should be considered separately.
Buy the 2021 St Helena Una and the Lion 1oz Gold Proof
The 2021 St Helena Una and the Lion £5 Gold Proof combines a Maximum Coin Mintage of just 200 worldwide, one troy ounce of 999.9 fine gold and a contemporary interpretation of one of the most celebrated designs in British numismatics.
Complete with its original presentation box and numbered Certificate of Authenticity, this is a distinctive modern Una and the Lion release.
View the current price and return to the purchase section to add the coin to your basket.
Availability is subject to stock levels and prior sale.
Continue Your Research
For other modern Una and the Lion issues, see our 2023 St Helena Una and the Lion 1oz Gold Proof.
You can also visit the Sterling Bullion Partners Knowledge Centre for further information about gold coins, grading and modern numismatics.
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