The Una and the Lion was the first British coin to depict Queen Victoria. It is recognized as one of the most beautiful British coins ever struck. It was designed by William Wyon

William Wyon

William Wyon, RA , was official chief engraver at the Royal Mint from 1828 until his death. He was influenced by the master of relief sculpture, John Flaxman. Wyon was a highly visible proponent of the Neoclassicist vogue, and was elected to the Royal Academy in 1838.Wyon was born in Birmingham,...

 in 1839, to commemorate the beginning of Queen Victoria's reign.

The coin is the lightest of the British £5 coins, weighing only 38.7–39.3 grams.

Obverse

The obverse of the coin shows Victoria's head, and the Latin phrase "VICTORIA D G BRITANNIARUM REGINA F D – "Victoria by the Grace of God, Queen of the British territories, Defender of the Faith" is inscribed around the head.

Reverse

The reverse of the coin is a depiction of Queen Victoria walking to the left of a Lion. the Latin phrase DIRIGE DEUS GRESSUS MEOS – "May the Lord direct my steps." Underneath the Lion are the Roman Numerals "MDCCCXXXIX" (1839).