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.[1] It was designed by William Wyon 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.
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.[2]
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."[2] Underneath the Lion are the Roman Numerals "MDCCCXXXIX" (1839).[2]