1839 victoria "una and the lion" gold £5 coin
An original 1839 Victoria “Una and the Lion” gold £5 coin is worth between
$200,000 and $1,440,000 at auction. The extreme range depends on the coin’s specific die variety and its physical condition, or “grade”.
Record Sale Prices
Highest Ever: $1,440,000 (Lot 33227) sold at Heritage Auctions on 19 August 2021.
Recent High: $915,000 for an NGC PR66★ Ultra Cameo example sold in January 2026.
Other Notable Sales:
$810,000 (£620,700): Sold in May 2020 at a Japanese auction.
$750,000: Sold at Heritage Auctions on 12 January 2026.
$460,000 (£340,000): Sold at Baldwin’s of St. James’s in September 2017.
Factors Influencing Worth
Rarity: Only about 400 examples were originally struck in 1839.
Grade: Coins with “Ultra Cameo” or “Deep Cameo” designations—meaning high contrast between the frosted design and mirror-like fields—command the highest prices.
Variations: There are approximately 8 to 9 known die varieties (e.g., inscribed vs. plain edges), with some being significantly rarer than others.
Physical Condition: Even repaired or “Details” graded coins still hold high value, recently selling for approximately $67,500.
Current Market Value (2025–2026)
Recent auction data from CoinArchives and other houses show a steady baseline for average-grade examples:
PR62 to PR63 Grades: Typically sell between $190,000 and $250,000.
PR60 Grades: Approximately $110,000 to $125,000.
1839 Queen Victoria “Una and the Lion” gold £5 coin is widely cited as approximately 400 pieces.
Caution: Be aware of low-cost “restrikes” or gold-plated copies often found on sites like Etsy or eBay for £12–£15; these are modern novelties and not the rare 1839 gold originals.
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AI responses may include mistakes. For financial advice, consult a professional.