Sell Victoria Una and the Lion £5 Proof
Discover the 1839 Victoria Una and the Lion £5 gold proof value. Realised auction prices £200k–£1.3M+. Authentication guide, die varieties & selling advice.
Typical UK collector & dealer range for circulated examples
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Zero seller fees. Insured UK courier or private London & Manchester appointment.
Market Valuation & Pricing Notes
Realised prices from major auctions 2020–2026: MyCoinage records £319,920 (PR-65); Heritage 2018 ~£560,000; MDC Monaco Oct 2023 EUR 1,300,000 (~£1.1M); Heritage Jan 2026 $750,000 (PR66★); Baldwin's £340,000 (2020). Graded examples (PCGS/NGC PR62+) typically realise £400k–£1.2M. Impaired/low-grade proofs trade £200k–£350k. Modern restrikes and gold-plated copies (£12–£15) have no numismatic value.
Physical Authentication Checkpoints
Our specialists verify these exact specifications when appraising your Victoria Una and the Lion £5 Proof:
- Weight: 39.94 g (22ct gold, .916 fine)
- Diameter: 35.5–38 mm
- Edge: Lettered in relief – "DECUS ET TUTAMEN * ANNO REGNI TERTIO *" (standard) or plain/small-letter variants
- Obverse: Young head of Victoria left, legend "VICTORIA D: G: BRITANNIARUM REGINA F: D:", Wyon signature truncation
- Reverse: Victoria as Una guiding lion left, sceptre in right hand, orb in left; legend "DIRIGE DEUS GRESSUS MEOS" (May God direct my steps), exergue "MDCCCXXXIX W. WYON R.A."
- Die alignment: Medal alignment (↑↑)
- Die varieties: Wilson & Rasmussen list 8 varieties (W&R-278 R4, W&R-279 R2, etc.) distinguished by scroll count on headband (5 vs 6), letter size, and edge lettering style
- Obverse/reverse die pairing must match known W&R varieties; mismatched dies indicate alteration
Coin Specifications
- Catalogue ID
- GB-1839-5POUND-UNA-LION
- Denomination
- £5 (Five Pounds)
- Issue Year
- 1839
- Rarity Tier
- Ultra-Rare Numismatic
- Mintage
- ~400 (Proof/Pattern Issue)
- Weight
- 39.94 grams
- Metal Composition
- 22-carat gold (.916 fine)
Common Fakes & Variant Confusion
Modern gold-plated replicas (£12–£15 on Etsy/eBay) and Royal Mint modern commemoratives (2012 Diamond Jubilee, 2019, 2024 remasters) are frequently mistaken for the 1839 original. The unique DIRIGIT reverse pattern (1–2 known) is sometimes misrepresented. Altered dates (1838/1840) and cast copies exist. Authentication via PCGS/NGC or CGS UK essential for any example offered above bullion value.
Best Ways to Sell Your Victoria Una and the Lion £5 Proof
Compare liquidation routes in the UK, or sell directly to Finacforce with zero auction commission.
Specialist Numismatic Auction (Spink, Baldwin's, Noonans, Heritage, Stack's Bowers)
Highest realised prices for graded rarities; 15–20% hammer commission; 60–90 day consignment cycle; global bidder pool; mandatory pre-sale authentication.
Private Treaty via Top-Tier Dealer (e.g., Spink, Baldwin's outright purchase)
Faster settlement (weeks); no public reserve risk; typically 5–15% below hammer equivalent; limited to dealer capital appetite.
Major International Auction (Heritage, Stack's Bowers) for PR65+ / ★ examples
Access to US/Asian buyer base; can exceed UK estimates for star-designated coins; higher buyer's premium (20–25%); longer lead times.
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