SD Bullion, a leading independent precious metals dealer in the United States, has partnered with The Royal Mint to launch the 2027 Una and the Lion bullion coin collection. This marks the first time William Wyon’s legendary 1839 design has been struck as a bullion coin, making it available to a broader audience of collectors and investors. The collection is exclusively available through SD Bullion, offering a unique opportunity to own a piece of numismatic history.
Wyon’s masterpiece, often described as The Royal Mint’s “Mona Lisa,” depicts the young Queen Victoria as Una guiding a lion, inspired by Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queene. The original 1839 gold coins are rare treasures, with some commanding six-figure prices at auction. Now, 187 years later, this iconic design debuts in bullion form, combining artistic heritage with the practicality of investment-grade precious metals.
What is the Una and the Lion Bullion Coin Collection?
The 2027 Una and the Lion bullion coin collection is a series of gold and silver coins featuring William Wyon’s celebrated design from 1839. It includes 1 oz and 1/10 oz gold coins, 1 oz silver coins, and certified editions from Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) with special labels signed by Royal Mint Chief Engraver Gordon Summers. Each coin is struck by The Royal Mint, an institution with over 1,100 years of coin-making heritage, ensuring exceptional craftsmanship.
This collection makes a historic design accessible to modern collectors. Unlike scarce original coins or limited proof issues, these bullion coins are priced primarily around their precious metal content, allowing buyers to appreciate world-class artistry while acquiring physical gold or silver. The launch represents a significant expansion of the design’s reach, bringing it to American collectors and precious metals enthusiasts for the first time in this format.
What Stands Out
Historic Design Meets Modern Accessibility
The Una and the Lion design has been admired for nearly two centuries, but rare originals and limited proof editions often carried substantial premiums. The 2027 bullion release changes that, offering the iconic composition at prices tied to metal content rather than collectible scarcity. This makes it possible for a wider range of collectors to own a piece of British numismatic artistry.
Exclusive Partnership with The Royal Mint
SD Bullion’s exclusive worldwide distribution agreement with The Royal Mint ensures collectors have direct access to these coins. This partnership combines SD Bullion’s reputation as America’s top independent precious metals dealer with The Royal Mint’s centuries-old tradition of coin-making excellence. The result is a trusted source for a landmark release.
Certified Editions with Signed Labels
For collectors seeking added authenticity, NGC-certified editions feature First Day of Issue designations and labels signed by Royal Mint Chief Engraver Gordon Summers. These editions connect Wyon’s 19th-century masterpiece with today’s engraving craftsmanship, creating a distinctive offering that blends history with modern numismatic quality.
Multiple Denominations and Metals
The collection includes options for different budgets and preferences: 1 oz gold, 1/10 oz gold, and 1 oz silver coins. This variety allows both serious investors and casual collectors to participate. The certified MS-70 and MS-69 early release editions offer an additional level of collectible distinction.
Who It’s For
This collection is ideal for precious metals investors who appreciate artistic coin designs, as well as numismatists seeking a historic addition to their portfolios. It also appeals to collectors of British coinage or those who admire iconic designs like the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. The bullion format makes it suitable for both new and experienced collectors looking for a blend of artistry and tangible value.
Additionally, the certified editions with signed labels are perfect for serious collectors who value provenance and authentication. The collection’s accessibility means it can serve as an entry point for those new to bullion coins, offering a compelling reason to start or expand a precious metals holding.
What Makes It Worth Considering
The Una and the Lion design has proven collector appeal across generations. From its original 1839 appearance to the 2019 Great Engravers proof tribute that sold out in two days, the composition has remained a benchmark of British coin artistry. The 2027 bullion release brings that legacy to a new audience, combining artistic significance with the practicality of physical precious metals.
SD Bullion’s exclusive distribution adds a layer of trust and convenience. The company’s partnerships with global mints have brought first-to-market products to collectors, and this launch continues that tradition. With options for gold, silver, and certified editions, collectors can choose the format that best fits their goals, whether investment, collection, or both.
Verdict
SD Bullion’s exclusive launch of the Una and the Lion bullion coins offers collectors a rare chance to own a timeless design with modern craftsmanship.
Frequently asked questions
It's the first bullion coin release of William Wyon's 1839 design, available exclusively through SD Bullion in gold and silver.
SD Bullion is the exclusive worldwide distributor for the 2027 Una and the Lion bullion coin collection.
The collection includes 1 oz and 1/10 oz gold coins, 1 oz silver coins, and NGC-certified editions with signed labels.
Yes, NGC First Day of Issue editions with labels signed by Royal Mint Chief Engraver Gordon Summers are available.
It's considered one of the most beautiful British coin designs, often called The Royal Mint's 'Mona Lisa,' and has been admired for nearly 200 years.
