Rare British Coin Depicting Queen Victoria as 'Princess Una' Could Make You a Small Fortune

If you've got a pile of cash collecting dust at home, you might want to give it a once-over. Specialists have shed light on the true value of one British coin - and it might make you a small fortune.

If you have a stash of old coins lying around, it might be worth taking a closer look. Experts have revealed the true value of one British coin - and it could net you a small fortune.

The gold five-pound piece was created in 1839 to mark the start of Queen Victoria's reign two years earlier. While the Royal Mint says it's not the rarest coin in the world, it's often called 'one of the most beautiful' thanks to its unique and intricate design.

On one side, engraver William Wyon included a young head portrait of Queen Victoria, who was just 18 when she took the throne. But most notably, the reverse features Her Majesty depicted as 'Princess Una' walking with a maned lion.

It's an unusual image, but it's actually based on a 1590 poem called 'The Faerie Queene', with the lion said to be a metaphor for something much bigger. The London Mint Office explains: "The story appears in Edmund Spenser’s epic and multi-layered poem 'The Faerie Queene' first published in 1590.

"Una, the personification of truth and virtue is protected from danger by a fearsome Lion who is captivated by her beautiful face. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful British coins ever struck, the Chief Engraver took the bold step of depicting Queen Victoria as the innocent Una guiding the great lion, which represents England."

Despite its beauty, it's thought that no more than a few hundred 'Una and the Lion' coins were struck at the time. That's partly why they're so valuable, with one reportedly fetching £204,000 at a 2017 auction, according to Noonans Mayfair.

Another was listed in 2023 with a starting bid of £400,000, the Coin Cabinet reports, although it didn't sell. "The most famed of British coins in an impeccable state," its description said at the time.

"To hold the coin close is to see yourself staring back. No wear and light handling marks as indicated by grade. Extremely rare and sought after - 11 to 20 examples known."

While those values are promising, it's important to note that a coin's condition can affect its worth. Chris Yang, Co-founder of Coins Value, previously told the Daily Star: "Coins in perfect 'mint' condition are valued at a far higher premium than their well-worn, damaged, poor-condition counterparts.

"Sometimes a minor difference in grade can equate to hundreds, if not thousands, in value." He also added: "If the coin you own is highly valuable, the best practice is to hold on to it unless the need to raise money is urgent. The better issues of these important coins increase in value over time. The prices of these scarcer coins are subject to some uncertainty based on changes in the overall market and economy.

"When selling, visit several dealers and obtain the best price. An auction house is said to achieve the maximum value for really spectacular pieces. Be prepared to pay a 10-20% commission on the selling price.

"In summary, scour your coins, have them identified and graded professionally, and work with experienced numismatists to determine the true value of your coins so that you can sell them for the best price.

"Remember, the joy of coin collecting isn't always about striking gold; it's about connecting with history and uncovering hidden treasures. Your old coin jar might hold more than just spare change – it could be a portal to a fascinating past."