Two NGC-certified Una and the Lion Rarities Ready to Roar in NAC Auction Featuring the Traveller Collection

Numismatic Ars Classica’s offering of the Traveller Collection begins with a storied selection of British coins being offered on May 20.

Posted on: 5/13/2025

A remarkable selection of British coins that are certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company® (NGC®) is being offered  in the initial auction of the Traveller Collection presented by Numismatica Ars Classica (NAC). Online bidding is already underway for the sale, which is focused on English rarities — including several expected to realize six figures — and will be held on May 20, 2025.

NAC describes the Traveller Collection by saying that “not since the legendary sale of the collection formed by King Farouk of Egypt has such a diverse and important offering of coins appeared on the market.” It was formed by a numismatic enthusiast who acquired great rarities in Europe and buried them in a field amid as Nazi forces threatened his country. He died following a stroke a short time later and his wife left the collection buried for half a century. NGC is honored to have certified rarities from this collection and has created a special label that recognizes its unique place in numismatic history.

1839GB-PF6401 copy.png

Among the collection’s many highlights in the first auction are two examples of a legendary early 19th-century coin design that is considered an unparalleled masterpiece. The top lot in this auction is a Great Britain 1839 Una and the Lion 5 Sovereign graded NGC PF 64 Ultra Cameo (lot 2161), with an estimate of CHF 250,000 (about $300,000). This coveted coin's design is generally regarded as the most attractive in English numismatic history. The obverse features a bust of Queen Victoria while the coin's famous reverse depicts Victoria as Lady Una, a character from Edmund Spenser’s 1590 poem "The Faerie Queene."

1839GB-PF6501 copy.png

While most examples of the renowned Una and the Lion design from Chief Engraver of the Royal Mint William Wyon are known in gold, some excessively rare silver ones were also struck. Among them, also offered in this auction, is a silver example graded NGC PF 65 Ultra Cameo (lot 2162), with an estimate of 150,000 CHF (about $180,000).

1910GBCrown01.png

Another epic coin featured in this auction is a Great Britain 1910 Gold Crown graded NGC PF 63 Ultra Cameo (lot 2191), with an estimate of CHF 150,000 (about $180,000). The 1910 Pattern Crown by Allan Gairdner Wyon represents a final, masterful flourish from Britain’s most storied engraving family. This coin marks Wyon’s own artistic peak, with its bold, high-relief bust of George V that set it apart from the more reserved royal portraits of the time. The reverse features a striking image of Saint George slaying the dragon. Only two examples were ever struck in gold, including this piece.

Other NGC-certified coins in this auction include:

  • a Great Britain 1820 Gold Pattern 5 Sovereign graded NGC PF 61 Cameo (lot 2139), with an estimate of CHF 125,000 (about $150,000)
  • a Great Britain 1826 Gold Pattern 5 Sovereign - Plain Edge graded NGC PF 64+ Cameo (lot 2151), with an estimate of CHF 125,000 (about $150,000)
  • a Great Britain 1714/1 Gold 5 Guineas graded NGC MS 64 (lot 2057), with an estimate of CHF 100,000 (about $120,000)
  • a Great Britain 1798-dated Gold Pattern 5 Guineas graded NGC PF 64 Ultra Cameo (lot 2136), with an estimate of CHF 100,000 (about $120,000)
  • a Great Britain 1902 Gold Pattern Crown graded NGC MS 62 (lot 2189), with an estimate of CHF 100,000 (about $120,000)
  • a Great Britain 1720/16 5 Guineas graded NGC MS 62 (lot 2068), with an estimate of CHF 60,000 (about $73,000)
  • an England 1691 Elephant & Castle 5 Guineas graded NGC MS 62 (lot 2030), with an estimate of CHF 50,000 (about $61,000)
  • an England 1694 Elephant & Castle 5 Guineas graded NGC MS 61 (lot 2031), with an estimate of CHF 40,000 (about $48,000)
  • an England 1705 5 Guineas graded NGC AU 55 (lot 2051), with an estimate of CHF 40,000 (about $48,000)
  • a Great Britain 1709 5 Guineas graded NGC AU 58+ (lot 2056), with an estimate of CHF 40,000 (about $48,000)
  • a Great Britain 1741/38 5 Guineas graded NGC MS 62 (lot 2082), with an estimate of CHF 40,000 (about $48,000)
  • a Great Britain 1746 LIMA 5 Guineas graded NGC MS 62 (lot 2084), with an estimate of CHF 40,000 (about $48,000)

Estimates are provided by the auction house. The $ symbol indicates US Dollars.