The East India Company ceased to exist as a trading entity in 1874, wound down by the British Crown following the 1857 Indian Rebellion. The modern "East India Company" that issues these coins is a luxury goods brand registered in London with no legal or governmental continuity from the original chartered company — its coinage is licensed bullion, not sovereign currency, despite the face value denomination.
The Una and the Lion design derives from William Wyon's 1839 pattern crown for Queen Victoria, itself never circulated. Pairing it with Elizabeth II is a studied commercial choice.
The East India Company ceased to exist as a trading entity in 1874, wound down by the British Crown following the 1857 Indian Rebellion. The modern "East India Company" that issues these coins is a luxury goods brand registered in London with no legal or governmental continuity from the original chartered company — its coinage is licensed bullion, not sovereign currency, despite the face value denomination.
The Una and the Lion design derives from William Wyon's 1839 pattern crown for Queen Victoria, itself never circulated. Pairing it with Elizabeth II is a studied commercial choice.