Reaction of A-alpha-PW(9)O(34)(9)(-) with YCl(3) in an aqueous Na(2)CO(3) solution produces a dianion-encapsulated A-type sandwich polyoxometalate, (YOH(2))(3)(CO(3))(A-alpha-PW(9)O(34))(2)(11)(-). The X-ray structure of this complex reveals that three Y(III) ions are sandwiched between two A-alpha-PW(9)O(34)(9)(-) moieties and that a carbonate dianion is encapsulated in the same plane as the three Y(III) atoms. The oxygen atoms of the CO(3)(2)(-) are sitting at the midpoints of the sides of the triangle formed by the three Y(III) ions. (31)P and (13)C NMR studies confirm that this complex is significantly more stable than the analogous A-type sandwich polyoxometalates containing divalent metals.