Description
Elizabeth I (1558-1603), Pound of Twenty Shillings, sixth issue (1583-1600). Ornate crowned bust facing left, beaded circle surrounding, initial mark cypher (1600) both sides, pellet and comma stops, legend reads ELIZABETH. D’. G’. ANG’. FRA’. ET. HIB’. REGINA. Rev, crowned quartered shield of arms, E to left, R to right, beaded circle surrounding, pellet stops, legend reads SCVTVM. FIDEI.PROTEGET. EAM, 11.25g (Schneider 804; N.2008; S.2534).
Good very fine, X subtly lightly etched behind the bust, a rarer mintmark and an imposing example.
One of the more regal metallic portraits of Elizabeth I, dignified in appearance here as she advanced in age, the regained wealth of the nation now showing in her jewels and fine dress, the crown of large size above the reverse crest symbolic of the queen’s importance as a monarch who recaptured the devotion of her subjects following the previous short but disastrous reigns.
