Elizabeth I 1555-1603AD Gold Pound Sixth Issue

Elizabeth I 1555-1603AD Gold Pound. Sixth Issue, mintmark Tun.

Obverse – Crowned bust in ruff and elaborate dress left, Latin legend and outer beaded border on both sides, ELIZABETH; D; G; ANG; FRA; ET. HI; REGINA.

Reverse – crowned quartered shield, E to left, R to right, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, annulet stops, SCVTVM. FIDEI. PROTEGET. EAM.

S2534, 39mm, 11.05g. This coin comes with previous handwritten label.

A broad flan and even strike with little wear, most pleasing in hand. As is often the case with Tudor coinage photographs to portray this coin in it’s true grade were hard to obtain, in hand and balancing light this is a magnificent piece.

A majestic specimen of this iconic Elizabethan issue. The majority of the coins produced under this Queen were silver rather than gold (although several different gold denominations were issued) and are often somewhat uninspiring; this may be as Elizabeth’s three Mint Masters were all goldsmiths. Accordingly, it is clear that their true talent, their finest engraving work and portraits of the Queen were employed on her gold coinage. Whereas the largest gold denomination produced for Elizabeth was her Sovereign of 30 Shillings, a type showing the Queen enthroned, the largest and arguably the finest portrait of Elizabeth is seen on her gold Pound coinage. A Tudor masterpiece, her garments masterfully performed, her pose noble and the overall quality exceptional; this was a coin designed to impress the wealthy in both England and abroad and one which speaks of enormous pride in the Queen.