Lot 2124
Great Britain. Elizabeth I (1558-1603) silver Shilling (1560-61. S-2555. Second issue, of sterling fineness, struck 1560-61. Marlet mm. Bust 3C. Elizabethan portrait coins are in furious demand worldwide. The reasons? Classic Renaissance-era styling, varying and sometimes frighteningly lifelike portraits of England's most brilliant queen, and the popularity of Elizabeth herself as a royal subject. Fewer and fewer nice portrait coins are seen on the market each year, as they are soaked up into collections. This example is especially pleasing: obvious wear and some surface abuse from the distant past, but overall it has especially good eye-appeal and is well struck. The flan is large and nearly fully round, without cracks. The portrait shows much detail and is well balanced, without weak areas. Ditto the shield and all legends, which are unusually clear. The metal's slight porosity is totally forgiven by the handsome grayish gold color of the ancient tone. All in all, a sharp coin from the beginning of Elizabeth's fascinating and long reign. NGC graded VF-35.
Estimated Value $950 - 1,100.
The Cheshire Collection.
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| Realized $719 |
