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Sale 53
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Lot 2588
Great Britain. Angel, ND. S.2531; Fr-199. Elizabeth I (1558-1603). Mint mark bell. Sixth coinage (1583-1600). Obverse: St Michael spearing mythical dragon. Reverse: Stylized ship with shield and cross above. Initial E and rose to left and right of cross. Lovely old red tone and all lettering and design sharply struck. There is a wealth of detail on the portrait and figure of St Michael and the reverse shield (lions and lis) which is rarely, if ever, seen on an Elizabeth Angel. Produced on a generous sized flan.
This coin compares well with the Millennia Collection specimen, although a different issue and mint mark, and is superior to the Spink catalogue plate coin. In a new NGC 4 prong holder. NGC graded MS-62.
* This piece was almost certainly struck in the year 1583. This was five years before the Spanish Armada was sent to 'subdue' England, and four years before the execution of Mary Queen of Scots. The Queen was about to defend herself and the fledgling Protestant church in England from attack. Elizabeth addressed Parliament and took time to discuss the question of religion. She told of how she was wary of 'Romanist' or Catholic factions, as she (justifiably) felt under threat from Catholic Europe and the Scottish Queen whom she feared was plotting against her. She said:
'One matter which touches me so near as I may not overskip. Religion is the ground on which all other matters ought to take root, and being corrupted may mar all the tree. I know no creature that breathe, whose life standeth hourly in more peril for it than mine own. If I were not persuaded that mine were the true way of God's will, God forbid I should live to prescribe it to you. Take you heed lest Ecclesiastes say not too true, they that fear the hoary frost, the snow shall fall upon them. Yet mind I not here to animate the Romanists (which what adversaries they be to mine estate is sufficiently well known) I mean to guide them by God's holy true rule'.
In the event the continental threat expired in 1588 and the domestic difficulties with the Queen of Scotland ended with Mary's death in 1587. Elizabeth showed a great degree of religious tolerance and was above all a pragmatist. The rest of her reign was relatively peaceful.
Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000.
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| Realized $14,375 |
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