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Exquisitely Engraved Gold Half-Pound of Elizabeth I
Elizabeth I (1558-1603), gold Half-Pound of ten shillings. Struck in 22 carat crown gold, sixth issue
(1583-1600), finely engraved crowned bust in ruff left, crown breaks inner beaded circle, Latin legend
and beaded border surrounding, initial mark tun (1592-95) both sides, ELIZAB’ D’.G’. ANG’. FRA’. ET:
HIB. REGINA., Rev. crowned quartered shield of arms, E to left, R to right, Latin legend and beaded
borders surrounding, SCVTVM: FIDEI: PROTEGET: EAM., weight 5.66g (Schneider 808; B&C 2, G21;
N 2009; S 2535; Fr 220). Light red tone, rim a little uneven in striking, otherwise good very fine and very
appealing.
$15,000
Ex Spink Numismatic Circular, February 2008, item EG09.
An indenture of the 3rd June 1593 with Sir Richard Martin allowed for the reintroduction of crown gold (0.917 fine) denomina-
tions of Pounds, Half-Pounds, Crowns and Halfcrowns whilst the fine gold indenture of 1583 was still in effect. The first mint
mark of the crown gold was the tun as we have with the coin offered here, and it has been estimated by Brown and Comber
that the issue for this mint mark was just over £29,000 worth which is much smaller than the near £43,000 worth struck in the
following mint mark of woolpack.