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Tyrants of the Thames
90
GOLD ANGEL (1584/5-1587)
Elizabeth I, Tudor Queen, 1558-1603
London. Sixth issue of 1583-1600. Escallop mintmark on both sides. Central image of Saint Michael
slaying the evil dragon; reverse, ship with royal shield at center, crowned cross above, “E” and rose
at sides of cross. Sharply struck, on a full flan with complete legends, choice surfaces, lustrous with
beautiful gold toning.
S-2531. N-2005. PCGS-graded AU55.
91
GOLD HALF-ANGEL (1573/4-1578)
Elizabeth I, Tudor Queen, 1558-1603
London. Second gold issue of 1561-1582. Eglantine mintmark on both sides. Central image of Saint
Michael slaying the evil dragon; reverse, ship with royal shield at center, crowned cross above, “E” and
rose at sides of cross. A splendid example having a finely detailed strike on a broad flan with full legends,
considerable rim beading, and ideal gold toning. These smaller gold coins tended to experience much
use; finding one in this condition is unusual.
S-2517. N-1992/1. PCGS-graded MS62.
92
SILVER CROWN 1601
Elizabeth I, Tudor Queen, 1558-1603
Seventh Issue of 1601-1602, of sterling fineness. Crowned portrait left, in jeweled dress with ruff, hold-
ing orb and scepter; reverse, square garnished shield over long cross. “1” initial mark (standing for 1601)
on each side at legend’s end. Rare in all grades but especially fine. A beautiful specimen, struck on a
broad flan, with superb design detail on each side, the portrait especially sharp, the royal shield boldly
impressed, with full inner and outer beading and high rims. Only slight annealing cracks in the fields.
Richly toned in gold and gray old-cabinet patina.
S-2582. N-2012. PCGS-graded AU50.