Artwork Page for Halfcrown: Elizabeth I (obverse); Crowned Shield of Arms (reverse)

Details / Information for Halfcrown: Elizabeth I (obverse); Crowned Shield of Arms (reverse)

Halfcrown: Elizabeth I (obverse); Crowned Shield of Arms (reverse)

1560–61

England, Elizabeth I, 1558-1603

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Medium
gold
Measurements
Diameter: 1.7 cm (11/16 in.)
Weight: 1.388 g (0.05 oz.)
Credit Line
The Norweb Collection 1969.182
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

This small coin, a halfcrown, would have been more accessible to ordinary citizens and their chance to see a portrait of the queen.

Description

A rare coin, the portrait of the queen is very well executed. There are two types of this coin that feature a bust of the queen. They vary considerably, this one being less ornate than the second, 1969.184. Elizabeth I chose a Latin phrase, SCVTVM FIDEI PROTEGET EAM, translated as The Shield of Faith Shall Protect Her to appear on the reverse of some of her coins, befitting her precarious position.
Two sides of a gold coin feature an inscription circling an image on both sides (see "Inscriptions" field). On the left, is Elizabeth I in profile from the shoulders up with a crown, long hair, and ruffled collar. On the right, "E" and "R" flank a crowned coat of arms divided into four sections. The upper left and lower right sections feature three stylized fleur-de-lis lilies and the remaining sections three elongated and barely discernible lions.

Halfcrown: Elizabeth I (obverse); Crowned Shield of Arms (reverse)

1560–61

England, Elizabeth I, 1558-1603

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