Description
Elizabeth I of the House of Tudor, Queen of England 1558-1603 AD, Silver Sixpence (2.82g 25.5mm), 1579, Fifth Coinage, mintmark Greek Cross (1578-1579). Obverse: Crowned bust 5A of Queen Elizabeth I facing to the left, wearing ruff and cuirass, Tudor Rose in right field, inner beaded border and legend surrounds, “ELIZABETH: DG: ANG: FR: ET HI REGINA”. Reverse: Flat-topped Shield of Arms of the House of Tudor over long cross fourchée, date above, beaded border and legend surrounds, “POSVI DEV.’ ADIVTOREM MEV:”. Spink-2572. Few very minor hairlines, otherwise with a noteworthy portrait and the reverse very clear and well struck, the coin certainly more attractive in hand, near Very Fine, reverse Very Fine.
The Obverse Latin legend reads “Elizabeth, Deī Grātiā, Angliae, Franciae et Hiberniae Regina”, with an English translation of “Elizabeth, by the Grace of God, Queen of England, France and Ireland”. The Reverse Latin legend reads “Posuī Deum Adiūtōrem Meum”, with an English translation of “I ordain God as my helper”.