Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 23126 - Spink Numismatic e-Circular 30: English and World Coins and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 8518

Elizabeth I (1558-1603), Seventh Issue, Halfcrown, 1601, Tower, (m.m) : ELIZABETH : D .' G .' ANG : FRA .' ET : HIBER .' REGINA : crowned bust left holding orb and sceptre, rev. : (m.m) : POSVI : DEVM : ADIVTOREM : MEVM : square-topped shield over long cross fourchée, 14.94g, 12h, m.m. 1 (Brown and Comber 9B; North 2013; Spink 2583), small flan split at 3 o'clock and staining spot by hand, lightly stressed in fields, otherwise fair / good fine

Provenance

The 'Eleutherios' Collection of English Coins

J. D. Brown and C. H. Comber, writing in the BNJ 58 (1988, pp. 90-98), noted: "It is also interesting to compare the coinage portraits with the painted portraits of Elizabeth that have been studied by Strong. The early coin portraits were taken from life and are among the few extant portraits of the queen that date from the first decade of her reign. There is no reason to doubt that they are a true, even if flattering, likeness. But the later coinage portraits (busts 7-9), in common with the later painted portraits, show no signs of the queen's ageing features. They have become icons of the cult of the eternally youthful virgin queen. The move from likeness to icon is reflected in the move from simplicity to complexity - the exaggeratedly ornate clothing (symbolising majesty), the profusely free flowing hair (symbolising virginity) and the orb and sceptre (symbolising
authority)."


Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£950

Starting price
£300