Elizabeth I gold Angel mintmark lis

Elizabeth I (1558-1603), fine gold Angel of ten shillings, first to fourth issue (1559-78), St Michael slaying dragon right, head breaks inner wire line circle, initial mark small lis (1559-60) both sides, Latin legend and beaded outer border surrounding, pellet stops, ELIZABETH. D'.G'. ANG'. FRAN' Z. HIB'. REGI'., rev. ship sailing right, large quartered shield upon hull, cross above, E to left, rose to right, crows nest of ship beyond inner wire line circle, Latin legend and outer beaded border surrounding, lozenge sotps, A. DNO'. FACTVM. EST ISTVD. Z. EST.MIRABI', weight 4.39g (Schneider 731/-; N.1979; S.2513). Has been slightly clipped around rim, otherwise well struck for this early issue, good very fine and very rare.

The abbreviated Latin legends translate as on the obverse "Elizabeth by the Grace of God, Queen of England, France and Ireland"; and on the reverse "This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes." A Psalm from the Bible.

The mint mark of lis was current on the gold coinage from 1^st January 1559 until the 31^st July 1560 initiated by a commission of the 31^st December 1558 to Sir Edmund Peckham, High Treasurer and others allowing for three fine gold denominations of Sovereign, Angel and Half-Angel which totalled some £23,685 worth of fine gold.

Provenance:
Ex Spink Coin Auction 81, 19^th November 1990, lot 30
Ex Sheffield collection, Spink-Noble Auction 43, Australia, 17-18 November 1993, lot 2694.