Elizabeth I gold Half-Angel, mm eglantine

Elizabeth I (1558-1603), fine gold Half-Angel of five shillings, third to fourth issue (1560-78), St Michael slaying dragon right, inner and outer beaded circle, initial mark eglantine (1573-78) both sides, Latin legend surrounding with beaded inner and outer circles, *ELIZABETH D'.G' ANG'. FR' ET HI' REGINA, rev. ship sailing right, large quartered shield upon hull, cross above, E to left, rose to right, Latin legend and outer beaded border surrounding, *A: DNO: FACTVM: EST. ISTVD ET EST: MIRA'., weight 2.37g (cf.Schneider 771; N.1992/1; S.2517). Toned, good very fine and rare so well preserved.

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.

Provenance:

Ex John Jordan Collection, Triton II, Classical Numismatic Group, December 1998, lot 1309.

Ex Princeton Economics Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 271, 11^th January 2012, lot 197.

Ex A H Baldwin, Fixed Price List, Summer 2012, BH020.

With the death of the Under-Treasurer Thomas Stanley in 1571, the Mint reverted to an earlier system of control via a Warden and Master Worker. A new indenture of the 19th April 1572 was issued to John Lonyson Master Worker for fine gold coins only to provide for fine gold Angels at a ten shilling face value as well as the Half Angels and Quarter Angels in the period of the eglantine mint mark. Some £14,525 worth of this mint mark was minted across the three denominations, rendering them relatively rare compared to some of the other mint marks at this period of time.