I just finished watching the HBO 2-part series Elizabeth I with Helen Mirren and Jeremy Irons and was inspired to post photos of my 4 denominations of her silver coins.Only the sixpence is dated but the shilling has a "bell" mintmark that places it within a two year period.I just love the history associated with these. And....here is proof positive that people have been carving their initials in coins for a very long time.And I used to think it was just those bust half dollars.
Very nice, thanks for sharing. Definately one of the most fascinating reigns in English history, and a great coinage series to boot.
I cannot say she is my personal favourite monarch either, but my what a monarch. To have her strength of character and command of the government during that time is simply phenomenal. It is regrettable that matters betwixt QEI and QM went amyss, there were discussions of meetings and visits which never arose. One wonders that had they formed an alliance or at least and understanding what might have come. However to naught, as we all know QM's son became king of all Britain upon QEI's death in 1603.
Mikjo, Man, you've always got the neatest medieval pieces which you pull out every-so-often. Always something new Ben
I have got an Elizabethan 1/- with the Hand mintmark,which indicates that the coin was struck between 1590 & 1592.I also have a few Sixpences,which are all dated.The 'Mill Money' coins are of interest,as these were struck in 1561-69 by a Frenchman named Eloye Mestrelle,who was later dismissed & hung for forging coins. Mestrelle's unsuccessful experiment proved to be far slower than the old craft method of striking coins by hand.I don't have any 'Mill Money' yet.The Testerns are too expensive,as they are so rare. Aidan.
Ben, He does seem to always have something in the bag. I would love to see his entire collection !!!! Thanks for sharing Mikjo:thumb: I have watched Part I of the Elizabeth I HBO series and really enjoyed the history. I have already looked to see what gold is available from her era and may have to add a piece to my collection one day.
Brian,that is nice.I will be getting a website up & running soon.You can find a link through my profile. Aidan.
I think Elizabeth I was a terrific ruler. Consider the environment she operated within. England did not become great with milk-toast leaders. England was the foundation for what is right in the world today. Think of how history might have turned out with Spain, Saudi Arabia, or Russia dominating the world?
Some great pieces there I love looking at the QE1 coins notice how the queens head is allways worn, I wonder if it was the habit of the time to rub it for luck? De Orc
when the coins were struck the head was slightly raised so it is the first part of the coin to become worn
