Two Elizabeth I sixpence pieces, one hammered and one milled

Discussion in 'World Coins' started by johnmilton, Mar 9, 2019.

  1. johnmilton

    johnmilton Well-Known Member

    All of the English coins that were issued prior to the reign of Queen Elizabeth were hammer struck. During Elizabeth's reign Frenchman, Eloye Mestrelle, was allowed to set up a mint and produce milled coins with a screw press staring in 1561. The screw press was powered by human labor or horses.

    The resulting coins were much better than their hammered counterparts, but Mestrelle run into technical problems that made his coining process slow and expensive. His machinery frequently broke down.

    Maestrelle was eased out of his job in 1572. Six years later he was caught making counterfeit coins and was hanged. Here are examples of a hammered and a milled sixpence.

    Hammered

    1592 Six Pence O.jpg 1592 Six Pence R.jpg

    Milled This coin is one of the most Elizabeth I milled pieces.

    1562 Eliz I Milled 6d O.jpg 1562 Eliz I Milled 6d R.jpg
     
    Last edited: Mar 9, 2019
  2. Avatar

    Guest User Guest



    to hide this ad.
  3. Mat

    Mat Ancient Coincoholic

    I still need a milled type myself, nice coins.
     
Draft saved Draft deleted

Share This Page