Queen Elizabeth I of England (1558-1603) Silver Shilling- 6th Issue - MM Crescent - Tower Mint - S.2577 (c.1587-1589)

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Obverse: ‘ELIZAB : DG : ANG : FR : ET : HIB REGI ‘

Translation: “Elizabeth, by the Grace of God, Queen of England, France and Ireland”

Shows left-facing bust (6B) of the Queen with visible ear and rounded profile. Enclosed within beaded circle, the tip of her crown brushing the edge. Crescent mintmark (1587-1589).

Reverse: ‘POSVI : DEV : ADIVTOREM : MEV ‘

Translation: “I have made God my helper”

Square-topped shield of royal arms, quartered by long cross within a beaded circle. Crescent mintmark.

Type reference: Spink- s.2577

Weight: 5.8 g 

Diameter: 31mm x 30.5mm 

Composition: Silver

Fineness:  .925

Method: Hammered 

Condition: 
The coin is struck on an impressively flat and mostly full flan. On the obverse, the portrait shows excellent definition and features- the queens ear is showing along with her mouth and eye outline. The mostly intact crown on top of her head shows some surviving raised detail.  The legends read nicely with only minor wear in small areas. Some light scratching and very minor loss to the forehead and front of crown, however overall a very complete example.

The reverse retains very nice definition, particularly the letter definition of the legend and also the crisp fleur de lis and lions within in the defined square-topped shield. There is only mild loss of raised design with good detail retained overall. Crescent mint mark visible on both obverse and reverse, with the reverse side being slightly stronger in detail. 

Overall an extremely attractive example.

Condition grade: F-VF  (Fine - Very Fine)

(Grading based on our own assessment, please study the images and undertake your own assessment)

Historical Significance: 
This coin was struck between 1587 - 1589, with 1587 being of particular significance, being the year Mary, Queen of Scots, was executed after being implicated in plots against Elizabeth I.  
During this period, Admiral John Hawkins helped prepare England’s navy in anticipation of the oncoming Spanish Armada in 1588. 

Queen Elizabeth I reign is a period that marked the country’s rise as a major maritime and cultural power. Queen Elizabeth I had ruled for almost three decades by this point, earning her nickname “The Virgin Queen” and famously never marrying, using her status to maintain political independence.  

Her government fostered political stability and Protestant consolidation, which allowed trade, exploration, and the navy to flourish. The Royal Navy was expanding rapidly, projecting English influence across the seas and defending against Spain, while figures such as Admiral Sir John Hawkins led daring voyages to Africa and the Americas, establishing trade routes, acquiring wealth, and challenging Spanish dominance.