1561 - 1565 Elizabeth I cross crosslet Half Pound

Elizabeth I (1558-1603), Half-Pound, First Tentative Issue (1st January 1561 - 31th August 1565), Tower mint , Crowned bust 3C left, wearing decorated bodice, rev. Crowned square-topped shield, dividing E-R,  m.m. cross-crosslet (S.2520; N.1982; Schneider I, 738; Brown & Comber G6) weight 5.62 grams

Elizabeth I’s reign (1558–1603) marked a transformative era in English history, characterized by political stability, religious compromise, and cultural flourishing. Ascending the throne after the turbulent reigns of her siblings, Elizabeth navigated religious divisions by establishing the Anglican Church as a moderate Protestant institution, while deftly managing foreign threats, including the Spanish Armada. Her rule, often termed the "Golden Age," saw advancements in exploration, literature, and the arts, epitomized by figures like Shakespeare and Drake. Elizabeth’s shrewd governance and iconic persona as the "Virgin Queen" solidified her legacy as one of England’s most celebrated monarchs. Central to her administration was the restoration of the currency after the Great Debasement under Henry VIII and Edward VI, a policy reflected in coins like the rare 1561–1565 Half-Pound.

This superb bold Very Fine state example, is a remarkable piece retaining exceptional detail, particularly in the striking portrait of the queen, which showcases crisp facial features and ornate attire. A scarcely perceptible historic crease runs through the flan from 3 to 9 o’clock, this minor characteristic does not detract from the coin’s visual impact—instead, it enhances its authenticity and narrative as a survivor of Tudor England’s monetary renaissance. A highly sought-after treasure for discerning collectors of Elizabethan numismatics!