Elizabeth I Silver Shilling Sixth Issue Tun 1592-1595

Description

Denomination: Elizabeth I silver shilling , sixth issue

Period: Tudor

Date: 1592-1595

Origin: Tower mint, London

Condition: AVF, reasonable portrait, slightly weak strike in parts

Obverse: Crowned  bust 6B, left, tun (barrel) initial mark ELIZAB legend

Reverse: Long cross pattee over quartered shield of arms, legend around, tun initial mark POSVI DEV ADIVTOREM MEV

Size and Weight: 30mm, 5.84g

References: Spink 2577

Features and Provenance: Elizabeth reigned for 44 years, but never really should have taken the throne; fate, however, must have taken a hand in her destiny as it knew better than her father what she could achieve. There were numerous obstacles in her way: at that time only men were allowed to be monarchs, Henry’s young son Edward was the legitimate heir to the throne; there was also her elder sister, so she was third in line to the throne.

There was also the problem that Henry (and later Edward) declared her illegitimate after the execution of her mother, Anne Boleyn. It seemed everything was against her. After Henry’s death, Edward VI took the throne but only reigned for six years, dying at the age of fifteen. Mary, the next in line, only lasted five years, so it was left to Elizabeth to show them that a woman could be as effective on the English throne as a man (or better). Ruling until 1603, she died at the age of 70.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present, visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief, all parts of legend etc present, but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible