Elizabethan Coins – Silver Threepence Pheon Mint Mark 1561

Description

Heading: Elizabethan Coins – silver threepence Pheon mint mark 1561

Denomination: Silver threepence piece

Period: Tudor

Date: 1561

Origin: London mint. 3rd and 4th issue on a large flan

Condition: Almost very fine. but with edge crack and a little wavy

Obverse: Crowned bust left. rose behind; pheon initial mark. ELIZABETH D G ANG FRA ET HIB REGINA. various stops

Reverse: Square-topped shield over long cross fourchee. date above. pheon initial mark. POSVI DEV ADIVTOREM MEV

Size and Weight: 21mm. 1.41g

References: Spink 2564

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 and it seemed to know better than her father. There were numerous obstacles in her way: she was born at a 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. who 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 effective on the English throne and prove her father wrong. 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