Elizabeth I Silver Threepence Greek Cross Mint Mark, 1579

Description

Denomination: Silver threepence (3d)

Period: Tudor

Date: 1579

Origin: London mint. 5th issue 

Condition: VF+/VF

Obverse: Crowned bust of Elizabeth facing left. Tudor rose behind. mint mark then legend around

Reverse: Flat-topped shield of arms with date above. mint mark then legend around

Size and Weight: 19mm. 1.51g

References: Spink 2573

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 permitted 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 and 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 from 1558 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