Very Rare First Issue Angel of Queen Elizabeth I

Elizabeth I (1558-1603), fine gold Angel of Ten Shillings, first to fourth issue (1559-78), St Michael slaying dragon right, head breaks inner wire line circle, initial mark small lis (1559-60) both sides, legend and beaded outer border surrounding, pellet stops, ELIZABETH: D'.G'. ANG'. FRA' Z. HIB'. REGI'., end of legend double struck giving I over G, rev. ship sailing right, large quartered shield upon hull, cross above, E to left, rose to right, crows nest of ship beyond inner wire line circle, legend and outer beaded border surrounding, lozenge stops, A. DNO'. FACTVM. EST ISTVD. Z. EST.MIRABI', weight 4.98g (Schneider 732/-; Brown and Comber C4; N.1979; S.2513). Rim a little ragged in part, one light crease, otherwise, good very fine and rare.

The mint mark of lis was current on the gold coinage from 1st January 1559 until the 31st July 1560 initiated by a commission of the 31st December 1558 to Sir Edmund Peckham, High Treasurer and others allowing for three fine gold denominations of Sovereign, Angel and Half-Angel which totalled some £23,685 worth of fine gold.

Provenance:
Ex Clarendon Collection, part 2, Bonhams, 17th October 2006, lot 981.