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 cross crosslet (1 January 1561 - 31 August 1565) both sides, ELIZABETH. D'.G'. ANG'. FRA 'ET. HIB'. REGINA., Rev. ship sailing right, large quartered shield upon hull, cross above, E over rose to left, rose over E to right, crows nest of ship beyond inner beaded circle, Latin legend and outer beaded border surrounding, A.DNO'. FACTVM EST ISTVD:ET.EST.MIRABI'., weight 5.03g (Schneider 733 same dies; B&C 2, C7; N.1979; S.2514; Fr.199). One small rim imperfection, some light surface marks, good very fine, similar grade to Schneider example and rare with the reverse overstrike. Estimate Value $6,000 - UP
The abbreviated Latin legends translate as on the obverse "Elizabeth by the Grace of God, Queen of England, France and Ireland"; and on the reverse "This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes." A Psalm from the Bible. This coin has a very interesting variety on the reverse showing the engraver's corrected mistake when making up the die with the design element punches. At first the engraver has erroneously placed the E and rose on the wrong sides of the cross on the ship mast. The engraver has noticed the error and then corrected it with placing the E and rose on the correct sides of the mast leaving the remains of the erroneous punching splaying out in places beneath. The fine gold Angel coinage was issued in 23 carat 3 ½ grains fineness (0.995) at a ten shilling face value as per an indenture with Thomas Stanley Under-Treasurer of 8th November 1560, the cross crosslet mint mark being the second of the reign and with a total value of only £7,145 worth across the fine gold denominations (£106,278 worth of crown gold for comparison) representing the smallest output of such gold until late in the reign.