Sovereign of Thirty Shillings: Elizabeth I (obverse); Shield of Arms on Tudor Rose (Cleveland Museum of Art 1969.181)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1583–1603
A point of interest of this very rare piece is the initial mark. The mark, in the shape of a crosslet, and visible at the start of the inscription, dates the die to 1560–61. However here it has been over stamped with another mark, an A, used in 1583–85. This indicates the reuse of the die of the first coinage during the third coinage period. The restoration of the coinage to its proper fineness was completed during this reign. In 1562 a proclamation had been issued reducing the value of all coinage by one third. It was restored to full value again in 1572, when a new coinage was ordered at the old values. There would still be economic troubles ahead, however. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1969.181: Sovereign of Thirty Shillings: Elizabeth I (obverse); Shield of Arms on Tudor Rose (reverse), 1583–1603. England, Elizabeth I, 1558-1603. Gold; diameter: 4.3 cm (1 11/16 in.). Inscribed: ELIZABETH D G ANG FRA ET HIB REGINA (Elizabeth by the Grace of God Queen of England, France and Ireland.); A DNO FACTV EST ISTVD ET EST MIRAB IN OCVL IS NRIS (This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvellous in our eyes.). Details are those of this museum object; how far it represents a wider type has not been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 3
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
The denomination of this coin was so high that as a piece of money it was meant only for the aristocracy or royalty.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- gold
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 4.3 cm (1 11/16 in.)
- Measurements
- Diameter: 4.3 cm (1 11/16 in.)
- Material and technique
- gold
Design
- Inscriptions
- ELIZABETH D G ANG FRA ET HIB REGINA (Elizabeth by the Grace of God Queen of England, France and Ireland.); A DNO FACTV EST ISTVD ET EST MIRAB IN OCVL IS NRIS (This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvellous in our eyes.)
Identification
- Date recorded
- 1583–1603
- Culture period
- England, Elizabeth I, 1558-1603
- Holding institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Museum object number
- 1969.181
- Published references
- Cleveland Museum of Art, and Emery May Norweb . English Gold Coins, Ancient to Modern Times, On Loan to the Cleveland Museum of Art from the Norweb Collection. [Catalog. 1968. p. 40
- Museum classification
- Coins
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Research required
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: this record describes a single museum object; confirm the wider coin type and standard catalogue references against numismatic literature.