Halfcrown: Elizabeth I (obverse); Crowned Shield of Arms (Cleveland Museum of Art 1969.182)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1560–61
A rare coin, the portrait of the queen is very well executed. There are two types of this coin that feature a bust of the queen. They vary considerably, this one being less ornate than the second, 1969.184 . Elizabeth I chose a Latin phrase, SCVTVM FIDEI PROTEGET EAM, translated as The Shield of Faith Shall Protect Her to appear on the reverse of some of her coins, befitting her precarious position. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1969.182: Halfcrown: Elizabeth I (obverse); Crowned Shield of Arms (reverse), 1560–61. England, Elizabeth I, 1558-1603. Gold; diameter: 1.7 cm (11/16 in.). Inscribed: ELIZABETH D G AN FR ET HI REGINA (Elizabeth by the Grace of God Queen of England, France and Ireland.); SCVTVM FIDEI PROTEGET EAM (The shield of faith shall protect her.). 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
This small coin, a halfcrown, would have been more accessible to ordinary citizens and their chance to see a portrait of the queen.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- gold
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 1.7 cm (11/16 in.)
- Measurements
- Diameter: 1.7 cm (11/16 in.)
- Material and technique
- gold
Design
- Inscriptions
- ELIZABETH D G AN FR ET HI REGINA (Elizabeth by the Grace of God Queen of England, France and Ireland.); SCVTVM FIDEI PROTEGET EAM (The shield of faith shall protect her.)
Identification
- Date recorded
- 1560–61
- Culture period
- England, Elizabeth I, 1558-1603
- Holding institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Museum object number
- 1969.182
- 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. 41
- 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.