Half Pound: Elizabeth I (obverse); Crowned Shield of Arms (Cleveland Museum of Art 1969.186)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1601
The design of this rare piece is similar to another in the collection of Elizabeth I, 1969.184. However, the initial marks denote it was struck in 1601. Elizabeth I is shown finely dressed and around her is her abbreviated title, Elizabeth by the Grace of God, Queen of England, France and Ireland . On the reverse is the shield of arms of England showing lions and the fleur-de-lis. Although Elizabeth was officially titled Queen of France, the title was a hollow one. Calais, England's last French territory, was lost in the reign of Mary I. This version of the coat of arms lasted until James I who added the arms of Scotland and Ireland. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1969.186: Half Pound: Elizabeth I (obverse); Crowned Shield of Arms (reverse), 1601. England, Elizabeth I, 1558-1603. Gold; diameter: 2.9 cm (1 1/8 in.). Inscribed: ELIZAB' D'.G'. ANG'. FRA'. ET: HIB. 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
Elizabeth I was the last of the five monarchs from the House of Tudor.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- gold
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 2.9 cm (1 1/8 in.)
- Measurements
- Diameter: 2.9 cm (1 1/8 in.)
- Material and technique
- gold
Design
- Inscriptions
- ELIZAB' D'.G'. ANG'. FRA'. ET: HIB. 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
- 1601
- Culture period
- England, Elizabeth I, 1558-1603
- Holding institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Museum object number
- 1969.186
- 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. 45
- 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.