Mary Lynn C. writes: I have what appears to be a commemorative coin. On one side it has a picture that I believe is Queen Elizabeth I. Around that side of the coin are the following letters “REGI.ELIZAB.D:G.ANG.FR.ET.HIB”. On the reverse side is a shield and the date 1602. The shield has fleur de lis and lions on it. Around that side of the coin are the following letters “M:MEVM POSVI:DEV:AD IVTORE”. It is a very lightweight coin, approximately one inch in diameter and is a silver color. I would appreciate any information you could give me. Thank you, Mary Lynn
Probably a 5th issue, silver sixpence of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603). The obverse shows the bust Queen Elizabeth I facing left, the Latin legend, ELIZAB.D:G.ANG.FR.ET.HIB. REGI. (Elizabeth by the Grace of G-d, Queen of England France and Ireland), around. The reverse shows the shield of England under a cross, the date is above. The legend around is PSVI:DEUM:ADITVTOREM:MEUM (I have made G-d my Helper). This biblical phrase comes from Psalm 54.4 and is often seen on Irish and English coins from the time of Edward III (1327-1377) to 1603 (the last year of Elizabeth’s reign).
Value depends on grade and whether the coin has been clipped. (Coins of this era were minted by hand and hammered.There was no retaining collar so the coins had irregular shaped edges. It was a common practice to clip off a bit of silver and pass the coin off as whole. Clipping was punishable by torture and death which were common practices of the authorities. A quarter century later nice round coins were being produced by the newly invented milled coin press and everyone breathed a little easier when they spent their cash). Value range: $25 – $150.
