The New York Sale 2026 Ancient & World

Impressive Fine Gold Sovereign of Elizabeth

2x

1540 House of Tudor. Elizabeth I (1558-1603). Sixth Issue. Fine Gold Sovereign (45mm; 15.19 g), mm escallop (1584-6). Pyx period. Tower mint. Queen enthroned facing within treasure broken only by her crown and portcullis below. Reverse: Shield with Arms on elaborate Tudor rose; A.DNO’. FACTV’.EST.ISTVD.ET.EST.MIRAB’.IN.OCVLIS.NRS. S.2529, Schneider 780, N.203, Fr.209. Well struck on a lovely round flan. In PCGS holder graded MS 61. Quite rare in this state.

$30,000

PCGS Certification Number 52671762

Ex Christie’s, October 11, 1983, lot 216 (cover coin) Ex Garth R. Drewry Collection Ex CNG Sale 66, May 19, 2004, lot 1999 Ex The ‘Sylvia’ Collection through Mark Rasmussen by private treaty

While most English gold and silver coins moved from hand to hand in commerce, Elizabeth’s impressive and intricate Fine Gold Sovereign was largely reserved for Court appearances and special occasions – to have one was a mark of the queen’s favor and a symbol of honor, and of the owner’s wealth and power – as much as it was a declaration of Elizabethan England’s ascendancy and an end to the country’s economic doldrums.

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