ENGLAND – ELIZABETH I (1558–1603) – SILVER HALFGROAT – TOWER OF LONDON MINT – FINE

Country: England

Dynasty: Tudor

Ruler: Elizabeth I (1558–1603)

Denomination: Halfgroat (2 Pence)

Mint: Tower of London

Metal: Silver (AR)

Weight: 0.85 g

Diameter: 16 mm

Reference: Cf. SCBC 2586

Condition: Fine (F), with significant obverse wear

Obverse

Crowned bust of Queen Elizabeth I facing left, wearing a ruff, surrounded by a Latin legend. The portrait is heavily worn, with most of the central details no longer visible. Portions of the surrounding inscription remain identifiable.

Reverse

Royal coat of arms of England and France within a shield, superimposed on a long cross fourchée. The shield and cross remain clearly recognizable, although the surface exhibits considerable wear and areas of porosity.

Historical Background

Elizabeth I ruled England from 1558 until 1603 and was the last monarch of the Tudor dynasty. Her reign, often referred to as the Elizabethan Age, witnessed the flourishing of English literature, maritime exploration, and the strengthening of England’s position as a European power.

Her reign also saw the restoration of confidence in English silver coinage following the debasements of the preceding Tudor period.

This silver halfgroat, valued at two pence, represents an interesting example of everyday currency circulating during one of the most celebrated periods of English history.

Condition

Fine (F), with significant wear. The obverse portrait is almost completely worn away, while the reverse retains a recognizable shield, long cross, and portions of the legend. Dark grey patina, surface porosity, scratches, and irregularities consistent with age and circulation.

An affordable historical silver coin from the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, suitable for collectors of Tudor and medieval-to-early-modern English coinage.

The coin pictured is the exact specimen offered for sale.