ENGLAND: Elizabeth I (1558-1603), AR halfgroat, Fifth issue, issued 1590-92. Tower (London) mint (mm hand), 0.95 g, 16mm.
Obv: Crowned bust left, two dots behind.
Rev: CIVITAS LONDON; Coat-of-arms over long cross fourchée.
SCBC 2579, North 2016.
From TheRed Collection.
At this period, many of Elizabeth’s closest advisors died, Elizabeth’s iron will was weakening, and her privy council erupted into factionalism. Repression of Catholics intensified.