Elizabeth I (1558-1603) gold Angel ND (1580-1581) MS62 NGC, Tower mint, Latin Cross mm, Fifth issue, S-2525, N-1991/1 (R), Schneider-768. 5.16gm. (Latin cross) ELIZABETH: D' • G' • ANG' • FR' • ET: HI' • REGINA, nimbate, armored figure of the Archangel Michael spearing the dragon (the devil) with cross-tipped staff / (Latin cross) A: DNO: FACTVM: EST: ISTVD: ET: EST: MIRABI' •, cross above Tudor shield over ship, E - rose to either side. A scarce mintmark for this already fleeting Angel, and a coin which was clearly selected for its well-above-average degree of detail within the broader series. Often exhibiting widespread flatness over the obverse scene, this piece reveals nearly full expression over the figure of St. Michael, from the feathers which cover his legs to ornamentation of his cuirass and epaulettes, with even each element of his face captured in their entirety. Though difficult to ascertain on the basis of photographs alone, it seems fair to say that the offer rivals the ex. Schneider/Hird example plated in the Sylloge of Coins of the British Isles, Vol. 47. To date, only the second Latin Cross, fifth issue Elizabethan Angel we have offered, and an emission altogether lacking from the Norweb sales.

HID09801242017

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