Elizabeth I (1558-1608) silver "Protestants Supported in Belgium" Medal 1587 AU53 NGC, MI-139/99, Eimer-53, Van Loon-1, 369. 51mm. Plain edge. By G. van Bylaer. Struck in the Netherlands to commemorate Elizabeth I's support for the Protestant United Provinces and her assistance in the revolt against Catholic Spain. DEO OPT MAX LAVS ET HONOR IN OE ÆVVM QVOD Enthroned Elizabeth with subjects of five United Provinces // QVEM DEVS CONFICIET SPIRITV ORIS SVI Religious figures falling from celestial clouds. A significant rarity, this piece depicts Elizabeth enthroned trampling a hydra at her feet with Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester and Governor General of the United Provinces holding her robe; the reverse shows the dynamic scene of the Pope, cardinals, bishops and items of the Catholic Mass falling from heaven. Every minute aspect of this engraving has survived to the present day with only very light wear to the highest points, the entire planchet imbued with a silky argent patina blossoming into an iridescent rainbow ring at the peripheries. Rarely do large size medals of this age appear at auction in any grade, let alone one as fine as the present offering. A historically important and artistically accomplished medal sure to elicit strong bidding. Ex. Heritage Auction #3076 (September 2019, Lot 31600) HID09801242017 © 2023 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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