MS62 Elizabeth I (1558-1603), fine gold Angel of Ten Shillings, first to fourth issue (1559-78), St. Michael slaying dragon right, head breaks inner wire line circle, initial mark small lis (1559-60) both sides, legend and beaded outer border surrounding, pellet stops, ELIZABETH: D'.G'. ANG'. FRA' Z. HIB'. REG'., rev. ship sailing right, large quartered shield upon hull, cross above, E to left, rose to right, crows nest of ship beyond inner wire line circle, legend and outer beaded border surrounding, lozenge stops, .A. DNO. FACTVM. EST. ISTVD. Z. EST. MIRABILE:, 5.22g (Schneider 732/731; Brown and Comber 3A; N.1979; S.2513). Toned, a little weakly struck in parts with some surface marks, has been graded by NGC as MS62, very rare earliest issue of the reign.

NGC Certification 5880691-001.

We note that this coin is currently the second finest graded Angel of this variety at NGC and only one grade below finest.

Provenance:
Ex Christies, 26th February 1991, lot 598.
Ex Christopher H. Comber Collection, Part I, Baldwin of St. James Auction 50, 15th October 2020, lot 3.

The abbreviated Latin legends translate as on the obverse "Elizabeth by the Grace of God, Queen of England, France and Ireland"; and on the reverse "This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes." A Psalm from the Bible.

The mint mark of lis was current on the gold coinage from 1st January 1559 until the 31st July 1560 initiated by a commission of the 31st December 1558 to Sir Edmund Peckham, High Treasurer and others allowing for three fine gold denominations of Sovereign, Angel and Half-Angel which totalled some £23,685 worth of fine gold.

Estimate: £ 8,000 - 10,000