MS63 Elizabeth I (1558-1603), fine gold Quarter-Angel of Two Shillings and Sixpence, sixth issue (1583-1600), St. Michael slaying dragon right, St. Michael wearing tunic, initial mark A (1584-85) both sides, struck over bell on obverse, Latin legend and beaded border surrounding, pellet stops both sides, ELIZABETH: D; G; ANG; FRANCIE, rev. ship sailing right, quartered shield of arms upon hull, cross above, E to left, rose to right, Latin legend and beaded border surrounding, ET. HIBERNIE. REGINA. FIDEI., 1.15g (Schneider 794; Brown and Comber E12; N.2007; S.2533). Toned with some red colour, has been graded by NGC as MS63, scarce mint mark and overstrike and the finest graded Quarter Angel currently at both services.

NGC Certification 5880691-003.

We note that this coin is currently by far the finest graded Quarter Angel at the grading services by a margin of at least five grading steps.

Provenance:
Ex Mark Rasmussen Numismatist, Surrey, purchased 2001.
Ex Christopher H. Comber Collection, Part I, Baldwin of St. James Auction 50, 15th October 2020, lot 33.

The abbreviated Latin legends translate across both sides of the coin as "Elizabeth by the Grace of God, Queen of England, France and Ireland, of Faith", the word ‘Defender’ not present.

The mint mark of gothic type A was current on the fine gold coinage for a year from 1st February 1584 until the 31st January 1585, and is fully accounted for across the three fine gold denominations to a total of £37,563, the fifth highest fine gold output of the reign. The minor denominations were likely struck in the smallest quantity compared to larger coins and the fact this is an overstruck mint mark shows the obverse die at least had survived use from the bell mint mark the year before, no doubt due to being sparingly used.

Estimate: £ 3,000 - 4,000