Heritage World Coin Auctions
Long Beach Signature Sale 3067 6-7 Sep 2018
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Great Britain
Elizabeth I (1558-1603) gold Pound ND (1595-98) AU55 NGC, Tower mint, S-2534, N-2008. 6th issue, Woolpack/Key mule mm. An absolutely majestic specimen of this iconic Elizabethan issue. The majority of the coins produced under this Queen were silver rather than gold (although several different gold denominations were issued) and are often somewhat uninspiring; this may be as Elizabeth's three Mint Masters were all goldsmiths. Accordingly, it is clear that their true talent, their finest engraving work and portraits of the Queen were employed on her gold coinage. Whereas the largest gold denomination produced for Elizabeth was her Sovereign of 30 Shillings, a type showing the Queen enthroned, the largest and arguably the finest portrait of Elizabeth is seen on her gold Pound coinage. A Tudor masterpiece, her garments masterfully performed, her pose noble and the overall quality exceptional; this was a coin designed to impress the wealthy in both England and abroad and one which speaks of enormous pride in the Queen. The present piece is a wonderful Almost Uncirculated 55, very well-struck save for an area of weakness at the end of Elizabeth's hair which is also present on the reverse, the flan round and of very good metal. Due to the simultaneous use of the Woolpack and Key mintmark during 1595-6, mules are not unheard of, and this piece exhibits the Key on the obverse and Woolpack on the reverse. Very little in the way of notable marks are present to detract from the creamy rich gold surfaces of this elite offering, nor is there any significant wear to the crisp designs. Altogether, an absolutely captivating jewel of a coin and one which will doubtless inspire very strong bidding.
From the Collection of a Berkshire Gentleman
HID02901242017
Estimate: 15000-20000 USD
Elizabeth I (1558-1603) gold Pound ND (1595-98) AU55 NGC, Tower mint, S-2534, N-2008. 6th issue, Woolpack/Key mule mm. An absolutely majestic specimen of this iconic Elizabethan issue. The majority of the coins produced under this Queen were silver rather than gold (although several different gold denominations were issued) and are often somewhat uninspiring; this may be as Elizabeth's three Mint Masters were all goldsmiths. Accordingly, it is clear that their true talent, their finest engraving work and portraits of the Queen were employed on her gold coinage. Whereas the largest gold denomination produced for Elizabeth was her Sovereign of 30 Shillings, a type showing the Queen enthroned, the largest and arguably the finest portrait of Elizabeth is seen on her gold Pound coinage. A Tudor masterpiece, her garments masterfully performed, her pose noble and the overall quality exceptional; this was a coin designed to impress the wealthy in both England and abroad and one which speaks of enormous pride in the Queen. The present piece is a wonderful Almost Uncirculated 55, very well-struck save for an area of weakness at the end of Elizabeth's hair which is also present on the reverse, the flan round and of very good metal. Due to the simultaneous use of the Woolpack and Key mintmark during 1595-6, mules are not unheard of, and this piece exhibits the Key on the obverse and Woolpack on the reverse. Very little in the way of notable marks are present to detract from the creamy rich gold surfaces of this elite offering, nor is there any significant wear to the crisp designs. Altogether, an absolutely captivating jewel of a coin and one which will doubtless inspire very strong bidding.
From the Collection of a Berkshire Gentleman
HID02901242017
Estimate: 15000-20000 USD