Watch List notes:

Elizabeth I (1558-1603) gold Pound ND, S-2534, N-2008 (scarce), 6th Issue of 1583-1600, large "O" mm (struck in 1600), XF45 NGC, a pleasing and choice coin for the grade level, with slight even wear, obverse more appealing than reverse but generally well detailed, broad flat flan showing very little waviness and legends that are both complete and sharply struck, the queen's portrait and jeweled clothing well struck generally, surfaces remarkable for lack of abuse, and the color is a lovely, well-set orange reddish gold. Ancient mint-made tool mark appears on the portrait. This late issue of the reign offers one of the finest images of Queen Elizabeth available to the history buff. Curiously, the familiar reverse legend, SCUTUM FIDEI PROTEGET EAM, translating from Latin to English to mean "The shield of faith shall protect her," carried a certain delicate irony with it because Elizabeth's father, King Henry VIII, divorced himself and his realm from the protection of the Catholic world, her brother Edward deserted Rome entirely and under the guidance of his Council instituted the Protestant Church of England, and Elizabeth herself never declared her faith. Too clever to invite politically dangerous assignations from her Court or from abroad about her religion, for half a century she figuratively walked what is known as the via media -- the middle path -- thereby keeping most of her personal beliefs, decisions and plans hidden from all possible enemies. This large, nearly pure gold coin captures her age, the Renaissance of England, perfectly.From The Marston Collection of British Coins.

Estimate: 10000.00-12500.00 USD