Philip and Mary. 1554-1558. AR shilling. 6.24 gm. 31 mm. English titles only. 1555. Facing busts of Philip and Mary, crown above; PHILIP • ET • MARIA • D • G • REX • ET • REGINA •ANG / Crowned garnished arms of England and Spain; X II mark of value; POSVIMVS • DEVM • ADIVTOREM • NOSTRVM •. S. 2501. N. 1968. Extremely Fine; exceptional portraits on good metal with fresh surfaces, marvelous old cabinet toning with traces of irridescence, some strike weakness that does not affect the portraits, old scratches on the weak area above the portrait that appear to have been made at the time. This piece has the characteristic bluish tint that occurs naturally on Philip and Mary shillings that have been handled carefully and properly in the time since they were struck.

This coinage suffered from the unpopularity of Philip as well as from efforts to "improve" the portraits and other similar post-strike misadventures. Choice examples of this issue are rare. This is among the best I have handled.