Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
Collector's Choice February 2022 Auction 22-24 Feb 2022
View prices realized
MI-251/43; Eimer-404. By J. Croker. Diameter: 44mm. Obverse: Laureate and draped bust left; Reverse: Anne seated right on throne, holding scepter and presenting charter to members of the clergy kneeling left. Edge: Plain. Seldom seen in such a lofty certified grade, this near-Gem dazzles with chocolate brown surfaces, exceptional brilliance, and great relief.
Following Henry VIII's transition away from the Catholic church, the Pope's levy of the first-fruits and tenths become payable to the crown rather than the clergy. Upon the insistence of Bishop Burnet, Anne transferred this revenue back, establishing a fund for poorer members of the clergy which later became known as 'Queen Anne's Bounty.'