Cleveland Museum of Art

Halfcrown: Elizabeth I (obverse); Crowned Shield of Arms (reverse)

Date

1560–61

Medium

gold

Culture

England, Elizabeth I, 1558-1603

Department

Medieval Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

A rare coin, the portrait of the queen is very well executed. There are two types of this coin that feature a bust of the queen. They vary considerably, this one being less ornate than the second, 1969.184 . Elizabeth I chose a Latin phrase, SCVTVM FIDEI PROTEGET EAM, translated as The Shield of Faith Shall Protect Her to appear on the reverse of some of her coins, befitting her precarious position. This small coin, a halfcrown, would have been more accessible to ordinary citizens and their chance to see a portrait of the queen.

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