Ryal: Elizabeth I in Ship (obverse); Rose over Radiate Sun (reverse)

Description

An excellent specimen of a very rare coin, the figure of the queen is full of minute detail. Elizabeth I is shown sailing on a ship; she holds an orb and scepter. A rose appears on the hull of the ship and an E on the banner located on the bow. Produced at the climax of her reign, the design was chosen to demonstrate England's superior naval power and colonization of what would become the United States of America.

Provenance

Mrs. Emery May Holden Norweb (1895-1984), Cleveland, OH, gifted to the Cleveland Museum of Art (-1969); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1969-)

Ryal: Elizabeth I in Ship (obverse); Rose over Radiate Sun (reverse)

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1583–84/85

Accession Number

1969.183

Medium

gold

Dimensions

Diameter: 3.4 cm (1 5/16 in.)

Classification

Coins

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

The Norweb Collection