Halfcrown: Elizabeth I (obverse); Crowned Shield of Arms (reverse)
Unknown Artist
1560–61
Medium
gold
Dimensions
diam. 1.7 cm
Classification
Coins
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
The Norweb Collection
Accession Number
1969.182
About this artwork
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.