Ryal: Elizabeth I in Ship (obverse); Rose over Radiate Sun (reverse)
Unknown Artist
1583–84/85
Medium
gold
Dimensions
diam. 3.4 cm
Classification
Coins
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
The Norweb Collection
Accession Number
1969.183
About this artwork
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.