Irish Coinage
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Detail Image

© 2004 - Copyright
John _ Stafford-Langan
Version 1.12
5th October, 2004

This coin is an example of an Irish copper penny of Elizabeth I struck in early 1601. The coin dates from early 1601 because the examples from later in 1601 use the trefoil mintmark (rather than the star in this example).

The legends are clear with no blundering and read:
(obverse) * ELIZABETH D G AN FRA ET HIBER RE
(reverse) * POSVI DEV ADIVTOREM MEV[M]
Which translates/expands as
Elizabeth by the grace of God Queen of England, France and Ireland
I have made God my helper

This coin is specifically referred to as a copper penny because the normal English pennies of the period were silver coins.

The coin is in Extremely Fine (EF) condition. It has excellent surfaces and shows no signs of wear on the higher points of the designs or legends. The light chocolate colour is very desirable compared to darker or green patinated pieces. This coin is effectively in as struck condition except for the toning of the metal to the current colour. However this example was struck on an irregular and small flan which misses the outer beading in most places and the tops of many letters. There is also weakness in the 6 of the date and in the lower quarters of the shield. Despite these flaws this is a superb example of this coinage and examples in this condition are rare.

Related pages:

Elizabeth I - Copper halfpenny 1601 (mm Star) - in only average condition

Irish Coinages of Elizabeth I (1558 - 1602)

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