Description:
English silver threepence, 1562
Diameter 20mm
The obverse features the diademed bust of Queen Elizabeth I facing left with the Tudor rose behind her head. The inscription around the outside reads 'ELIZABETH D. G. ANG. FRA. ET. HIB. REGINA', Latin, abbreviated meaning 'Elizabeth By the Grace of God Queen of England France and Ireland'. The reverse features a shield quartered by two crossed sceptres with pomegranates at their ends. The shield bears the three lions of England in the second and third quarters and the three fleur-de-lys of France in the first and fourth quarters. Above the shield, and divided by the vertical sceptre, is the date. Around the outside the inscription reads 'POSUI DEUM ADJUTOREM MEUM', Latin for 'I Have Made God My Helper'.