Description:
English silver sixpence, 1703
Diameter 20mm
The obverse features the bust of Queen Anne facing left. Underneath the bust is the word 'VIGO' signifying that this coin is made from bullion captured from the Spanish fleet at Vigo Bay in 1702. The inscription reads 'ANNA DEI GRATIA', Latin for 'Anne By the Grace of God'. The reverse features four shields topped by four crowns and surrounding the Garter Star. The top shield bears the three lions of England, the right hand shield the single lion rampant of Scotland, the bottom shield bears the three fleur-de-lys of France and the left the harp of Ireland. The inscription reads 'MAG.BR.FRA.ET.HIB.REG.1703', Latin, abbreviated meaning 'Queen of Great Britain, France and Ireland'.