Elizabeth I sixpence

This coin was sent in on behalf of the finder by Michael Poole. It’s a hammered coinage sixpence of Elizabeth I.

The coin is dated 1575 on the reverse and it has mint mark eglantine on both sides. Over the years many thousands of Elizabeth I sixpences have been unearthed by detectorists but most were not in good condition. The date and mint mark on this one are fairly common, so had it been in average condition it wouldn’t have been worth much in cash terms.

Rather than being in the usual rough condition, this Elizabeth I sixpence is well above average. The obverse is a bit discoloured around the edge but it has a very attractive portrait of the queen. The reverse has a flaw in the second quarter of the shield of arms but this side is otherwise in about VF condition.    

Valuation

The portrait on the obverse of this sixpence is so attractive that a pre-sale auction estimate on the coin shouldn’t be any lower than £150 – £180.