Elizabeth I Rose Noble

Also known as the “Armada Rose Noble” due to being struck at the time of the Spanish Armada and bearing the iconic Tudor rose. It is the only example of the coin to appear for sale since Hird acquired it in 1950.

The image of Elizabeth and some of the symbolism in the coin is also found in the Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I, painted after the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. The circle of ruff extends from Elizabeth’s face like the Sun’s rays. She is shown as the centre and source of warmth, beauty, and goodness. There are calm seas, positioning Elizabeth as a calm force for good, in contrast with the chaos of Catholic Europe.