Elizabeth I Sixpence Coin Pack

Product Description: This reproduction Elizabeth I Sixpence is moulded directly from an original coin and is made from lead-free pewter. The wallet type packaging has a hole on the front in which the coin is held in a clear blister. The coin pack has an image of Elizabeth I on the front, the two coins in the collection inside, as well as additional Elizabeth I Tudor images. It has historical information about the coins and about Elizabeth I.

Information: Known as 'mill money' these coins were produced on a screw press. Despite the superior quality, the machine was inefficient and production was stopped in 1572. The obverse of the coin has the bust of Elizabeth I, on the reverse is the crowned royal shield of arms.

Elizabeth I, daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn was born at Greenwich Palace on 7 September 1533. Her early life was traumatic, not least because her father executed her mother Anne when she was not quite three years old and her half-sister, Mary I, had her imprisoned for conspiracy to seize the throne during her reign.

Elizabeth I acceded the throne in 1558, after Mary I’s death, and was crowned in January 1559. It was at this time that France and Spain were vying for control of England. The arrival in England in 1568 of Mary, Queen of Scots, and her imprisonment and subsequent execution in 1587, caused a political crisis aided by Spain. In July 1588 Philip of Spain sent an Armada of 130 ships from Lisbon that was defeated by the English fleet off Gravelines. This tremendous victory transformed England into the leading sea power of the time.

Elizabeth I’s reign is often called the ‘Golden Age’ because it was a time of great achievement in England. Expert seamen saw an age of discovery and exploration, extending England’s influence to the New World and the East India Company came into being. The economy prospered, while Elizabeth’s court became a centre for poets, musicians, and scholars. William Shakespeare was a favourite of Elizabeth I and she would listen to his poetry and attend his plays.

Elizabeth I died at Richmond Palace on 24 March 1603 at the age of 69. Her funeral and burial was at Westminster Abbey. Elizabeth was succeeded by James I, the son of Mary, Queen of Scots.