Silver Halfgroat or Twopence of Elizabeth I

Silver Halfgroat or Twopence of Elizabeth I

The Coinage of Elizabeth I
Under Elizabeth, there was almost a complete recoinage, certainly of the gold and silver coins. Henry VIII had debased most of the coinage, and this had not been rectified during the reign of Edward VI.
Some improvements had been made during the brief reign of Mary.
Many new denominations (values) were introduced during Elizabeth's reign, so that there were at least twenty different denominations. Because of the profusion of denominations, and the closeness of their values, some device such as a rose, would be placed beside the head on some of the denominations.

Halfgroats or Twopences
A silver halfgroat was first issued in 1344 under King Edward III, and continued as a denomination until 1645.
A groat was four pence, therefore a halfgroat had a value of two pence.
Silver twopence coins were issued fairly regularly again from 1698, and are still produced today for the Maundy coins.

Obverse:
Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I facing left in a richly decorated dress with a high lace collar. There are two pellets (raised dots) as a mark of value placed to the right of the head.

E D G ROSA SINE SPINA

Reverse:
Flat topped shield, the opposite quarters containing three leopards and fleurs-de-lys.
The original reverse inscription would have read:
CIVITAS LONDON
Our engraver has taken some slight liberties with the wording on this particular piece. Of course, in the time of Elizabeth I, any person caught making copies of coins would be severely punished, by a large fine, imprisonment, mutilation, or execution.

Technical Specifications
All dimensions are approximate, and subject to tolerance.
Diameter: 17 mm
Weight: 1.1 grams
Alloy 92.5% silver

Availability
In mint state, an original would be difficult to find even at over £100.

Price £3.50
US $4.95

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