GREAT BRITAIN. Crown, 1601. Elizabeth I (1558-1603). NGC AU-50.S-2582; Dav-3757; KM-7; N-2012. Seventh issue, mint mark "1". <strong>RARE</strong> in this state of preservation, especially so missing the many defects that usually plague this issue such as flan cracks, striking deficiencies, strike doubling or metal flaws. Obverse depiction of the Queen facing left with small crown, holding orb and sceptre; Reverse: Crowned quartered shield of arms over long cross fourchee dividing the legend of POSVI DEVM ADIVTOREM MEVM (I have made God my helper). Issued quite late in Elizabeths reign. Having already cemented her legacy as one of Britains greatest leaders, Elizabeth I delivered The Golden Speech on November 30, 1601, the same year this piece was struck. Addressing 141 members of The Commons (including the Speaker) the speech has historically been considered as marking the symbolic end to her long and glorious reign. Long after her death, the speech was oft quoted whenever England faced despair (extending all the way to the eighteenth century) and read in part: "For myself I was never so much enticed with the glorious name of a King or royal authority of a Queen as delighted that God hath made me his instrument to maintain his truth and glory and to defend his kingdom as I said from peril, dishonour, tyranny, and oppression. There will never Queen sit in my seat with more zeal to my country, care to my subjects and that will sooner with willingness venture her life for your good and safety than myself. For it is my desire to live nor reign no longer than my life and reign shall be for your good. And though you have had, and may have, many princes more mighty and wise sitting in this seat, yet you never had nor shall have, any that will be more careful and loving". While difficult to fully convey the historical significance of the piece in a short lot description, the Queens own words go a long way in describing how desirable this memento of her reign is. Easily one of the finest surviving examples. Impressive obverse strike, including full details on the orb. Even, honest wear without distracting marks of any note and pleasant, gun metal toning throughout with a hint of lavender in the reverse periphery.NGC AU-50.
