Great Britain: Elizabeth I silver "Defeat of the Spanish Armada" Medal 1588 MS62 PCGS,...

Description

Gorgeous Elizabethan Medal

Elizabeth I silver "Defeat of the Spanish Armada" Medal 1588 MS62 PCGS, van Loon-I-390/384/1, Eimer-56a (52mm); MI-144/111. Plain edge. 52mm 45.97gm. The Spanish fleet driven against rocks // Philip II and other Catholic heads of Church and State seated, blindfolded, with feet on spiked floor. Very rare original striking, reportedly purchased from Van Stockum in 1946. Of the numerous issues struck to commemorate the historic military and diplomatic disaster that was the defeat of the Spanish armada, few are as well-styled and articulated as the current offering. In what was expected to be a one-sided victory, British forces, aided in part by treacherous weather and superior tactics, were able to rout the invading fleet, sinking or capturing more than a third of the 130-ship armada, fundamentally transforming England into masters of the sea in the process. The obverse depicts Spanish ships in ruin while English and Dutch ships hold steady in the background. The reverse displays a satirical scene of blindfolded bishops and Pope sitting atop a bed of spikes. An absolute delight in hand, featuring a palette of pastel colors that ignite at the turn of the wrist. The detail of the engraving is exceptional, which survives in an unscathed state. All at once a showpiece and a centerpiece, sure to be hotly contested by collectors looking to capitalize on this marvelous opportunity to capture this PCGS top-pop specimen.

Metal: Silver
Diameter: 52mm

More information about Great Britain Coins. See also: Great Britain World Coin Nationality.

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