An Exceptionally pleasing PHILIP & MARY Shilling.
(S.2499)
(Struck in 1554)
but Undated & Without Mark of Value.
This is an outstanding example of the 1st Issue (2nd Type) shilling.
This undated, no value and no mint mark coin is one of the great classic scarcities of the mid-Tudor coinage.
This rare & illusive variety, even when it does occasionally show up, normally arrives in greatly worn & in a badly defaced condition.
The coin has two excellent portraits and zero damage or other issues. Totally original with an even & old coal black time developed patina.
King Philip of Spain married Mary on 25th July 1554 at Winchester.
Production of the new coinage commenced immediately with the striking of the now greatly desirable dual portrait shillings & sixpences.
These initially carried the date 1554 on the obverse & the XII mark of value on the reverse.
Clearly, it was quickly decided, probably on grounds of simplicity and cost after the arrival of the initially dated & value marked first issue, to produce a “plain dies” issue. It is known that the public were greatly suspicious of this coin, particularly as it had no stated value upon it.
Also, as the two monarchs were highly unpopular, it’s a very common situation to see either one or both of their portraits heavily defaced.
This particular miracle survivor has only the very lightest signs of this “Anti-Mary” expression with light lines being visible on the cheek area and the head dress of her portrait.
You’ll have to travel a very long way indeed before you will again encounter such a really lovely, original, uncleaned, undamaged , well balanced and well struck example of this illusive type coin.
Good VF or Better for Issue. A NOTORIOUSLY DIFFICULT COIN TO LOCATE
£2995
King Philip of Spain married Mary on 25th July 1554 at Winchester.
Production of the new coinage commenced immediately with the striking of the now greatly desirable dual portrait shillings & sixpences.
These initially carried the date 1554 on the obverse & the XII mark of value on the reverse.
Clearly, it was quickly decided, probably on grounds of simplicity and cost after the arrival of the initially dated & value marked first issue, to produce a “plain dies” issue. It is known that the public were greatly suspicious of this coin, particularly as it had no stated value upon it.
Also, as the two monarchs were highly unpopular, it’s a very common situation to see either one or both of their portraits heavily defaced.
This particular miracle survivor has only the very lightest signs of this “Anti-Mary” expression with light lines being visible on the cheek area and the head dress of her portrait.
You’ll have to travel a very long way indeed before you will again encounter such a really lovely, original, uncleaned, undamaged , well balanced and well struck example of this illusive type coin.
Good VF or Better for Issue. A NOTORIOUSLY DIFFICULT COIN TO LOCATE
£2995