England · Elizabeth I (1558–1603)
England Threepence — Elizabeth I, Fifth Issue (1578–1582)
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About this coin
The fifth-issue threepence is dated above the shield. Greek cross, Latin cross and sword marks distinguish the five recorded years.
Obverse
The crowned queen faces left, with a rose behind her head.
Script: Latin
Lettering
ELIZABETH D G ANG FR ET HIB REGINA
Translation
Elizabeth, by the grace of God, Queen of England, France and Ireland.
Reverse
The quartered royal shield rests on a long cross fourchée; the date is above.
Script: Latin
Lettering
POSVI DEV AD IVTORE M MEV
Translation
I have made God my helper.
Mints and mintmarks
Royal Mint at the Tower of London.
Engraver and mintmaster marks
Greek cross; Latin cross; sword.
Identification and varieties
The table records confirmed dates and marks. Lettering and punctuation differ between dies. Measurements may describe an individual surviving specimen rather than the original mint standard.
Measurements
Recorded specimen measurements, not a fixed specification for every coin. Hammered flans vary.
Years, mintmarks and variants
Tap an issue for details and places to find it.
| Year | Mint | Mintmark | Variant | Mintage | Notes | Find this issue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1578 | London (Tower) | Greek cross | ||||
| 1579 | London (Tower) | Greek cross | ||||
| 1580 | London (Tower) | Latin cross | ||||
| 1581 | London (Tower) | Latin cross | ||||
| 1582 | London (Tower) | Sword |