British Coins

EDWARD I - 1 PENNY 1279-1307

OBV: Facing crowned portrait of King Edward I, royal title around. Lettering: EDWAR ANGL DNS HYB . Translation: Edward King of England and Lord of Ireland

REV: Long cross extending to edge of flan, 3 pellets and part of mint name in each angle. Lettering: CIVI TAS LON DON Translation: City of London

Edward I, otherwise known as "Longshanks" or "The Hammer of the Scots." The villain of the film, Braveheart, he nevertheless was a longstanding ruler of England at a crucial time in its history. He reformed parliament and reestablished the monarch's authority.

Elizabeth I - 1564 AD

OBV: Ornate crowned bust facing left. Rose behind head, lettering around. Lettering: ELIZABETH · D · G · ANG · FRA · ET · HI · REGINA Translation: ELIZABETH DEI GRATIA ANGLIAE FRANCIAE ET HIBERNIAE REGINA

(Elizabeth, by the Grace of God, Queen of England France and Ireland)

REV: Square Shield of Arms of England and France on long cross fourchée dividing the inscription with date of 1561 above shield. Lettering: * POSVI DEV . AD IVTORE M : MEV .· 15 64 · Translation: POSUI DEUM ADJUTOREM MEUM (I have made God my helper)

A personally important coin in my collection, I chose this because of the date: 1564. That's the likely year of Shakespeare's birth, and to an English literature teacher like myself, this is sort of a big deal.

Elizabeth I - 1571 AD

OBV: Ornate crowned bust facing left. Rose behind head, lettering around. Lettering: ELIZABETH · D · G · ANG · FRA · ET · HI · REGINA Translation: ELIZABETH DEI GRATIA ANGLIAE FRANCIAE ET HIBERNIAE REGINA

(Elizabeth, by the Grace of God, Queen of England France and Ireland)

REV: Square Shield of Arms of England and France on long cross fourchée dividing the inscription with date of 1561 above shield. Lettering: * POSVI DEV . AD IVTORE M : MEV .· 15 64 · Translation: POSUI DEUM ADJUTOREM MEUM (I have made God my helper)

Similar coin to the preceding one, this is in slightly better condition with a much more visible portrait of Queen Elizabeth. This coin would have been minted in the Tower of London, placing it in a particular location in a specific year. Shakespeare was likely 7 years old.