Elizabeth I Sixpence Mule Latin/Greek Cross 1580

Elizabeth I (1558–1603) Silver Sixpence – 1580 Rare Transitional Mule: Latin Cross Obverse / Greek Cross Reverse

An intriguing example of an Elizabeth I Fifth Issue silver sixpence, struck at the Tower Mint in 1580.

This piece is a true initial mark mule representing the mint mark transition between the Greek Cross (1578–1580) and the Latin Cross (1580–1581):

• Obverse: Crowned bust facing left with rose behind, ELIZABETH D G ANG FR ET HIB REGINA. Initial mark Latin Cross (long vertical stem extending below the horizontal bar) preceding ELIZABETH.

• Reverse: Long cross fourchée over quartered shield of arms, dated 1580 above, POSVI DEV ADIVTOREM MEV. Initial mark Greek Cross (four limbs of equal length) preceding POSVI.

Transitional mules of this date—where a newly cut obverse die was paired with a remaining Greek Cross reverse die from the earlier production run—are scarce and highly sought after by specialist Tudor numismatists.

• Denomination: Sixpence

• Date: 1580

• Mint: Tower Mint, London

• References: Spink 2572 / North 1997