Lot 682
682
Elizabeth I, 'Dangers Averted', 1589, attributed to Nicholas Hilliard, a good quality gilt electrotype, DITIOR IN TOTO NON ALTER CIRCVLVS ORBE, bust of Elizabeth facing, wearing high crown, open ruff, and elaborately jewelled and patterned gown, holding orb and sceptre, the fields delicately chased with floral tracery, rev. NON IPSA PERICVLA TANGVNT, a bay tree, uninjured by lightning, flourishing upon an island, oval with small ring for suspension, 58mm. x 61mm. (MI i,154/130; Clifford 498), extremely fine, scarce
COMMEMORATIVE MEDALS - BRITAIN
Elizabeth I, 'Dangers Averted', 1589, attributed to Nicholas Hilliard, a good quality gilt electrotype, DITIOR IN TOTO NON ALTER CIRCVLVS ORBE, bust of Elizabeth facing, wearing high crown, open ruff, and elaborately jewelled and patterned gown, holding orb and sceptre, the fields delicately chased with floral tracery, rev. NON IPSA PERICVLA TANGVNT, a bay tree, uninjured by lightning, flourishing upon an island, oval with small ring for suspension, 58mm. x 61mm. (MI i,154/130; Clifford 498), extremely fine, scarce

Details
Elizabeth I, 'Dangers Averted', 1589, attributed to Nicholas Hilliard, a good quality gilt electrotype, DITIOR IN TOTO NON ALTER CIRCVLVS ORBE, bust of Elizabeth facing, wearing high crown, open ruff, and elaborately jewelled and patterned gown, holding orb and sceptre, the fields delicately chased with floral tracery, rev. NON IPSA PERICVLA TANGVNT, a bay tree, uninjured by lightning, flourishing upon an island, oval with small ring for suspension, 58mm. x 61mm. (MI i,154/130; Clifford 498), extremely fine, scarce

Lot Essay

Originals of this beautifully executed medal are extremely rare. The work has been attributed to the miniaturist and goldsmith Nicholas Hilliard, and examples in gold and silver, with chains, were probably presented by Elizabeth as rewards to her favourites who helped her during the several crises of the previous years. In 1589 it was considered that the greatest dangers had passed, Mary Queen of Scots was dead, the Spanish Armada destroyed, the Duke of Guise was dead, and James VI of Scotland was conciliated, while Spain, France and the Vatican were all thwarted.

Also see illustration on front cover