Elizabeth I acceded to the throne in 1558, after Mary I's death, and was crowned in Janauary 1559. It was at this time that France and Spain were vying for control of England. The arrival in England in 1568 of Mary, Queen of Scots, and her imprisonment and subsequent execution in 1587, caused a political crisis aided by Spain. In July 1588 Philip of Spain sent an Armada of 130 ships from Lisbon that was defeated by the English off Gravelines. This tremendous victory transformed England into the leading sea power of the time.

Elizabeth I's reign is often called the 'Golden Age' because it was a time of great achievement in England. She died in 1603 at the age of 69.

Known as 'portcullis money' this reproduction One Testern would have been minted for the first voyage of the East India Company. The Obverse sgows a crowned royal shield of arms and the reverse shows a crowned portcullis.

The coin is held in a clear plastic blister and is supplied in full colour pamphlet style packaging, complete with images and historical information of both the coin and life of Elizabeth I.