Nomos 13

Netherlands, The Dutch Republic. Medal (Silver, 51.5mm, 46.05 g 12), on Queen Elizabeth’s I support for the United Provinces, by G. van Bylaer (but unsigned), 1587. (rose)xDEOxOPTxMAXxLAVSxETxHONORxINxO-ExÆVVMxQVODx (=To the best and greatest God be praise and honor for ever, because...) Elizabeth I of England enthroned facing, crowned, holding orb and scepter, and wearing robes decorated with the Tudor rose; below her feet, hydra; below and to the right, five naked boys, each holding a shield, bearing, from left to right, the arms of Guelderland, Holland, Zealand, Utrecht and Friesland; to left, the Earl of Leicester, standing right, holding the right side of the queen’s cloak with both hands and treading on the hydra’s tail with his right foot; in exergue, 1587. Rev. xQVEMxDEVSxCONFICIETxSPIRITVxORISxSVIx (=Whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth) Hebrew name of Jehovah in clouds and rays; below, Pope, cardinals, bishops and nun, chalice and wafers, all falling from heaven. Eimer 53. MI I, p. 139, 99. Van Loon I, p. 369. i. A lovely, well-struck and toned example. Extremely fine.

This medal commemorates the Dutch request that Queen Elizabeth provide active help in the revolt against Spain. She ultimately provided a force led by Robert Dudley, one of her closest associates (he was often thought as the possible consort). In the end, the expedition proved a failure.