TUDOR. Elizabeth I. 1558-1603. AR Jeton (29mm, 6.12 g, 10h). Assistance Given to the United Provinces. Of uncertain Dutch manufacture. Dated 1585. (rosette) MACTE · ANIMI · ROSA · NECTARE · IMBVTA (
take courage, for the rose is imbued with nectar), Elizabeth seated right on throne, presenting roses (England’s support) to two figures (the United Provinces) kneeling left / · SPRETA · AMBROSIA · VESCITOR · FENO · 1585 (
Despising ambrosia, he feeds upon hay), two Spaniards standing left, eating hay out of trough with horse and ass. MI 133/86; Eimer 51; van Loon I, p. 362. Good VF, toned. Rare.
The Rose of England here is compared to ambrosia, the immortalizing nectar of the Gods. In defiance of the English and their alliance with the United Provinces, the Spaniards were blockaded in Antwerp and Nimeguen, reduced to eating whatever food was available.
