2017 Testern Silver Coin - 'Portcullis Money'

Minted under the direct instruction of Queen Elizabeth I in 1601 for The East India Company’s maiden voyage, legend has it that Elizabeth issued the Testern to demonstrate to the world her growing power and international ambitions. Thus began the trade which begat an Empire.

Nicknamed ‘Portcullis money’ for the main motif, the coin was struck in silver to the same size and weight as the era's dominant ‘international trade coin’, the Spanish Real.

So few of Queen Elizabeth I’s Testern coins survived that first voyage, that today, they can only be seen in a small number of museums across the world, making them one of the rarest coins of all time.

The 2017 coin is only the second Testern coin in history ever issued
Minted exclusively for The East India Company
Unique weight based on 8 Spanish Real and 8 Testern specification
Featuring original Portcullis motif
Struck to highest quality (26.7g of .999 silver) complete with delicate antique finish