Obverse: MACTE ANIMI ROSA NECTARE IMBVTA, Elizabeth enthroned, presents roses to two Deputies.

Reverse: SPRETE AMBROSIA VESCITOR FENO, two Spaniards eat hay from a manger along with a horse and donkey.

Diameter: 29.5 mm. Weight: 5.6 g.

An interesting copper jeton, struck during the Dutch Revolt to commemorate the Treaty of Nonsuch. This treaty, signed by Elizabeth I at Nonsuch Palace, Surrey, 10 August, 1585, marked England’s first involvement in the conflict. Initially intended as a way of lifting the Siege of Antwerp, Elizabeth agreed to supply the United Provinces with 6,400 infantry and 1,000 cavalry, along with an annual subsidy of 600,000 florins a year. This treaty was seen by Phillip II of Spain as a declaration of war by the Protestant Elizabeth. This would lead - just three years later - to the Spanish Armada. This jeton is clearly a piece of Protestant propaganda. The obverse depicts the Virgin Queen distributing the divine favour of nectared roses to two deputies of the Dutch Republic. The Latin legend reads, ‘Take courage, the rose is imbued with nectar.’ On the reverse two Spaniards are seen feeding from a manger with a horse and a donkey; and the motto -‘Despising Ambrosia he feeds upon hay' - is a defiant mockery of the Spanish foe.