FAQs
What makes a coin valuable?
I have coins to sell, what’s the next step?
How will my purchases be shipped?
What happens if I’m not entirely happy with my purchase?
Henry VIII debased issue Half-Sovereign, mm pellet in annulet, Tower Mint
Henry VIII (1509-47),gold Half-Sovereign, third coinage (1544-47), Tower I and II Mint, type IIb, debased 20 carat gold, facing crowned robed figure of King on ornate throne, rose below, 8 type Latin legend with Gothic lettering and beaded border surrounding, hEnRIC; '8; D; G; AGL; ++ FRAnCI;Z; hIBER; REX', slipped trefoil stops, annulet on inner circle at X,initial mark pellet in annulet both sides, rev.crowned quartered shield of arms, with lion and dragon supporters, HR on banner below, Latin legend with Gothic lettering and beaded border surrounding, IhS; AVTE; TRAnSIEnS; PER; mEDIV; ILLOR; IBAT, weight 6.02g (SCH 619; N.1827; S.2295).Weakly struck in parts on an undulating flan, toned with surface marks, fine.
The Latin legends translate to on obverse "Henry the Eighth by the Grace of God, King of England, France and Ireland" continuing on the reverse as "But Jesus, passing through the midst of them, went His way" taken from the Bible.
The total output of the debased 20 carat gold was some £263,165 across the two mints within the Tower, Southwark and Bristol and represents the second largest output of this reign.
Provenance:
Ex Suttons Sale, 1st September 1984, lot 321.
Ex Colin E. Pitchfork Collection, private transaction.
Ex Dr L. J. Sherwin, Noble Numismatics Australia, sale 127, 31st August 2021, lot 3999.