Henry VIII AD 1509-1547 Silver Groat 3rd Issue Tower mint

Henry VIII AD 1509-1547 Silver Groat

3rd Issue,  AD 1544-1547

Crowned bust facing / Flat topped shield

mm. lis, Tower mint

S2369; 2.35g, 25mm

A great portrait of Henry with pleasing detail and tone.

Henry VIII was the second son of Henry VII  and before becoming king had considered an ecclesiastical career. He is largely remembered for his break with Rome, the dissolution  of the monasteries and for having 6 wives. He is also remembered for his de basement of the currency which helped finance his wars with France and Scotland.  The by the time of the 3rd Issue some of the coinage contained so little silver that the copper alloy underneath was revealed. This earnt Henry the nickname Old Coppernose.