Henry VIII AD 1509-1547 Silver Halfgroat 2nd Issue York

Henry VIII AD 1509-1547 Silver Halfgroat 2nd Issue

Crowned bust right/ Shield

T-W to side of shield, Archbishop Wolsey

mm. cross, York

S2346; 20mm, 1.40g

 

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. 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.