Obverse:
Large crowned profile of Henry VII, right.
Text around HENRIC VII DI GRA REX ANGL Z FR.
Reverse:
Royal shield, fleur de lys in first and fourth
quarters, lions in second and third quarters,
over long cross with saltire in forks. Text
around POSVI DEVM ADIVTOE MEV (I have made
God my helper).
History:
In the opening years of the 16th century the
remarkable and fine profile portrait of the
King replaced the representational image of
a monarch that had served on coinage for the
past couple of centuries. At this time a new
coin the Testoon valued at 12 pence was also
introduced, but was only struck for two years.
This was the work of Alexander Brugsal, a
German appointed as engraver to the mint in
1494. The obverse legend was also expanded
to give the King's name as HENRIC VII, a practice
continued by his successors.
Date:
Mint mark Lis, 1502-1504.
Diameter:
2.9cm
