Obverse: Henry VIII with bearded portrait seated facing on throne with curved sides, holding orb in left hand and sceptre in right hand, rose at feet. Text around HENRIC 8 DI GRA AGL FRANCIE Z HIBER REX.

Reverse: Crowned shield of arms, fleur de lys in first and fourth quarters, lions in second and third quarters, supported by lion and griffin (dragon) standing on scrollwork marked HR. Text around IHS AVTEM TRANCIENS PER MEDIV ILLORV IBAT.

History: For the first 16 years of Henry VIII’s reign coinage followed the pattern of previous issues. In 1526, in an effort to prevent the drain of gold to continental Europe, the value of English gold was increase by 10%, the sovereign up to 22s 0d. Within a few months the sovereign was soon revalued again at 22s 6d. In 1544 the debasement of the coinage began to help finance Henry’s wars. Gold fell to 23-carat finesse in 1544, 22c. in 1545 and 20c. in 1546.

Date: Mint mark lis, third coinage, type II, 1544-1547.

Diameter: 4.1cm