Reproduction Edward VI Sovereign

Obverse: Crowned half length figure of King Edward VI in armour right, holding sword over right shoulder and orb in left hand. Text around EDWARD VI D G AGL FRA Z HIBER REX.

Reverse: Crowned shield of arms, fleur de lys in first and fourth quarters, lions in second and third quarters, supported by ithyphallic lion and griffin (dragon) standing on scrollwork marked ER. Text around IHS AVTEM TRANSIE PER MEDI ILLORV IBAT (But Jesus passing through their midst went His way).

History: This sovereign would have had a value of 20 shillings. Edward VI was Henry VIII's son by Jane Seymour, born in 1537. He was not quite ten years of age when his father passed away leaving the kingdom to him. As a child he did not rule in fact, but was influenced to make decisions by his Council and in particular by a succession of relatives. He died of Tuberculosis at the age of only 15.

Date: Mint mark Tun, Third period, 1551-1553

Diameter: 3.7cm