Reproduction Henry VIII Gold Half-Angel

Obverse: St. Michael represented as a winged figure standing with both feet on a dragon about to thrust it into the Pit with a cross-topped lance (the dragon represents Satan). Text separated by single saltire stops. Text around HENRIC DI GRA REX AGL Z (Henry, by the Grace of God King of England).

Reverse: A ship bearing the royal shield and cross, h and rose at the sides. Text separated by double saltire stops. Text around O CRVX AVE SPES VNICA (Hail, O Cross, our only hope).

History: For the first sixteen years of Henry VIII’s reign the coinage closely followed the pattern of the previous issues, even to the extent of retaining the portrait of Henry VII on some coins.

This Gold Half-Angel dates from coins minted before the debasement of 1526 and is known as First Coinage.

Date: Mintmark portcullis crowned, first coinage, 1509-26

Diameter: 2.0cm