Reproduction Henry VIII Groat

Obverse: Crowned bearded bust of Henry VIII turned to right, wearing a cloak fastened by a brooch with two strings. Text around HENRIC 8 DI GRA AGL FRANCE Z HIB REX (Henry VIII by the Grace of God King of England, France and Ireland).

Reverse: Quartered royal arms over long cross fourchée, annulets in fork-ends. Text around POSVI DEV ADIVTOE MEV (I have made God my helper).

History: Starting in 1544, the final years of Henry VIII’s reign, the quality of his gold and silver coinage was reduced to help finance Henry’s wars. This state-sponsored currency debasement policy came to be known as the ‘Great Debasement’.

The original of this coin would have been of reduced silver content and struck between 1544-47. It is known as Third coinage and has the Tower of London mintmark.

Date: Mintmark Lis, Tower of London. Third coinage 1544-47

Diameter: 2.2cm