Reproduction Philip and Mary Groat

Obverse: Crowned bust of Mary facing left. Text around PHILIP Z MARIA D G REX Z REGI, pellet stops (Abbreviated, Philip and Mary by the Grace of God King and Queen of England).

Reverse: Long cross fourchee over quartered royal shield of arms. Text around POSVIMVS DEVM ADIVTO NOS (Abbreviated, we have made the Lord our Helper), pellet stops.

History: The Queen Mary's Marriage Act was passed by the Parliament of England in April 1554. It was to allow joint reign of England By Philip and Mary for as long as the marriage survived. Restrictions were placed so that Philip could not claim the throne if Mary was to die before him. Mary died in 1558.

The groats and half-groat coins of this period have Mary’s portrait only, but the larger coins show both busts of Mary and Philip.

Date: Minted Tower of London, 1554-1558

Diameter: 2.1cm