Reproduction Philip and Mary Shilling

Obverse: Busts of Philip and Mary facing each other with a large crown above with date divided to either side. Text around PHILIP ET MARIA D G REX ET REGINA ANG (Philip and Mary by the Grace of God King and Queen of England).

Reverse: Garnished shield with arms of Spain and England, crown above dividing X II. Text around POSVIMVS DEVM ADIVTOREM NOSTRVM (We have made the Lord our Helper), pellet stops.

History: In 1554 Mary I made a most unpopular marriage when she wed Philip (later Philip II of Spain). A new coinage was issued with Philip’s name before that of his wife, Mary.

Silver shillings were issued with two fine portraits of Philip & Mary facing each other. Early coins had the combined titles, King and Queen of England, France and Naples, Prince and Princess of Spain. When Philip returned to Spain in 1554 the title on the coins issued were changed to read King and Queen of England. Mary was never crowned Queen of Spain and died in 1558.

Date: Minted Tower of London, 1555

Diameter: 3.1cm