• Additional view of object
  • Additional view of object
Dec 9, 2009
Dec 9, 2009

Half Sovereign: Edward VI (obverse); Crowned Royal Arms (reverse)

Half Sovereign: Edward VI (obverse); Crowned Royal Arms (reverse)

1549–50

Part of a set. See all set records

England, Edward VI, 1547-1553

Gold

Diameter: 2.9 cm (1 1/8 in.)

Weight: 5.384 g (0.19 oz.)

The Norweb Collection 1969.175

Location

not on view

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Did you know?

Edward VI's short reign as king of England ended in 1553 when he died at the age of 15.

Description

During the first coinage period, April 1547 to January 1549, debased coinage was still issued. Part of it still had the name and portrait of Henry VIII; part of it the name of Henry, but a youthful portrait; and part of it the name of Edward. The series is thus complex and some of the chronology open to doubt. In 1549, the beginning of the second coinage period, the first step was taken to restore the standard of the coinage. Gold, including the piece shown, was struck in 22 ct. This coin shows the young king uncrowned, the only occasion on which the king's portrait is so shown.

See also
Collection: 
MED - Numismatics
Department: 
Medieval Art
Type of artwork: 
Coins
Medium: 
Gold
Credit line: 
The Norweb Collection

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