Description:
English silver halfgroat, 1509-c.1530
Diameter 20mm
The obverse features the diademed bust of Henry VIII facing right within a central beaded ring. The orb at the top of his crown breaks through the ring. The inscription around the outside reads 'HENRI VIII D. G. R. ANGL. Z. FRA', Latin, abbreviated meaning 'Henry VIII By the Grace of God King of England and France'. The reverse features a shield within a central beaded ring divided by two crossed sceptres. The sceptres break through the edges of the ring to the outer edge of the coin. The shield bears the three lions of England in the second and third quarters and the three fleur-de-lys of France in the first and fourth quarters. The initials of Thomas Wolsey are to the left and right within the central ring. The inscription around the outside reads 'CIVITAS EBORACI', Latin for 'The City of York' where this coin was minted at the direction of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. Wolsey also added a Cardinals hat at the bottom of the vertical sceptre.