Henry VIII Gold Crown of the Double Rose, 1533-42

This exceptional gold Crown of the Double Rose, minted during Henry VIII's second coinage period (1526-44), is a scarce and historically significant piece. Key features include:

• Denomination: Five shillings

• Composition: 22 carat crown gold

• Weight: 3.69g

• Initial mark: Arrow (dating it to 1533-42)

• NGC grade: AU58

Obverse:

• Large crowned rose

• Crowned H to left, crowned R to right

• Lombardic lettering: hEnRIC'x VIII'x RVTILAnSx ROSAx SIEx SPIA

• Translation: "Henry VIII a dazzling rose without a thorn"

Reverse:

• Crowned quartered shield of arms

• Crowned H to left, crowned I to right (for Jane Seymour)

• Legend: DEIxx G'xx Rxx AGLIE'xx Zxx FRAnC'xx DnS' xx hIBERIE

• Translation: "By the grace of God, King of England and France, Lord of Ireland"

This coin is particularly intriguing as it's a mule, combining an HR obverse (likely referring to Henry Rex) with an HI reverse (Henry and Jane Seymour). This combination makes it an extremely scarce variant.

The coin shows some striking weakness, particularly on the reverse, and has a slightly uneven shape, which is not uncommon for hammered coins of this period. Despite these minor imperfections, its AU58 grade indicates an exceptionally well-preserved specimen.

NGC Certification 2130738-006  

Provenance:
Previously offered in Spink Numismatic Circular, December 2003.