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HENRY VIII, GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN, SOUTHWARK MINT

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Code: 10099



Henry VIII Gold Half-Sovereign
Third coinage (1544-47), Mint mark: S both sides (Southwark Mint)
Obverse: Facing crowned robed figure of the King on ornate throne, holding orb without sceptre, rose below, with Latin legend in Roman lettering and beaded border surrounding: S HENRIC; 8; D; G; AGL; ++ FRANCI ;Z; HIB; REX, trefoil stops, some slipped both sides.
Reverse: Crowned quartered shield of arms, with lion and dragon supporters, HR on banner below, with Latin legend in Gothic lettering and beaded border surrounding: S Ihs; AVTE; TRAnSIEnS; PER; mED; ILLOR; IBAT'
S.2296, Schneider 621
5.6 grams, 30 mm in diameter
Weakly struck as usual for the type, very fine for the issue with a pleasing golden tone, rare without sceptre.

*From analysing several examples of this coin that have appeared at auction over the last decade or so, the Southwark mint gold half-sovereign without a sceptre appears to be around three times rarer than the dies that feature Henry VIII holding both an orb and sceptre.