Henry VIII 1509-1547 AD - Half Sovereign

Henry VIII (1509-47), gold Half-Sovereign, third coinage (1544-47), Tower Mint, initial mark pellet in annulet both sides, facing crowned robed figure of King on ornate throne, rose below, 8 type Latin legend with Gothic lettering and beaded border surrounding, hEnRIC; '8; D; G; AGL; ++ FRAnCIE;Z; hIB; REX', slipped trefoil stops, annulet on inner circle at X, rev. crowned quartered shield of arms, with lion and dragon supporters, HR on banner below, Latin legend with Roman lettering and beaded border surrounding, IHS; AVTEM; TRANS; PER; MEDIVM; ILLORVM; IBAT, weight 6.28g, Weakly struck in parts but the King with a clear face, very fine for issue, very rare with the mixture of Gothic and Roman lettering across both sides.The Latin legends translate to on obverse "Henry the Eighth by the Grace of God, King of England, France and Ireland" continuing on the reverse as "But Jesus, passing through the midst of them, went His way" taken from the Bible.

Henry VIII was King of England from 1509 until his death. Henry was the second Tudor monarch, succeeding his father, Henry VII. Henry is best known for his six marriages and, in particular, his efforts to have his first marriage, to Catherine of Aragon, annulled. His disagreement with the Pope on the question of such an annulment led Henry to initiate the English Reformation, separating the Church of England from papal authority. He appointed himself the Supreme Head of the Church of England and dissolved convents and monasteries. Despite his resulting excommunication, Henry remained a believer in core Catholic theological teachings. Lived: 28 Jun 1491 - 28 Jan 1547 (age 55).