Were There Coins Made During The Reign Of Henry VIII? (8th)

Very nice Hussulo. Are coins from that reign expensive? Now that it is in my mind I'm getting the feeling I just have to have one. :)

Thank you Hussulo! I am not a fan of replicas really and the originals are way out of my price range. Still lovely to look at though. Thank you for satisfying my curiosity. :)

Henry VIII is most famous among numismatists for being the institutor of the last major debasement of English silver coins. His final series of "silver" coins was only .330 fine; the coppery-coloured metal was given a silver wash, but after a brief period in circulation, the silver layer wore away, showing the copper through on the high points. This earned Henry VIII the derogatory nickname of "Old Coppernose".

There are also some coins in Henry's name, issued by his son, Edward VI. Henry left the economy (and the coinage) in such a shocking state that the new king couldn't afford to restore the silver fineness straight away, so old, debased silver coins with Henry's name and portrait continued to be made for the first four years of Edward's reign - he didn't want his name associated with rotten coinage, like his father's was.

There are some varieties of Henry VIII coinage that are quite cheap; you should be able to find some in collectable condition for less than $100.