2009 UK Henry VIII £5 Silver Proof Coin
2009 UK Henry VIII £5 Silver Proof Coin - click on image to enlarge
General Coin Information
A controversial King of England to say the least, The Royal Mint has issued the 2009 UK Henry VIII £5 Silver Proof to celebrate the 500th anniversary of his accession. Henry was king for 37 years, and during his reign set in motion a chain of events that many say significantly changed the course of English (and worldwide) history.
The younger of two brothers, Henry had grown up assuming he would never be King. However, as his older brother Arthur died in 1502, the burden was shifted to Henry. Then, at the age of 17, Henry's father passed away, and he became King.
The terror of his reign became evident almost immediately. Within a few days of his coronation, Henry had several critics of his dead father arrested. Charged and convicted without real proof, they were later executed. The King continued to use this effective means of removing opposition, including two of his wives, and an estimated 72,000 other English citizens.
Besides his tyrannical behavior, Henry is also known for breaking the ties with the Catholic Church that had been so strong for years. Started over a dispute of dissolving the marriage with his first wife, which the King wanted and the church was against, Henry eventually broke all ties with Rome and seized the assets it held in England. Still considering himself a devout Catholic, Henry did not officially desire a new church but set in motion the creation of the Church of England.
The coin for King Henry is struck at least three times in sterling silver to produce a high quality proof. Each coin ships with a black presentation case and a numbered certificate of authenticity.
Obverse Design
Ian Rank-Broadley's portrait of Queen Elizabeth II appears on the obverse of the coin. The inscriptions "Elizabeth II," "DG REG FD" and "2009 " are seen as well.
Reverse Design
John Bergdahl designed the reverse where King Henry is shown standing before a frieze of roses within a petal-shaped device used frequently to frame portraits on coins of his time
King Henry VIII Silver Coin Specifications
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US $34.98
King Henry VIII Silver Coin Resources
- Mint information page
- Additional coin information - CoinNews.net
- Silver Coins
