Sovereign: Henry VIII (obverse); Crowned Shield of Arms (Cleveland Museum of Art 1969.173)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1544–47
This is an example of the late, debased, third coinage of Henry VIII. Knowing how coinage had been debased in the past, Henry VIII did so again for his own personal benefit. He not only debased the gold coinage but the silver as well. This coin was struck at Southwark mint. The Southwark mint was in Suffolk Place, Southwark being immediately south of London Bridge. The mint was opened in June 1545, along with those of Canterbury, Durham House, Bristol, and York. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1969.173: Sovereign: Henry VIII (obverse); Crowned Shield of Arms (reverse), 1544–47. England, Henry VIII, 1509-1547. Gold; diameter: 4.2 cm (1 5/8 in.). Inscribed: HENRIC. 8. DI. GRA. AGL FRNCIE Z. HIBERNIE REX. (Henry by the Grace of God, King of England, France, and Ireland); IHS. AVTEM TRANSIENS PER MEDIVM ILLORVM IBAT (But Jesus passing through their midst went His way.). Details are those of this museum object; how far it represents a wider type has not been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 3
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
This coin was struck during the end of Henry VIII's reign which ended in 1547 and lasted for 38 years.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- gold
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 4.2 cm (1 5/8 in.)
- Measurements
- Diameter: 4.2 cm (1 5/8 in.)
- Material and technique
- gold
Design
- Inscriptions
- HENRIC. 8. DI. GRA. AGL FRNCIE Z. HIBERNIE REX. (Henry by the Grace of God, King of England, France, and Ireland); IHS. AVTEM TRANSIENS PER MEDIVM ILLORVM IBAT (But Jesus passing through their midst went His way.)
Identification
- Date recorded
- 1544–47
- Culture period
- England, Henry VIII, 1509-1547
- Holding institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Museum object number
- 1969.173
- Published references
- Cleveland Museum of Art, and Emery May Norweb. English Gold Coins, Ancient to Modern Times, On Loan to the Cleveland Museum of Art from the Norweb Collection . [Catalog. 1968. p. 32
- Museum classification
- Coins
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Research required
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: this record describes a single museum object; confirm the wider coin type and standard catalogue references against numismatic literature.