Henry VIII (1509-1547)

Henry VIII (1509-1547), Head of the Church, restitutional silver medal or 'so-called' pattern crown, c. 1545, crowned bust virtually full-face, holding sword of state and orb, rev., crowned arms with lion and dragon supporters, HR monogram below, ANGLICE Z HIBENICE ECCLESIE SVPREMVM CAPVT, 43mm (cf MI 47/43). Good very fine and rare.

Medallic Illustrations states '…the unsatisfactory nature of the workmanship renders it probable that it is a copy, made in the present (ie 19th) century on the Continent…', however H. E. Pagan (BNJ 40, 1971, "Mr. Emery's Mint"), writing of these pieces states they "could very well be products of the Emery mint".

Provenance: Bt. eBay, December, 2012.