England – Henry VII (1485–1509) – AR Silver Halfgroat (2 Pence) – Canterbury Mint – Tudor Dynasty – Medieval Hammered Coin
Country: England
Ruler: Henry VII (1485–1509)
Dynasty: Tudor
Denomination: Halfgroat (2 Pence)
Mint: Canterbury (attributed)
Metal: Silver (AR)
Weight: 0.88 g
Diameter: 18 mm
Condition: Fine (F)
Production: Hammered coinage
Obverse: Crowned facing bust of King Henry VII within an inner circular border, surrounded by a partially preserved Latin inscription. The royal crown remains clearly distinguishable, while the facial features exhibit moderate circulation wear.
Reverse: Long cross pattée dividing the field into four quarters, each containing three pellets. Portions of the surrounding medieval Latin inscription remain visible. The cross and pellet arrangements retain relatively well-defined details.
Historical Background:
Henry VII ruled England from 1485 to 1509 and founded the Tudor dynasty following his victory over Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485.
His accession marked the end of the Wars of the Roses and the beginning of a new period of political consolidation in England.
During his reign, Henry VII strengthened royal finances, encouraged commercial activity and maintained the established system of silver denominations used throughout medieval England.
The halfgroat, valued at two pence, was an important denomination within the English monetary system, facilitating commercial transactions and everyday payments.
Canterbury was one of the ecclesiastical minting centres associated with English medieval coinage, reflecting the historical relationship between royal authority and the Church.
Silver halfgroats of Henry VII are sought after by collectors of Tudor history, medieval English coinage and early hammered silver currency.
Condition and Collector’s Notes:
A collectible example of a late medieval English silver halfgroat attributed to King Henry VII.
The obverse features a recognizable crowned facing bust, with visible crown details and moderate wear across the portrait.
The reverse displays a well-defined long cross pattée and groups of three pellets in each quarter, with portions of the surrounding inscription preserved.
The coin exhibits an irregular hammered flan, natural grey and brown toning, localized surface deposits and circulation wear consistent with its historical age.
The recorded weight is 0.88 g, with a diameter of approximately 18 mm.
The Canterbury mint attribution is based on the accompanying collector’s ticket and has not been independently verified through the surviving inscriptions.
An appealing historical addition to a collection of Tudor coinage, English medieval silver or European hammered coins.
The photographs depict the actual coin offered for sale and form an integral part of the description.