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Classic Holbein Style Portrait Testoon of King Henry VIII
Henry VIII (1509-47), debased silver Testoon. Tower Mint, third coinage (1544-47), facing crowned bust
of King in ruff, Latin legend and beaded borders surrounding both sides, cross on crown breaks inner
border both sides, initial mark pellet in annulet both sides, lombardic lettering with slipped trefoil stops,
hEnRIC; 8;: D;. G;. AGL’. FRA’: Z; HIB; REX; Rev. crowned Tudor rose, crowned h to left, crowned R
to right, POSVU; Devm; ADIVTORivm; mEvm; weight 6.60g (N.1841; S.2365). Some flan weakness and
imperfections around rim, some light scratches on reverse, striking flaw to right of bust, with a pleasing
portrait for this issue in the Holbein style, good very fine for issue, in PCGS holder graded VF Details
(Gouged),
very rare.
$6,750
PCGS certification 34312654. Struck in the period of debasement of the coinage, when theKing tookmore profit fromthe coinage to
helppayfortheupkeepof hisarmiesonthecontinentandhisextravaganttaste,earninghimthenickname“OldCopper-nose”indirect
relation to theseTestoon coins as thefirst place any basemetal would showthroughon these coinswas upon the highpoint of the nose.
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