© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
1 Testoon - Henry VIII 3rd coinage ND
| Billon | 7.68 g | 31 mm |
| Issuer | England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| King | Henry VIII (1509-1547) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1544-1547 |
| Value | 1 Testoon (1⁄20) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Billon |
| Weight | 7.68 g |
| Diameter | 31 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#130681 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 92% |
Reverse
Crowned Tudor rose, crowned h R flanking
Script: Latin (uncial)
Lettering: POSVI DEVm ADIVTOREm mEVm
Lettering (regular font): POSVI DEVM ADIVTOREM MEVM
Translation: I have made God my helper
Comment
House of Tudor (1485-1603), Henry VIII (1509-1547), Third coinage (1544-1547), Tower mint, London.The first Testoons were struck during the reign of Henry VII but little documentary evidence exists which would suggest they were initially unpopular. They next appeared in Henry VIII's third coinage, which silver was progressively debased from 9oz (2dwt) [0.758] through 6oz (2dwt) [0.508] and finally down to 4oz (2dwt) [0.342].
Some coins, having a high proportion of copper, started to show copper on the high points as the coin wore - particularly the nose - leading to Henry VIII acquiring the nickname "old copper nose" or "copper nose Harry".
The Testoon was eventually replaced during the reign of Henry's young son, Edward VI, with a new coin of higher silver content called the Shilling. It is not certain whether the name change was deliberate - as a means of severing association with the base coins of Henry VIII - or whether shilling was simply a more popular name that "caught on".
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Standard circulation coin 1 Testoon - Henry VIII (3rd coinage) ND (1544-1547) from England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) made of Billon weighing 7.68 g is that it was minted during the reign of King Henry VIII, who was known for his lavish spending and love of luxury items. This coin, which was used as a standard circulation coin during his reign, features an image of the king on one side and a crowned shield on the other. Despite its relatively small size and weight, the coin was an important part of the economy during this time period and was used for everyday transactions.
