1526-1533 Crown of the double-rose – Henry VIII

The 1526-1533 Crown of the double-rose - Henry VIII (Second Coinage)

The Crown of the double-rose was a 22 carat gold coin denominated as 5 shillings. The letters H and K on the Obverse refer to Henry and Katherine of Aragon. Minted between 1526 and 1533 at the Royal Mint in London. Diameter about 25mm. Weight 3.69g.

The Crown of the double-rose (5 shillings) replaced the Crown of the Rose (4 shillings and sixpence) which was minted a few months earlier in 1526.

The Obverse shows a crowned double rose dividing the crowned letters H and K (for Henry and Katherine of Aragon). Mint mark is a rose. legend "HENRIC VIII RUTILANS ROSA SIE SPIN" meaning "Henry VIII a dazzling rose without a thorn".

The Edge is plain.

The Reverse shows a crowned shield quartered with the arms of England and France within a line circle. Legend around shows a mint mark of a rose, with legend "DEI G R AGL Z FRANC DNS HIBERNIE", meaning "By the Grace of God, King of England and France, Lord of Ireland".

On later coins the "hK" (for Henry and Katherine of Aragon) was later replaced with "hA" (for Anne Boleyn), "hI" (for Jane Seymour) or "hR" (Henry Rex). "hK" was also used for Katherine Howard.

There are variations, see SCBA 2273 to 2283, and North p1788.

Image credit: Museums Victoria

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