British Coins Henry VIII (1509-1547)


35


First coinage, Groat, Tournai, mm. crowned cursive T, reads AGLIE, CIVITAS TORNACEN’, saltire after ACEN, 2.97g/10h (Hoc 215ff; Hewlett 2; Laker B; N –; S 2317). Some double-striking on obverse, otherwise about very fine, rare £2,000-£2,600 Provenance: Lockdales Auction 78 (Ipswich), 16-17 May 2010, lot 367.


The siege and capture of Tournai in September 1513 marked the end of Henry's military campaigns in France. The decision was taken to crown the achievement with a special issue of groats and halfgroats, to the same weight and fineness as contemporary English issues, and a commission authorising the striking of coinage at Tournai was dated 7 March 1514. It is thought that the total issue, which amounted to 2,381lb, was coined in a matter of 3 or 4 weeks; the dies were prepared by Henry Basse, a London goldsmith who was later to become chief engraver at the Tower. At more or less the same time, French gros à l’écu were also produced, probably by local craftsmen, within the Tournai mint. Upkeep of the garrison and fortifications at Tournai proved to be horrendously expensive and, in 1518, the city was restored to France following the Treaty of London


36


Third coinage, Angel, mm. lis, annulet to left of nimbus and on ship’s side, 5.02g/11h (SCBI Schneider 622; N 1830; S 2299). Surfaces crimped and marked, otherwise good fine


£800-£1,000


37


6.84g/6h (Jacob dies O4/R8; N 1842; S 2367). Small edge split and obverse metal flaw, otherwise better than fine for issue


£600-£800


Provenance: Possibly from the Thames foreshore; DNW Auction 107, 20 March 2013, lot 189 Third coinage, Testoon, Southwark, mm. S on obv., E on rev., double trefoil stops on obv., sleeve stops on rev.,


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