Obverse: +HENRICUS DI GRA REX ANG, Henry VII seated on throne facing, single pillar.

Reverse: CIVITAS EBORACI, Royal shield over long cross, keys below shield.

Spink: 2236. [York, 1485-1509].

Diameter: 15.7 mm. Weight: 0.7 g.

A quality silver "Sovereign" penny of Henry VII. Struck between 1485-1509 at the York Mint. Henry VII - father of the Tudor Dynasty introduced the "Sovereign" coinage, so-called because the king is depicted seated on a throne, while the reverse shows the royal shield over a cross. This issue is regarded as marking the division between the coins of the Middle Ages and of the Renaissance in England. Beautifully toned with an idealised facing portrait of the monarch, highly evocative of the period. A wonderful little piece of medieval English history. Found by metal detectorist in Skipton Thorpe, East Yorkshire - sold with full PAS report.