Henry VIII Hammered Silver Irish Groat - First Harp Coinage c.1534-1540 h-R
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Monarch: Henry VIII (Tudor)
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Denomination: Groat (Fourpence)
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Date of Issue: c. 1534–1540
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Metal: Silver
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Mint: Tower Mint, London (for Anglo-Irish circulation)
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References: Spink S-6479 / North N-1932
Design & Legend Breakdown:
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Obverse : Features a crowned, quarterly shield of arms of England and France superimposed over a long cross fourchée that extends right to the edge of the coin, neatly dividing the outer border. Legend: hENRIC’ VIII D’ G’ R’ AGLI’ Z (Henry VIII by the Grace of God King of England etc.)
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Reverse : Features a beautifully detailed, crowned Irish harp. Crucially, this piece is flanked by the crowned royal initials "h" on the left and "R" on the right (henricus Rex). Legend: FRAnCIE DOMInVS hIBERnIE (France and Lord of Ireland)
Ex Harper Fields auction