This reproduction Henry VIII Half-Angel is moulded directly from an original coin and is made from lead-free pewter that is 22ct gold plated.
Housed in specially designed packaging, the coin pack features an image of Henry VIII on the front, the two coins in the collection inside, as well as historical information about the coins and Henry VIII.
The original half-angel would have been struck at the Tower of London between 1509 and 1526. The obverse of the coin has St. Michael standing on a dragon and the reverse has a ship bearing the royal shield.
Henry VIII, son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, was born at Greenwich Palace on 28 June 1491. After the death of his elder brother Arthur, Henry became Prince of Wales. Henry VIII acceded to the throne in April 1509, after Henry VII’s death and was crowned in June 1509 at Westminster Abbey.
Henry was eager to gain territory in foreign lands. In league with Spain, he waged war with France in 1512 and led his forces in 1513. The same year the Scots were defeated at Flodden. Henry VIII established a Navy of over 53 ships, including the Mary Rose, and the Royal Workshops at Greenwich c.1515 for the production of armour.
In 1520 he met with Francis I of France at an elaborate tournament called 'The Field of the Cloth of Gold'. Henry VIII died at Whitehall Palace on 28 January 1547, aged 55, and was buried at St. Georges Chapel, Windsor Castle. Henry was succeeded by his son, Edward VI.
