1 Crown - Henry VIII Crown of the double-rose

The "Crown of the double-rose" denomination was introduced in 1526 as part of Henry VIII's currency reform, which devalued the Angel and created two new gold coins specifically pegged to the continental crown at 4s 6d. The reform was driven partly by the chronic problem of English gold being undervalued relative to French and Flemish coinage, causing bullion to drain abroad. Cardinal Wolsey oversaw much of the negotiation behind the revaluation.

By the later issues of this type, Henry had debased the coinage considerably — though the Crown of the double-rose itself held its fineness longer than the silver series, which collapsed spectacularly after 1544.