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1 Groat - Henry VIII 3rd coinage, Bristol mint
| Issuer | England |
|---|---|
| Year | 1546-1547 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| Reference(s) | Sp#2372, North#1864 |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin (uncial) |
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| Reverse description | A cross fourchée (forked cross) extends to the edges of the coin, dividing the field into four quarters each bearing one quarter of the royal arms. At the centre, a quartered shield displays the arms of England and France. Fleurs-de-lis ornament the forks of the cross, and the entire design is contained within a beaded inner circle. The reverse legend names the Bristol mint in abbreviated Latin, identifying this as a product of the provincial Bristol workshop active during the final years of Henry VIII's reign. |
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| Additional information |
Henry VIII's third coinage was a deliberate debasement, driven by the crushing cost of his French and Scottish wars in the 1540s. Silver content collapsed progressively — coins struck at Bristol in these final years of his reign were among the most debased, with alloy quality varying noticeably even within the same issue. Bristol operated as one of several provincial mints activated specifically to meet the voracious demand for new coin.
Henry died in January 1547, making this among the last issues of his reign. Bristol mint closed shortly after, having served its purpose as an emergency production facility during the debasement years.