Lot 3655
Great Britain. Half Sovereign, ND. S.2451; Fr-187. Edward VI, 1547-1553. Third period, Mint mark, tun. Half length figure of King facing right, holding orb and sceptre. Reverse: Crowned shield. This superb specimen is struck on a very large flan with good strong detail and very sharply struck lettering. The min mark is extraordinarily well defined. Lots of original luster. This coin compares well with the Slaney collection specimen sold by Spink in London in May 2003 (lot 4). Described as 'unusually full and deeply struck for this piece' the Slaney coin fetched 7760 British Pounds (around $14,500). NGC graded EF-45.
**Edward VI had a brief and often unhappy life, but his short series of coins is among the most popular and eagerly collected in English numismatics. Edward was born at Hampton Court on October 12, 1537, the only legitimate son of King Henry VIII. His mother, Jane Seymour, died 12 days later. Her epitaph reads: Here lies Jane, a phoenix, / Who died in giving another phoenix birth, / Let her be mourned, for birds like this / Are rare indeed.
Small of stature and pale with short red hair, Edward was a devoted Protestant and a keen scholar. Edward sanctioned the promotion of his mother's brothers, the Seymours, to the highest offices of state, but he acquiesced in their subsequent liquidation. Edward grew close to his half-sister Elizabeth (later Elizabeth I) with whom he shared a household for many years. His older sister Mary was a zealous Catholic but her religion and the vast differences in their ages prevented a close relationship. Edward became King at the age of 10 but he was originally a mere figure head. During his brief reign Edward demonstrated impressive piety and intelligence, but his potential would never be realized.
After reigning for only 6 years, he died an agonizing death aged 16, in July 1553, possibly from a combination of tuberculosis and the measles.
Estimated Value $8,000 - 10,000.
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| Realized $10,925 |
