• Additional view of object
  • Additional view of object
Dec 8, 2009
Dec 8, 2009

Half Angel: Angel Slaying a Dragon (obverse); Ship with Shield of Arms (reverse)

Half Angel: Angel Slaying a Dragon (obverse); Ship with Shield of Arms (reverse)

1526–44

Part of a set. See all set records

England, Henry VIII, 1509-1547

Gold

Diameter: 2.2 cm (7/8 in.)

Weight: 2.559 g (0.09 oz.)

The Norweb Collection 1969.171

Location

not on view

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Did you know?

This coin takes its name from the winged angel figure, St. Michael, who is spearing the dragon.

Description

During his life Henry VII had accumulated enormous wealth, and it took his son, Henry VIII, until 1542 to squander it. Henry knew the English coinage had been debased in the past and did not see why it should not be debased again, this time for his personal benefit. Full debasement began officially in 1544. The angel varied in value from 6 shillings 8 pence to 11 shillings between Edward's reign and the time of James I. During the reign of Henry VIII, it was valued at seven shillings and six pence (7/6) or 90 pence, the half angel being half that value. The angel was last produced under Charles I in 1642.

See also
Collection: 
MED - Numismatics
Department: 
Medieval Art
Type of artwork: 
Coins
Medium: 
Gold
Credit line: 
The Norweb Collection

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