I have wanted a Henry VIII "Old Bust" for some time and won this at a respectable price. Despite its wear, there is still a good portrait left. Took some help from another board to get the right type and was glad it was a lifetime issue. Henry VIII (1509-1547 A.D.) AR Groat Third Coinage O: D. G. AnG. FRA. Z hIB. RЄX, , crowned bearded bust half right, rose after rex. , Laker bust A. R: C[IVI] TAS BRIS TOLIЄ, royal coat-of-arms over long cross fourchée; lis in forks; pellet below third quarter of shield; rose after TAS, lis before BRIS; pellet on inner border. Bristol mint; im: -/WS “monogram of William Sharrington” Struck circa 1546-1547. 2.45g 26mm North 1846; SCBC 2372 Here is my young bust. Henry VIII (1509-1547 A.D.) AR Groat Second Coinage O: hЄnRIC’ VIII D’ G’ R’ ΛGLIЄ Z FRΛnCЄ, crowned bust right (Laker bust D); saltire stops, Lombardic lettering. R: POSVI DEV’ ΛDIVTORЄ’ mЄV’, royal shield over long cross fourchée; saltires in forks, double saltire stops, Lombardic lettering. Tower mint; im:arrow, 1526-1532 A.D. 25mm 2.55g SCBC 2337E; North 1797
Nice find. i didn't realize there were lifetime coins with 3/4 view portraits of Henry VIII. Very cool.
When flans are very thin it becomes important that the surfaces of the two dies have the same curve or flatness. If the die bulges in the middle, you can get a decent portrait but no legend but if the center of the die is very slightly cupped, you can get legends with a poor portrait. Between this factor and the poor metal flans, Henry's 3/4 coins are hard to find nice. You have a nice face for a Henry. I have more legend and less face.
Good example, Mat! I really like the 'old head' types showing the king as he appeared in his later years. Definitely not the guy you wanted to cross. My example:
