Shilling of Edward VI

The hammered silver coin was sent in by Stephen Palmer on behalf of a friend who wanted a valuation.

The coin is a profile type shilling of Edward VI. It was struck during the second period, which commenced in January of 1549 and ended in April of 1550. This shilling weighs 80 grains and contains roughly 50% of base metal. Debased silver coins were first issued during the third coinage of Henry VIII and it was not until 1553 that they returned to the sterling standard.

This shilling was struck at the mint in the Tower of London. On the obverse is bust 5 and the mint mark on this side is a swan. On the reverse the mint mark is a downward pointing arrow and at the end of the legend is the date in Roman numerals – M:D:X LIX for 1549. In the Standard Catalogue shillings of this type are listed as number 2466.

Valuation

The overall standard of manufacture of Edward VI debased profile type shillings was not good. Extant examples are often badly struck and even those that have not circulated for long have flat and weak areas. The example pictured is well above average. The legends are readable and the image of the young King Edward is finely detailed and one of the best I have seen. A further plus point is the rare combination of mint marks.

Despite being discoloured in places I’d grade the coin as about VF for issue. If I was cataloguing it for sale at auction I would place upon it a pre-sale estimate of £400-500.

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