Henry VIII Silver Halfgroat Canterbury Warham S.2343 1526-32 Good Fine For Sale

A Henry VIII hammered silver halfgroat of the second coinage, struck at the archbishop’s mint in Canterbury between 1526 and 1532, with the initials W A beside the shield for Archbishop William Warham. It carries Henry’s own youthful portrait, introduced with the recoinage of 1526.Ex Classical Numismatic Group, sale 609, Lot 960, May 13 May 2026.

Description

In medieval and Tudor England, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York held the ancient privilege of striking coins at their own mints. Their coins followed the royal designs but carried a mark identifying the archbishop. On this halfgroat, the letters W and A flank the royal arms for William Warham, Archbishop of Canterbury from 1503 until his death in 1532. Warham had crowned the young Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon in 1509, and served through the early years of the king’s campaign to annul that marriage. His successor, Thomas Cranmer, would grant the annulment in 1533.

The obverse shows the crowned bust of Henry VIII facing right, with the legend naming him King of England and France. With the recoinage of 1526, Henry’s own portrait finally replaced the likeness of his father, Henry VII, that had appeared on his earlier coins. The reverse bears the quartered royal arms over a long cross fourchée, with W and A at either side and the legend CIVITAS CANTOR (“City of Canterbury”).

Struck in sterling silver before the Great Debasement of Henry’s later reign, this coin links the king, his archbishop, and the approaching English Reformation in a single small piece of silver.

Please refer to the photos as part of the description, as they are a critical part of accurately representing this item’s condition and details.

Specifications Country England Ruler Henry VIII (1509–1547) Denomination Halfgroat (two pence) Date 1526–1532 (undated) Mint Canterbury (Archbishop William Warham) Mintmark Cross patonce Classification Second coinage References SCBC 2343; North 1802 Composition Sterling silver (.925) Weight / Diameter 1.33 g / 19 mm Die Axis 2 o’clock
Condition

Good Fine (gF). The portrait, shield, and W A initials remain clear, with moderate even wear. Toned. The coin shows rough scratches from an old cleaning, visible in the photographs. Please examine the photographs carefully, as grading is subjective.

Grading & Returns

For coins not certified by a third-party grading service, any grade stated in this listing represents our good-faith opinion. We describe and grade each coin as accurately and conservatively as possible; please examine the photographs carefully and use your own judgment regarding grade and condition. If the coin does not meet your expectations, it may be returned within 14 days for a full refund in accordance with the return terms stated in this listing.

Shipping

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