Here is a fine specimen of this rare type that so often is struck very poorly. This piece is the exception to that rule as it has great detail. Also, as so many of these are, it was bent over the years but expertly straightened as noted on the slab. A great opportunity for the specialist who understands these rare coins from medieval England.
Mary I, also known as Mary Tudor or "Bloody Mary," was the Queen of
England and Ireland from 1553 to 1558. She was born on February 18, 1516, and
she was the daughter of King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. Here are some
key points about Mary I:
- Reign
and Marriage: Mary's reign as queen began in 1553 after the death of
her younger brother, King Edward VI. She was the first queen to rule
England in her own right. Mary married Philip II of Spain in 1554, forming
a union known as the Habsburg-Valois alliance.
- Religious
Policy: Mary I is often remembered for her efforts to restore Roman
Catholicism in England after her father, Henry VIII, had broken with the
Catholic Church. She initiated a series of religious persecutions known as
the Marian Persecutions, which earned her the nickname "Bloody
Mary." Many Protestants were executed for heresy during her reign.
- Restoration
of Catholicism: Mary's reign saw the restoration of Catholic
practices, including the revival of the authority of the Pope in England.
She also sought to undo the religious changes introduced by her father and
her brother, such as the dissolution of monasteries.
- Marriage
and Succession: Mary's marriage to Philip II did not produce an heir,
and her death in 1558 led to her younger half-sister, Elizabeth I,
ascending to the throne. Elizabeth's reign marked the beginning of the
Elizabethan era.
- Challenges
and Conflicts: Mary's reign was marked by domestic and international
conflicts. Her marriage to Philip II was part of a broader European
alliance and led to England's involvement in conflicts such as the
Habsburg-Valois Wars.
- Legacy:
Despite her harsh religious policies, Mary I is often viewed as a tragic
figure in history. Her reign was relatively short and marked by
significant challenges. Her attempts to re-establish Catholicism faced
resistance, and her actions were seen by many as excessive.
Mary I's reign remains a subject of historical debate and
discussion, particularly in terms of its religious and political implications
for England and Europe during the 16th century.
Coins from the reign of Queen Mary I of England, who ruled
from 1553 to 1558, are indeed historically significant, and some can be
considered rare and collectible due to their limited mintage and historical
importance. Mary I's reign saw the re-establishment of Catholicism in England,
and her coinage reflects the religious and political changes of the time. Here
are some rare coins from Queen Mary I's reign:
- Mary
Groat (Fourpence): Mary I introduced a silver coin known as the
"groat" during her reign. These groats often featured her
portrait on the obverse and the royal coat of arms on the reverse. Some
rare varieties may have specific mint marks and inscriptions.
- Mary
Testern: The testern was a silver coin introduced during Mary's reign,
with her portrait on the obverse. These coins are rare and highly sought
after by collectors.
- Gold
Sovereign: Mary I also issued gold sovereigns with her portrait,
although these are even rarer and more valuable than her silver coins.
- Angel
and Half Angel: Some gold coins, such as the angel and half angel,
were issued during Mary's reign and featured religious imagery. These
coins are sought after by collectors due to their historical and
numismatic significance.
- Tanners:
The tanner was a silver coin with a value of sixpence. Mary issued tanners
during her reign, and some varieties can be considered rare.
- Base
Metal Pennies: Mary I introduced base metal pennies, which were made
of copper and tin, and some of these early base metal coins are scarce and
collectible.