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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Gold Sovereign: Mary I also issued gold sovereigns with her portrait, although these are even rarer and more valuable than her silver coins.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.