Edward VI (1547-53), gold Half-Sovereign, second period (c. 24th January 1549-18th December 1550), struck in crown gold of 22 carat at Twenty Shillings face value, Tower Mint I, crowned armoured bust right, linear and beaded circles surrounding with legend both sides, initial mark arrow both sides, EDWARD; VI: D; G; AGL; FRA; Z: HIB; REX., rev. quartered shield of arms in crowned frame, E to lower left, R to lower right, legend surrounding with lozenge and rosette stops, SCVTVM* FIDEI* PROTEGET* EVM., 4.97g (Schneider 672; N.1911; S.2438). A little unevenly toned with some darker spots, otherwise with a decent portrait, graded by NGC as XF45.

NGC certification 6674779-002

The abbreviated Latin legends translate as on the obverse "Edward the Sixth, by the Grace of God, King of England, France and Ireland"; and on the reverse "The shield of faith shall protect him."

The second period of coinage under King Edward VI shows a confident return to the 22-carat standard for a gold Half-Sovereign struck in "crown gold" in the name of the boy King. The mint mark of arrow is representative of the activity at the Tower Mint I under Sir Martin Bowes the Under-Treasurer. Along with the mintmark of swan the arrow mark relates to the accounting time period 24th January 1549-18th December 1550. Mint marks arrow and swan account for an output of some £48,246 worth of gold coinage.

Estimate: £ 5000 - 6000