Edward VI (1547-1553), in the name of Henry VIII gold 1/2 Sovereign ND (1547-1549) MS62 NGC, Tower mint, Arrow mm, S-2391, N-1865 (R), Schneider-645. 6.12gm. A fantastic conditional rarity from within this posthumous series minted by Edward in the name of his father, the type as such almost never escaping the lower levels of AU on the high end, let alone entering into the Mint State tier so near to choice; to-date, this is the sole certified specimen in such lofty quality across NGC and PCGS combined. Perpetuating the trends of Henry VIII's Great Debasement despite the desires of monetary authorities to restore the coinage, Edward's early gold continued to be struck to a fineness of less than 20 carats, leading to a disastrous outflow of gold from the country, perpetuated by the king's war debts and financial mismanagement of Sir William Dansell in the Low Countries. Owing to the conclusion of peace with France in 1550 and consultation with Thomas Gresham after 1551, the coinage began to be restored. Though this coin's strike is rather weak in places, with the reverse showing a die shift, those elements that are well-expressed appear deeply impressed and lined by die polish.

HID09801242017

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