Edward VI coin value guide
Edward VI · 1547–1553 · Sovereign & Gold, Crown & Half-Crown, Shilling & smaller
Denominations
Sovereign & Gold, Crown & Half-Crown, Shilling & smaller
Reign
1547–1553
What a coin is worth depends on its exact type, mint, grade and provenance — the type tables and value factors below explain what drives each one.
About these coins
Edward VI, the boy king, inherited the debased coinage and, after further base issues early in the reign, restored fine silver in 1551 with a splendid new series — including England's first silver crown and half-crown, showing the king on horseback, and the shilling, sixpence and threepence. The gold ranged from the base coinages to the magnificent 'fine sovereign' of thirty shillings.
The 1551 fine-silver crown is a landmark — the first English crown and a popular, impressive coin; the horseman half-crowns and the fine gold are prized. Base issues and the smaller silver are more accessible but historically interesting. Coinage (base or fine), denomination, mint, grade and provenance set the value.
Sovereign & Gold — value by type
Gold ranging from the early base issues to the fine sovereign of thirty shillings and the half-sovereign, crown and angel.
| Type | Rarity |
|---|---|
Fine Sovereign / Half-Sovereign / Angel 1547–1553 The fine sovereign showing the king enthroned is a magnificent and prized gold coin. | Scarce to rare |
Crown & Half-Crown — value by type
The fine silver crown (5s) and half-crown of 1551 — the first English crown — showing the king on horseback.
| Type | Rarity |
|---|---|
Fine silver Crown / Half-Crown 1551–1553 King on horseback, dated; the first English crown and a popular impressive coin. | Scarce — landmark type |
Shilling & smaller — value by type
The fine silver shilling, sixpence, threepence and penny of the 1551 coinage, plus the earlier base shillings.
| Type | Rarity |
|---|---|
Fine Shilling / Sixpence / Threepence 1551–1553 Facing or profile bust; the restored fine-silver denominations. | Collectable |
Base shilling & smaller 1547–1551 Debased early issues inherited from Henry VIII's coinage. | More available |
What drives the value
Type & rarity
Within a single reign, common types in collectable grade sit far below the scarce and rare types. Identifying the exact type is the first step in any valuation.
Mint & moneyer
Coins of rare mints, or with sought-after moneyer or privy-mark signatures, carry a clear premium over the common major-mint issues.
Grade & surfaces
A full, sharp strike with a clear portrait or design and legible legends commands the most. Weak striking, chips, cracks and corrosion all reduce value.
Provenance
A pedigree to a named cabinet or a recorded hoard adds both value and confidence in authenticity, especially for scarcer and higher-grade pieces.
Frequently asked questions
How much is an Edward VI coin worth?
Base issues and smaller silver are the more accessible coins, while the 1551 fine-silver crown and half-crown and the fine gold are scarce, landmark pieces. Coinage, denomination, grade and provenance set the level — use the valuation tool for a figure based on realised prices for comparable coins.
What was England's first crown coin?
The silver crown of Edward VI, struck in fine silver in 1551 and showing the young king on horseback. It was the first English crown (five-shilling) coin.
Why are there base and fine Edward VI coins?
Early in the reign the debased coinage of Henry VIII continued, but in 1551 fine silver was restored with a new series, so his coins fall into base and fine groups.