Henry VII coin value guide
Henry VII · 1485–1509 · Sovereign, Angel & Ryal, Testoon & Groat, Penny & smaller
Denominations
Sovereign, Angel & Ryal, Testoon & Groat, Penny & smaller
Reign
1485–1509
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
Henry VII, first of the Tudors, brought Renaissance realism to English coinage. He introduced the magnificent gold sovereign of twenty shillings in 1489 — the king enthroned in majesty — and late in the reign replaced the stylised medieval facing bust with a lifelike profile portrait on the testoon (shilling) and groat. His coinage bridges the medieval and modern worlds.
The gold sovereign is one of the most spectacular English coins and a major rarity; the profile groats and the first testoons are landmark, highly prized pieces. Earlier facing-bust groats and the smaller silver are more available. Denomination, type (facing vs profile), mint, grade and provenance set the value.
Sovereign — value by type
The gold sovereign of twenty shillings, introduced 1489 — the king enthroned in majesty, the largest English gold coin of its day.
| Type | Rarity |
|---|---|
Sovereign from 1489 King enthroned; one of the most spectacular and sought-after English coins. | Major rarity |
Angel & Ryal — value by type
The gold angel (6s 8d) and ryal, continued from the Yorkist coinage.
| Type | Rarity |
|---|---|
Angel / Half-Angel 1485–1509 St Michael and the dragon; the staple gold coin of the reign. | Scarce |
Testoon & Groat — value by type
The silver testoon (shilling, 12d) — the first English shilling — and the groat (4d), late issues showing the first realistic profile portrait.
| Type | Rarity |
|---|---|
Profile issue (testoon & groat) c. 1500–1509 Lifelike profile bust; the testoon is the first English shilling and a landmark coin. | Testoon very rare; profile groat scarce |
Facing-bust groat & half-groat 1485–1500s The earlier medieval-style facing crowned bust, struck at London, Canterbury and York. | More available |
Penny & smaller — value by type
The silver penny — including the new 'sovereign' type penny showing the king enthroned — halfpenny and farthing.
| Type | Rarity |
|---|---|
Penny / Halfpenny / Farthing 1485–1509 Includes the sovereign-type penny; mint and type drive scarcity. | Common to scarce |
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 a Henry VII coin worth?
Earlier facing-bust groats and smaller silver are the more accessible coins, while the profile groat, the first testoon and the gold sovereign are landmark, highly prized rarities. Use the valuation tool for a figure based on realised prices for comparable coins.
What is a testoon?
The testoon is the first English shilling (12 pence), introduced under Henry VII with a realistic profile portrait. Early examples are very rare and highly prized.
Why is the Henry VII sovereign important?
Introduced in 1489, the gold sovereign of twenty shillings was the largest and most magnificent English gold coin of its time, showing the king enthroned — the start of a denomination that continues to this day.