Coin, excavated at Winchester, Hampshire, issued by Edward VI, at London, 1547 to 1553.

Base silver penny of Edward VI

Tudor, issued in 1547

Found during archaeological excavations on the Cathedral Green, Winchester, Hampshire

When Henry VIII died in 1547 his son Edward VI ascended the throne at the age of ten. Since he was too young to rule his uncle and 'Protector', the Duke of Somerset, ruled in his place. During the six years of his reign, until his death in 1553, three main coinages were struck. This is an example of the first, posthumous, coinage of his father and was struck in London in the name of Henry. The obverse carries the legend H.D.G.ROSA.SINE.SPINA ('Henry, by the Grace of God, A rose without a thorn' - a motto referring to the king and Tudor dynasty). Such coins, of base silver, were never popular.