King Henry VIII Accession 2009 UK £5 Brilliant Uncirculated Coin

The King Henry VIII Accession 2009 £5 commemorates the 500th anniversary of the second Tudor monarch ascending to the English throne. This brilliant uncirculated coin was issued by the Royal Mint to mark this significant historical milestone.

Henry VIII remains one of England’s most famous and controversial kings, renowned for his six marriages and his role in the English Reformation following his excommunication from the Roman Catholic Church. While commonly believed to have divorced two of his wives, historical records show these marriages were actually annulled. He’s also recognized as ‘the father of the Royal Navy,’ having established England as a formidable maritime power during his reign.

The reverse design, created by John Bergdahl, draws inspiration from Hans Holbein’s iconic portrait of the king. The design places Henry VIII prominently in the center, framed by a Tudor rose outline. This petal-shaped border was traditionally used on medieval coins to highlight important figures. Keen observers will notice the rope detail on the coin’s rim, symbolizing Henry’s connection to naval development.

The obverse features Ian Rank-Broadley’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. This cupronickel £5 coin weighs 28.28 grams and measures 38.61 millimeters in diameter. The brilliant uncirculated finish provides superior detail and quality compared to standard circulation coins.

This commemorative piece comes housed in an informative limited edition slipcase, making it an excellent addition to any collection focused on British monarchs or Tudor history.