In 2009 to celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Accession of Henry VIII, the Royal Mint released a very Limited Issue £5 Five Pound Gold Proof Coin struck in solid 22 Carat Gold.
The reverse designed by John Bergdahl who was inspired by the majestic standing portrait of Henry by Hans Hollis. In the portrait, which is taken from a contemporary work by Holgein, Henry is shown standing before a frieze of roses in the 'antique' style much favoured in the carvings and tapestries of the period. He is presented within a petal shaped device used frequently to frame portraits on medieval coins.
The cipher HR (Henry Rex) is taken from an elaborately engraved gun barrel of the time and all is enclosed within a rope border representing the Royal Navy. The obverse design in the stunning portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank Broadley. These legal tender coins have been struck to proof quality using specially prepared dies and highly polished blanks.
Limited Mintage of 1,130 Worldwide
Struck to Royal Mint's Proof Quality in Solid 22 Carat Gold
Celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the Accession of King Henry VIII
