Platinum Crowns

A new crown coin produced by the Royal Mint to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII's accession to the throne. Article by Richard Alleyne. Photo: PA
The Royal Mint has issued 100 of the Crowns in platinum at £4,400 each to mark a reign which instigated the Golden Age in English History.
It is the first time in more than 450 years that the monarch's head has graced a coin and Royal Mint hope they will become treasured mementoes of his controversial reign. "Love him or hate him, Henry VIII is undoubtedly one of history's most influential monarchs.
"His reign changed the face of England forever and we felt it was essential that this remarkable period of history was commemorated with a lasting and treasured memento."
A further 1,509 (the year he came to power) coins in gold are also available for £1,195 each with 10,000 more in silver, priced at £44.95, and 100,000 in nickel for £9.99.
The Royal Mint's coin shows the great king standing before a frieze of roses in the 'antique' style much favoured in the carvings and tapestries of the period.
The edge of the coin features a Latin inscription "ROSA SINE SPINA", which was also used on Henry VIII's own coinage and translates as 'Rose without a Thorn'. TheTamshee says: click here for informative web site, helping kids develope there Tudor knowledge.