Struck during the reign of Henry VII, the founder of the Tudor dynasty, this remarkable gold Angel is a powerful survivor from one of the most important periods in English history. Henry came to the throne in 1485 after the Battle of Bosworth and ruled for 24 years, bringing a measure of stability to England after the Wars of the Roses. His marriage to Elizabeth of York helped unite the rival houses of Lancaster and York, establishing the Tudor line that would shape the nation for generations.

The Angel was one of the most impressive gold coins of its age. First introduced under Edward IV, it continued through the Tudor period and took its name from the dramatic image of the Archangel Michael on its obverse. Here, Saint Michael is shown standing over and piercing a dragon with a long spear, a striking symbol of good overcoming evil. The hand-struck method of production gives each surviving example its own character, with subtle variations in the alignment and strength of the design.

On the reverse, a richly detailed ship sails across the field, carrying the royal arms of England. A tall, cross-shaped mast divides a lowercase ‘h’ and a Tudor rose, combining the king’s initial with the emblem of the dynasty he founded. This distinctive design reflects the importance of royal authority, faith and seafaring power in late medieval England.

Made in high-purity gold, the Angel was valued at six shillings and eight pence during this period. It was a substantial denomination, intended for use in significant payments and ceremonies rather than ordinary daily trade. Gold Angels were also closely linked with the royal practice of touching for the healing of scrofula, often known as the ‘King’s Evil’, giving the denomination a unique place in the traditions of monarchy.

For collectors of Tudor coinage, hammered gold and English medieval history, a Henry VII Gold Angel offers an exceptional connection to the beginning of a dynasty. Its combination of the legendary Saint Michael design, the royal ship reverse and its direct association with the first Tudor king makes it a coin of enduring historical presence.

(*Please note, the image is representative of the coin you will receive. Available coins have mixed mint marks and classes)