Platinum coins depicting King Henry VIII will be issued by the Royal Mint later this year, it emerged yesterday (8th June).

The new designs are intended to mark the 500th anniversary of the famous monarch's accession to the throne and represent his first appearance on a coin for 450 years.

Only 100 are to be produced and Dave Knight, Director of Commemorative Coins at the mint, explained that they will be a hugely desirable addition to any coin collection.

"Love him or hate him, Henry VIII is undoubtedly one of history's most influential monarchs," he said.

"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."

The £5 coins, valued by the mint at £4,400 each, feature Henry VIII standing proudly in front of a frieze of roses and evoke the tapestry style that characterised his era.

In addition, the edges of the coins read 'rosa sine spina', a Latin phrase meaning 'rose without a thorn' which was also inscribed on coins during the controversial king's reign.

Henry VIII was in power from 1509 until his death in 1547.

Sources:

Coin marks Henry VIII anniversary (08/06/09)

The £5 Henry VIII commemorative coin that is yours for £4,400 (08/06/09)

Ÿ Adfero Ltd