Celebrating the 500th anniversary of the ascension of a king considered to be controversial at the least, the Royal Mint has issued the 2009 UK Henry VIII £5 coins. These coins are available in platinum, gold, silver and cupro-nickel.
Dave Knight, Director of Commemorative Coins at the Mint, explains the choice for these commemorative coins:
“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.”
Assuming the throne at the age of 17 following the death of his father, Henry VIII married his first wife Catherine of Aragon, who also happened to be his dead brother’s widow…
Full Article: 2009 UK Henry VIII Coins – CoinNews
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This is a beautiful coin. I think that the celebrating of the anniversary is the best time to mint this kind of coins.