Henry VI, Groat, Calais Mint, Good Fine

Henry VI (1421–1471) was King of England from 1422 to 1461 and again from 1470 to 1471 and disputed King of France from 1422 to 1453. The only child of Henry V, he succeeded to the English throne at the age of eight months and succeeded to the French throne shortly afterwards. His early reign saw the pinnacle of English power in France, but by the time Henry was mature enough to rule in 1437 major setbacks were suffered in France, and England was in crisis. In contrast to his father, Henry VI is described as timid, shy and averse to war. By 1453, Calais was the only English-governed territory left in France. Henry’s domestic popularity declined as did his mental health, making him unable to rule. Civil war broke out in 1455, leading to a long period of conflict now known as the Wars of the Roses (1455–1487). Henry was deposed in 1461 by the King Edward IV of the House of York. Henry was captured and imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1465 before being restored to the throne in 1470. However, Edward IV retook power in 1471 and had Henry imprisoned at the Tower again, where he died – possibly under Edward’s instruction shortly after. We have on offer a group of nice silver groats from this important period in English history, they were struck at Calais and are in Good Fine grade. It’s the first time these have ever been offered as a feature so make the most of this opportunity.