Philip and Mary Shilling 1554-1558

1554-1558 Philip and Mary Shilling

On July 6th 1553, Mary daughter of Henry VIII was crowned Queen of England. One year later she married her young prince, Philip of Spain. The marriage had angered some of the people, causing several uprisings but they were soon quelled. Philip was never crowned, Parliament refused to sanction the Coronation. He left England in 1555 to return two years later after being crowned King of Spain. He stayed for a month and left never to return. Philip's departure and the realisation that she could not have children threw Mary into despair. She turned on the Protestants and 300 men and women were burnt at the stake in a period of three years, so becoming known as Bloody Mary. She died in 1558 after a harsh and bankrupting short reign unmourned by her subjects.

30 years later, it was Philip who sanctioned the Armada against England. As a result the coins of Philip and Mary are extremely difficult to find. However, we do have a few shillings dated 1554-55 in fine condition. It has been a few years since we were able to offer these coins, so do not delay with your order.