While the Tudor rose is perhaps the most well known heraldic symbol of the Tudor family, hence the name, it is far from the only! This beautiful little pattern half penny is a prime example. On one side the crowned monogram is proudly displayed and on the other a simple portcullis. A portcullis is a heavy castle gate that can be employed in front of the main doorway in case of a siege. This uncrowned portcullis is actually the heraldic badge of the Beaufort family, which was connected to the family through the matrilineal line. Elizabeth’s grandfather, Henry VII, was the son of Lady Margaret Beaufort. It is interesting however that Elizabeth chose to use the older, non-royal, uncrowned version on her coinage.  Especially since her successor James I ordered the creation of a very similar example that employed a crowned portcullis.