Great Debasement Trend 2026

The Great Debasement refers to the 16th-century English policy of heavily reducing the silver content in coins, primarily under Henry VIII and Edward VI. This inflationary tactic generated short-term royal profit, funding wars and filling the crown’s coffers. However, it severely devalued currency, harming merchants and the public, who faced soaring prices, while the monarchy alone reaped the financial benefit.