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HANDBOOK
OF THE
COINS OF GEEAT BEITAIN
AND
IEELAND
IN THE
BRITISH MUSEUM.
BY
HERBERT A. GRUEBER, F.S.A.,
ASSISTANT KEEPER OP COINS.
W.TH S.XTY FOUR PLATESj CROFORMED BY
W.TH S.XTY-FOUR PLATES4 p RSERVAT | O N
SBLVJCES
Wi 2 5 199!
DATE..
LONDON:
POINTED BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM :
BERNARD QUARITCH, 15, Piccadilly* W. ;
HENRY FROWDE, Oxford University Press Warehouse, Amen Corner, E.G.;
C. KOLLIN & FEUARDENT, 6, Bloomsbury Street, W.C.,
and 4, Kue de Louvois, Paris ;
A. ASHER & Co. ; KEQAN PAUL, TRENCH, TRUBNER & Co. ;
LONGMANS, GREEN & Co.
1899.
[All rights reserved.]
LONDON:
PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED,
STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS.
PREFACE
BY THE KEEPEK OF COINS.
THIS Handbook contains descriptions of all the specimens exhibited
in the window-cases of the Corridor of the Department of Coins and
Medals ; viz. 974 English, 234 Scottish, and 134 Irish Coins, ranging
from the earliest Anglo-Saxon issues, circ. A.D. 600, down to the
present day. Much additional historical and descriptive matter,
together with lists of the mint-marks chronologically arranged under
each reign and translations of the mottoes (given in the Appendices),
will it is hoped make this work a comprehensive guide to the entire
coinage of Great Britain and Ireland. It has been written by
Mr. H. A. Grueber, who is also responsible for the historical Intro-
duction. The sixty-four Collotype Plates, by the Clarendon Press,
Oxford, give representations of all the more interesting specimens.
The proof sheets have been read throughout by myself.
BARCLAY V. HEAD.
British Museum.
CONTENTS.
PEEFACE iii
INTRODUCTION v ji
ANGLO-SAXON COINS ...... 1
ENGLISH COINS ........ 34
SCOTTISH COINS 162
IRISH COINS 213
APPENDIX A. SEQUENCE OP MINT-MARKS ON ENGLISH COINS FROM
EDWARD IV TO CHARLES II 249
APPENDIX B. MOTTOES, ETC., ON COINS ....... 253
INDEX 258
PLATES . . i-lixv
INTRODUCTION.
THIS Handbook of the Coins of Great Britain and Ireland is mainly ARRANGE-
inteuded as a guide to the series of coins exhibited in electrotype in HENT-
the corridor of the Department of Coins and Medals in the British
Museum. The sections illustrated comprise the Anglo-Saxon, English,
Scottish, and Irish, and an attempt has been made to present to
the public such a series as will convey a good general idea of these
sections of British numismatics. In the case of the Anglo-Saxon
coins, the types of which are very numerous and varied, a few-
examples only of each reign or period are given ; but in the English,
Scottish, and Irish sections nearly every denomination is shown,
and, so far as possible, those of each separate issue. The classifi-
cation is chronological : thus the gradual development of the coinage
is brought before the eye of the spectator. The descriptions in
this work are limited to the pieces actually exhibited ; but, in order
to make it a general guide to British numismatics, copious notes are
added throughout which give a history of the coinage. At the head
of each period or reign a general summary is given of the denomina-
tions, issues, weights, standard of metal, &c., of the coinages, the
descriptions of which immediately follow.
The aim of this Introduction will be to give in outline a general
historical view of British numismatics from the Anglo-Saxon period
onwards. We shall, however, refer briefly to the earlier coinages
current in Britain, as it is from the later of these that many of the
Anglo-Saxon types were derived. Specimens of these coinages are
not shown in this exhibition, as they are included in the series of the
Coins of the Ancients.
Previous to the Anglo-Saxon period the coinages current in Britain BRITISH
were the Ancient British and the purely Roman and Romano-British.
The unit of the first class was the gold stater, the type of which was
derived from the stater of Philip II of Macedon. In its transit across
the Continent but few signs of the original type of the coin of Philip
remained : and it is only by tracing it back through its successive
degradations that its source can be ascertained. The early pieces are
mostly without inscriptions. No certain date can be fixed for the
introduction of this coinage into Britain ; but it must have been about
the middle of the second century B.C. The issues were for the most part
Vlll INTBODUCTION.
BRITISH in the central and southern districts, as it is in these localities that the
INAGES. nn( j s occur. Quarter-staters were also struck, and at a later
period small silver and copper pieces. The advent of the Romans is
clearly to be traced in the types of the coins, which now more nearly
follow those of the Roman money. Many of these coins struck during
the later half of the first century B.C. are remarkable examples of the
die-engraver's art, and rival in execution some of those purely Roman.
Inscriptions now often occur, and in them we meet with the names of
British chiefs who are known to us from history, and of some of whom
history makes no mention.* There is Commius, the King of the Atrebates,
who was in Britain at the time of Caesar's second invasion in 54 B.C.,
and his sons Tincommius, Verica, and Eppillus ; also Cunobelinus, King
of the Trinobantes, the Cymbeline of Shakespeare, whose mint was
at Colchester, and Cartimandua, Queen of the Brigantes, who is
mentioned by Tacitus. j" This coinage did not last much after the
invasion and conquest of Britain by Claudius (A.D. 43), and from
that time for centuries only Roman money circulated here. Judging
from the hoards which are constantly unearthed, the importation of
Roman money must have been very considerable. It consisted almost
entirely of silver and copper, as gold coins are but rarely found, and
then generally singly. No Roman mints were established till the end
of the third century, when we find Carausius and Allectus striking
coins at London and Colchester. The London mint was continued by
Constantine the Great, and the last Roman Emperor to strike coins in
Britain was Magnus Maximus, who died in A.D. 388.
SAXON There is now an interval of over two centuries during which time we
COINS, have no numismatic records ; but it may be concluded that the Britons
continued to use Roman money, chiefly the small copper pieces which
were extensively imitated. In this interval Britain had passed under
the sway of other invaders, the Saxons, who after a while instituted
a new coinage of a very different character from that which had preceded.
This coinage was in a measure like that which was in currency in
Gaul ; but it differed from it materially. The Gaulish or Merovingian
coinage was essentially a gold currency ; though some silver was
struck. | The money introduced by the Saxons into England was
mainly of silver. In their own country, since early times, they had
possessed a silver currency ; and when Rome debased her coinage and
issued pieces of copper washed with silver, Germany adhered to the
imperial denarius, and in the 4th and 5th centuries the silver coins of
Nero and those of Diocletian were current together. |j In establishing
this money in England the Saxons were but continuing the currency
they had been accustomed to for centuries. Also in Germany, as in
England, silver was more easily obtained than gold. Finds of Anglo-
* Evans, Coins of the Ancient Britons, p. 130 et seqq.
t Ann. xii. 36.
| Little silver was found in Gaul, but there was a good deal of gold. Diod.
Sic. v. 27.
Keary, Coinages of Western Europe, p. 112.
Mommsen, ed. Blacas, torn. iii. p. 132.
INTBODUCTION. ix
Saxon sceattas mixed with the small denarii of the Rhine show that in ANGLO-
Northern Germany, and more especially in those parts of the Continent CO?NS!
opposite our own shores, these coins had a wide and important
circulation.
Before proceeding to trace the progress of the Anglo-Saxon coinage DENOMINA-
it may be well to mention briefly the various denominations of which TIONS -
it is composed. The actual pieces current were three in number, or at
most four. These were the sceat in gold and silver, the penny in silver,
and the styca in base silver and copper. Not more than one of
these denominations was struck at one time in the same district ; and
the sceat and the penny could only have been current together for
a few years. The fourth denomination is the gold solidus, which
is imitated from the Roman coin of that name ; but as so few
specimens are known it is quite possible that they may only have
been intended for ornaments and not for currency. The sceat the
name of which signifies treasure, value, or payment is a small and thick
gold or silver coin weighing about 20 grs. The gold sceat is properly a
triens or tremissis, i.e. a third of the solidus, and by that name it was
known in the Roman and Merovingian coinages. It may also, when in
currency, have been known as the thrymsa. The silver sceat was at
the rate of 5/ or 4^ to the shilling, according to the district in which
it was current; the Wessex pound being equivalent to 48 shillings
and that of Mercia to 60 shillings. The penny, which is derived from
pening, penig or pending, is intimately connected with the old German
pfand signifying a pledge or value. As compared with the sceat it is a
much thinner and broader coin. Its full weight was 22^ grs. troy, and
240 were equivalent to the Saxon pound of silver. This coin is of
Frankish origin, and dates from the middle of the 8th century. The
styca, etymologically " piece " (Germ. Stuck), in its form and character
was very nearly allied to the sceat. At first it was of base silver,
but it soon degenerated into copper. Its weight varied from about
19 to 14 grs. ; but there is no record of its current value as compared
with the sceat or the penny or the moneys of account. The solidus, as
already mentioned, was similar in type and weight to the Roman coin
of that name.
Besides the above denominations there are several others mentioned
in the Anglo-Saxon laws and literature : but they were not current
coins, but merely money of account. These are the pound, the mark, the
mancus, the thrymsa, the shilling, and the ora.* Their respective values
were as follows :-. the pound was equivalent to 240 pennies or 250
sceats ; the mark, a unit of weight in use north of the Baltic, was half
the pound; the mancus, a word of uncertain derivation, was ^ of a
pound, and therefore equal to 3Qd. ; the thrymsa, which may be the
same as the tremissis or triens, was equivalent to ^ of the old solidus,
and perhaps the same as the sceat of gold ; the shilling (der. scilling, = a
' ' division ") varied in value as has been mentioned according to the
* Cat. Eng. Coins, Vol. I., p. xxxiii.
X INTRODUCTION.
DEXOMIXA- district, being in Wessex at 48 to the pound and in Mercia at 60 to
the pound ; and the 6m (Icel. = e:,rir, - Lat. aurum), also a Danish
money of account, was y 1 ^ of the pound, or equivalent to 3 or 3f
shillings according to the locality.
SOEAT The earliest Saxon coin struck in Britain was the sceat. It is a
SERIES small and somewhat thick coin, measuring in diameter from * 5 to '45
in. Those in silver weigh from 20 grs. to 12 grs., but the gold pieces
keep fairly to the standard weight of 20 grs. It is at this point that
the descriptions of the coins in this Handbook begin. The date of the
commencement of this Anglo-Saxon money is somewhat uncertain ;
but, comparing it with the Frankish and German coinages, it may
be fixed at about the beginning of the 7th century. The gold
solidi, if intended for currency, might be placed to a somewhat earlier
date.
TYPES. The types of the sceat are very numerous, and fall generally into
the three following classes * : (i) Those which have Roman coins as
their prototypes ; (ii) Those which are of Frankish origin ; and (iii)
Those which appear to represent native art. Of these three classes
the first is the most common, and the second the least so. In copy-
ing the Roman coin-types the engraver had before him coins which
he was accustomed to handle, and it is not at all remarkable that he
made use of them for his designs. In the case of the gold sceattas we
have direct copies of Roman types. No. 1, pi. i, with the head on the
obverse and three busts on the reverse, is a direct copy of the solid us
of the 4th century. No. 2, pi. i, gives a type of the solidus of the 5th
century, though frequently found on Merovingian coins. The most
common type of the silver sceattas is that which shows a bust on the
obverse and a square compartment enclosing the letters VOTT, etc., on
the reverse. These types are taken from the bronze coins of Con-
stantine II, &c. Others have a figure holding one or two crosses, which
is also a Byzantine type of the 5th and 6th centuries. The more
common of the Merovingian types are a bird standing on a cross, or a
plain cross on steps, with the head on the obverse in profile or facing.
Those designs, which show some native art, are birds, dragons, fan-
tastic animals, and ornaments of various forms, roses, annulets, wheels,
arabesques, &c. Most of the early sceattas are uninscribed, but
some have legends in Roman characters, whilst a few are in Runic.
The legends in Roman characters are mostly blundered and meaning-
less, showing that the engraver of the dies did not know what he was
copying, but on some the name of London is to be read, often however
crudely written. Coins with Roman legends are chiefly of Roman
types. The only name in Runic characters on the uncertain sceattas
which has been recognised is that of Epa, Apa, <kc., who is supposed
to have been a brother of Peada, King of Mercia (see No. 6). The
coins of Epa and Peada are so similar in type that this identification
may be correct.
* Cat. Eng. Coins, Vol. I., p. xviii.
INTRODUCTION. XI
The district over which the currency of the sceattas extended has TYPES.
been clearly marked by finds. It reaches in the north to the Humber,
and in the south to the borders of Wessex, i.e., about the present site
of Southampton. This district was known as the littua Saxonicum. The
subsequent coinages of Mercia, East Anglia, and Northumbria enable
us also to locate the types to particular districts. Thus the coinage
with Roman prototypes prevailed mostly in the southern parts, Kent
and Mercia, the sceattas bearing the mint-name of London being
exclusively of this class ; whilst those whose types are of more native
design are met with more frequently in East Anglia and the more
northern districts. Distinct traces of these types are found in the
early coinage of Northumbria (see No. 77, p. 14). It must not, however,
be assumed that the currency of the coins of a particular class was
confined to one locality, for finds of mixed types are met with in each
district. Few, however, appear to have passed much north of the
Humber or further to the west than the borders of the old kingdom
of Wessex. It is not possible to state with any precision over what
period of time the sceat was struck. It was introduced, as we have
already said, about the beginning of the 7th century, and it continued
till about the middle or end of the 8th century, when it was supplanted
by an entirely new coin the penny. The issue of the sceat overlapped
by some years the striking of the penny, which was not introduced
simultaneously in each district. Thus in East Anglia the sceat may
not have disappeared till after the reign of Aethelberht, who was
murdered in 794, and in Northumbria we find no traces of the penny
till about the year 875.
The next period of the Anglo-Saxon coinage is of a more definite gJJJJJ"
character. Hitherto we have had to deal with anonymous coins. We KINGDOMS.
now enter on a period when the coins bear inscriptions which enable
us to locate their issues within well-defined districts, and to classify
them to certain kingdoms which formed part of the so-called Hept-
archy. These kingdoms are Mercia, Kent, East Anglia, Northumbria,
and Wessex. This order may not be strictly chronological, but it is
the most convenient one for our purpose : since the coinages of Mercia
and Kent are a good deal intermingled, whilst those of East Anglia
and Northumbria are each of a distinctive character ; and that of
Wessex which state was the last to adopt a coinage in the end
absorbs those of all the other four districts.
The most important change which took place in the currency of
England at this time was the substitution of the silver penny for the
sceat. The penny, or as it was called in early times the novus denarius,
was of Frankish origin, and was first struck by Pepin the Short about
the year 755. As compared with the sceat it is a larger and flatter
coin, and at first weighed about 17 grs. ; but it very soon rose to
22 grs., and remained at that standard for a considerable time.
Whether or not its issue was in any way influenced by the Arab
dirhem, which had a considerable currency in northern Europe, is
uncertain. At all events it differed considerably from that coin both
in type and size. This new coin quickly spread throughout Europe.
Xll INTKODUCTION.
ORIGIN OF It drove out of circulation all the Roman silver money, and soon put
PENNY an end to all the gold coinages, especially the Merovingian, and then
became the sole medium of exchange for some centuries. The Anglo-
Saxon penny, from its initiation, varied in type very materially from the
Frankish piece. The latter was of a very simple form, consisting
mainly of a monogram on both sides, sometimes accompanied by the
king's name and the place of issue. The Anglo-Saxon piece was much
more ornate in character. The general types were * :
1. Obv. the king's head ; rev. some form of cross or ornament.
2. Obv. and rev. some form of cross or religious symbol.
The name of the king or person under whose authority the coin was
issued usually occupies the outer circle on the obverse, and on the
reverse is that of the money er who was responsible for the just weight
and purity of the coins. At a later date the name of the place of
minting was added to that of the moneyer. The first Anglo-Saxon
king to strike pennies was Offa, king of Mercia, who appears to have
introduced this new coin early in his reign. (See below.)
MERCIA. Taking the coin-striking kingdoms of the Anglo-Saxons in the order
we have proposed, that of Mercia first claims our notice. The earliest
Mercian coins are of the sceat class. They bear the names of Peada,
who ruled A.D. 655-657 ?, and ^Ethelred, who is probably the Mercian
king A.D. 675-704. The coins of the former are of purely Roman types,
but those of the latter show a mixture of Roman and native design,
thus pointing to a somewhat later date. The legends on Peada's coins
are in Roman and Runic characters, but those of JEthelred are in
Runes only. The name of the king in each instance is on the reverse.
From this time to the reign of Ofia there are no numismatic records
of Mercia. That king did not strike any sceattas, and, as his coins are
of the penny class only, it may be presumed that he adopted this new
piece early in his reign, and that he was therefore the first to introduce
it into England. The pennies of Offa are of two series : those with the
bust of the king on the obverse, and those without the bust. The earlier
of the two was probably the penny without the bust, as these coins
more nearly approach the sceattas in their types ; whilst those with
the bust are continued in the following reigns. It is a remarkable
circumstance that, from an artistic point of view, the coins of Offa
excel subsequent issues. The types of Offa's coins consist of crosses
of various forms, floral designs, interlaced patterns, and intertwined
serpents ; and the busts, though perhaps originally derived from those
on Roman coins, are not however servile copies, but depict really fine
examples of Anglo-Saxon art. They are well formed, and the head
bears a life-life expression, whilst the hair is usually arranged in close
curls or plaits, or else it is loose and flowing. The king's name is
placed on the obverse, and on the reverse that of the moneyer ; the
inscriptions being generally in Roman characters, but here and there
traces of Runes survive. There are no indications of mint-names, but
* Cat. Eny. Coins, Vol. I., p. xxii.
INTRODUCTION. Xlll
we may conclude that the principal Mercian mint was in London. MERCIA.
The coins themselves, however, show that after the defeat of the Kentish
men at Otford in 775, when Kent became a fief of Mercia, Offa made
use of the Canterbury mint. Not only do we see the Canterbury
moneyers striking for Offa, but in their coinage the Archbishops
acknowledge Offa and his successor, Coenwulf, as their overlord (see
Nos. 55-56, p. 9). We may mention a very curious and interesting
gold coin bearing the name of Offa, which was found some years ago in
Rome.* It is an Arab dinar, similar in type and legends to those of
the Amawi and Abbaside dynasties. It is dated A.H. 157 (= A.D. 774),
and on one side, in addition to the usual legend, it is inscribed
OFFA REX.f It is conjectured that this curious piece was made in
England by a workman ignorant of the Arabic language, and that it
is a specimen of the coins sent by Offa to the Pope in fulfilment of his
promise to send him annually 365 gold mancuses as an offering. The
Arab dirhem in silver was certainly imported by the Vikings into
England and Scotland on a limited scale, but at a somewhat later
date. If Offa paid this tribute in gold, it must have been in foreign
money, and it is only in this manner that such a piece could have
been included. It is difficult, however, to conceive, if any of these
coins had to be imitated, why such an exceptional piece should have
been selected. No doubt has ever been expressed of its authenticity.
It is unique.
For a while after the death of Offa the power of Mercia was main-
tained in Kent. Coenwulf, his successor, deposed Eadberht Praen
and placed Cuthred on the throne, and the Archbishop of Canterbury
acknowledged him as his overlord. His coins, too, bear the same
moneyers' names as are found on the contemporary kings of Kent, which
shows that, like his predecessor, he made use of the Canterbury mint.
His other mint was no doubt in London. Like Offa's coins, those of
Coenwulf are of two series, with and without the king's bust; but
a great decline is to be noticed in their general fabric. The types
become more conventional ; they are in lower and flatter relief ; and
there is an almost entire absence of the artistic skill so manifest in
Offa's pieces. After the death of Coenwulf Mercia began to decline in
power, being pressed on one side by East Anglia and on the other by
Wessex. Ceolwulf I, who had succeeded Coenwulf, continued to issue
coins similar in character to those of the preceding reign, and on some
we meet with the mint-name of Canterbury. After a short reign
Ceolwulf I was deposed by Beornwulf in 824, and he was himself slain
in the next year by the East Angles. In seeking to avenge his death,
Ludican, his successor, met with a similar fate. The most decisive
event for Mercia occurred in 829, when Ecgbeorht of Wessex defeated
Wiglaf, Ludican's successor at Ellandune, and drove him out of
his kingdom. So decisive was this victory that Ecgbeorht not only
for a time assumed the entire control of Mercia, but also styled
* Num. Chron. 0. S. iv. 232.
f Kenyon, Gold Coins of England, front, no. 13.
XIV INTBODUCTION.
MERCIA. himself " king of the Mercians," and struck coins in London (see
No. 125, p. 22), even using some of Wiglaf's own moneyers to engrave
his dies. Wiglaf was restored by Ecgbeorht in the following year,
but he became only a tributary king, and was not re-granted the right
of coinage. The numismatic records of these last three reigns are of so
scanty a character that they do not call for any special notice. When
Aethelwulf became king of Wessex he restored the right of coinage to
Berhtwulf, Wiglaf's successor, and the money of Mercia continued
without interruption till 874, when Burgred was driven out by the
Danes, who had by this time obtained a strong hold in England, and
who for a short time set Ceolwulf II on the throne. In 878, by the
treaty of Wedmore, made between Aelfred and Guthorm the Danish
leader, the independent kingdom of Mercia came to an end, and was
divided between Wessex and East Anglia. The restored coinage
of Berhtwulf is of the same character as that of his predecessor, but
the types are less varied, whilst that of Burgred is practically of one type
only. No mint-names occur in either case. The coins of Ceolwulf II
are of such excessive rarity that it is probable he exercised the right of
coinage to a very limited degree. They are of two types only, which
appear to be copied from Aelf red's coins (see No. 46). There is no series
of coins which illustrates more clearly the rise and downfall of a state
than that of Mercia. We can trace the rise of Mercian power under
Offa, the maintenance of its position under his successor, and the decline
under the following rulers. Then comes its temporary extinction under
Ecgbeorht, its restoration by Aethelwulf, and its final absorption by
Wessex. Its whole history is thus reflected in its coinage.
KENT. The coinage of Kent is of two series, regal and ecclesiastical, the
latter being issued by the Archbishops of Canterbury. Both series are
of the penny class. The earliest regal coins which can be associated
with Kent are those bearing the name of Ecgberht, who however
appears to be unknown to history except from a few charters. The
fact of his striking money of similar types to those of Offa, and also that
the names of his moneyers Udd and Babba are found on Offa's coins,
lends a countenance to the opinion of some historians that he may
have been a son of Offa. Ecgberht's reign extended from 765 to 791,
but it is quite possible that he did not strike any coins bill after
the conquest of Kent by Offa in 774, and that the right of coinage
was accorded to him by that king, As Kent remained under the
control of Mercia till it was incorporated into Wessex by Ecgbeorht,
its coinage was naturally much influenced by Mercian events. The
next king after Ecgberht of whom there are coins is Eadberht II
Praen ; but as his reign only lasted two years, his coins are few and
only of one type (see No. 48). Neither he nor his predecessor placed
their busts on their coins. Eadberht II was deposed by the Mercians,
and his place filled by Cuthred, who styled himself " King of Kent."
His money is of two series, with and without his bust. Nearly all his
moneyers are found striking for Coenwulf of Mercia, which shows
the power of that state in Kent. The main types, besides the bust,
are some form of cross, or the tribrach, the latter probably representing
INTRODUCTION. XV
the archiepiscopal pall. Baldred, the successor of Cuthred, was the KENT.
last of the Kentish kings. After a reign of twenty years he was driven
out by Ecgbeorht, and his kingdom was then annexed by Wessex. His
coinage is similar to that of Cuthred, and some of his types are of the
same pattern as the archiepiscopal money. The coinage of the Kentish
kings only lasted for about sixty years.
There is no record under what conditions or circumstances the right ARCH-
of coinage was granted to the Archbishops of Canterbury, beyond the
evidence supplied by the coins themselves. The fact that the earliest
coins, those of Jaenberht and Aethelheard, bear besides their own names
that of Offa, shows pretty clearly that it was by that king that this
privilege was accorded. For these and other rights the Archbishops
of Canterbury supported the power of the Mercian kings, and on
several occasions suppressed the rising of the Kentish men against
their overlords. As the power of Mercia declined, the archbishops no
longer placed the names of the Mercian kings on their coins, but
substituted for them those of their moneyers, and occasionally that of
their see. They also placed their own busts on the obverse. This type
was first instituted by Abp. Wulfred (805-832). It is also during his
episcopate that we first find the mint-name in the form of a monogram
on the reverse, a direct adoption of the type of Charles the Great.
One of the favourite types of his successor, Ceolnoth, was the Christian
monogram. The right of coinage was retained by the archbishops for
nearly a century after the conquest of Kent by Wessex, Plegmund
being the last prelate under the Anglo-Saxons to exercise it (890-914).
He was a Mercian by birth, and, being much favoured by Aelfred, was
eventually raised by him to the archiepiscopate. Most of his coins are
of one type only, having his name and that of his mint with a small
cross pattee on the obverse, and on the reverse the moneyer's name
divided by crosses and other ornaments. This type was copied from
Aelfred's own coins. A notable exception occurs in his placing the
name of the king before his own. It is probable that this type was
struck soon after his accession to the see. With Plegmund the
archiepiscopal money of Canterbury came to an end ; and henceforth,
when bishoDs and archbishops received the right of coinage, such money
was of the royal type only and cannot be distinguished from the
general series. At a later time, under the English kings, some special
mint-mark or an initial was occasionally used to distinguish the
episcopal coins.
Like that of Kent, the coinage of East Anglia is of two series,
regal and quasi-ecclesiastical. The regal series consists of sceattas *
and pennies and halfpennies in silver. Of the history of East
Anglia during the period to which the coins may be assigned we
know very little, and of eight kings of whom we have coins only
* Mr. Keary, Cat. Eng. Coins, Vol. I., p. xxiii., considers these also to be
pennies, and to be of a transition type between the sceat and the penny.
Their small diameter and thickness and also their types show a closer connexion
with the sceat than with the penny.
Xvi INTBODUCTION.
EAST three are recorded in history. For the classification of the coins we
ANGLIA. nave therefore to depend mainly on their fabric and style, and on the
evidence of finds. Thus the earlier pieces of Beonna and ^thelberht
approach in type more nearly the sceat series. The coins of
./Ethelstan I are generally found with others of Ecgbeorht of Wessex
and contemporary kings of Mercia and Kent, and scarcely ever with
those of Aelfred. Again, the types of u^Bthelweard's coins are repeated
on those of Aethelwulf of Wessex. It is by such means that we are
able to arrive at some arrangement.
Of Beonna, to whom the earliest East Anglian coins are assigned
we know very little beyond what is related by Florence of Worcester
and Alured of Beverley. These writers give his date as 758, which
agrees with the nature of his money. The legends, being partly
in Runic characters, also point to an early date. If uncertainty
prevails as to this attribution, still more so is it in the case of
^Ethelberht, who is supposed to have been a son of ^thelred, the suc-
cessor of Beonna. The only coin assigned to this king is of purely
Roman design, having the head on one side and the wolf and twins
on the other. As on Beonna's coins, the legends are partly in Runes
and partly in Roman letters. Passing over the coins, pennies, of
Eadwald, which resemble in type those of Offa, we come to the large
series bearing the name of Ethelstan or Aethelstan. Of their date
of issue there can be little doubt, since they are generally found with
Ecgbeorht's money, and those of contemporary kings of Mercia and
Kent.* It was probably ^Ethelstan of East Anglia who defeated and
slew Beornwulf and Ludican, and sought the protection of Ecgbeorht
against the incursions of the Mercians. By some writers he has been
supposed to be a blood relation of Ecgbeorht, but there is no evidence
to support this supposition. His large coinage points to an inde-
pendent rule, and also to a reign of considerable duration. The types
of his coins are however of a very simple character. A few are known
with his bust, but the majority have some form of cross or the letter A
for "Angliae." ^thelweard, the successor of JEthelstan, is also
unrecorded in history ; but his money readily finds a place between
those of Aethelstan and Eadmund. Beorhtric is another uncertain
monarch whose date is doubtful, and it is difficult to say whether he
preceded or followed -/Ethel weard. His coins are not sufficiently
numerous to suggest a definite solution. The last of the native kings
of East Anglia is Eadmund (St. Eadmund). He appears to have
ascended the throne about 857, and to have ruled till 870 ; when, being
attacked by the Danes, he was taken prisoner, and, refusing to abjure
Christianity, was murdered. Of this king there is a large series of
coins, none of which bear his bust. The types mainly consist of some
form of cross with ornaments or of the letter A. For some years after
Eadmund's death there was no settled form of government in East
* See more especially the find of Anglo-Saxon coins published in Num.
Chron., 1894, p. 28.
INTBODUCTION. XV11
Anglia, which was held by the Danes ; but in 878, when the Danish EAST
leader Guthorm was defeated by Aelfred at Ethandune, and was J
baptised under the name of jEthelstan, he received this district as part
of his dominions. After a reign of twelve years Guthorm died, and
a few years later East Anglia was incorporated into the kingdom of
Wessex. Guthorm 's coins, which are of one type only, were copied from
Aelfred's (see No. 72).
It is about this time that we meet with the quasi-ecclesiastical money 8T - EAI) -
of this district. It is known as the St. Eadmund coinage. It was COINAGE.
issued as a memorial of King Eadmund, who, as we have seen, was
murdered by the Danes in 870. The circumstances connected with his
death procured for him canonization, and the fact that we have this
large coinage shows that he must have been held in great reverence
in the country over which he had ruled. The types of the coins
and the moneyers' names on them prove that they were struck in
East Anglia, and that for a while they formed the principal currency
of that district. A few specimens are known with the mint-name of
York (Ebraice Civ.}, but these may have been Northumbrian imita-
tions. The large number of these coins which occurred in the Cuer-
dale hoard, the approximate date of burial of which was about 905,
shows that at that time they were then in general currency ; and, if
we assume that their issue did not begin much before the death of
Guthorm, we have thus a period of about fifteen years to which they
may be assigned. The fine condition of these coins in the Cuerdale
hoard, from which the majority of the known pieces came, also proves
that they could not have been long in circulation. These St. Eadmund
coins and those of Guthorm-^thelstan are the chief Anglo-Danish
money issued south of the Huinber.
Another ecclesiastical coin, which is placed under East Anglia, but
which more properly belongs to the Mercian series, is that which bears
the name of St. Martin and the mint-name of Lincoln (see No. 75). It
is of Danish origin, and in type and fabric somewhat approaches the
" St. Peter " money struck at York. The date of its issue must have been
before 943, when Eadmund of Wessex took Lincoln from the Danes, and
after the burial of the Cuerdale hoard, in which no specimen occurred.
The coinage of Northumbria is divisible into two separate periods, NORTH-
absolutely distinct from each other. The earlier period is that which
includes the rule of the Anglian kings ; the later, that of the Danish
usurpers. The series of coins of both periods are regal and eccle-
siastical or quasi-ecclesiastical. The coins of the Anglian rulers are
own as stycas. The types of the earlier pieces closely resemble those
the sceattas, consisting mainly of crosses and fantastical animals.
ery soon, however, these give way to more simple forms, such
as a small cross, or a circle, or often only a single pellet. The
inscriptions, consisting only of the king's name on one side and that of
the moneyer on the other, occupy the greater part of the field of the
coin. As already stated, the styca was of base silver, but it soon became
copper, and remained copper to the end of the series. We have no
information as to the current value of this coin as compared either
1)
XV111 INTRODUCTION.
NORTH- with the sceat or the penny. The earliest stycas are of the second half
8KIA> of the 7th century, and they extend down to the second half of the
9th century, when Northumbria came under the rule of the Danish
invaders.
The first king to whom stycas can be assigned is Ecgfrith (670-685),
and the latest, Osberht (849-867). The series is not quite continuous,
as there are several Northumbrian kings known to history of whom at
present we have no coins. Of the last three kings also we have no
money (see p. 16).
ARCH- The ecclesiastical coins of this class are those which were struck
O? IS YORK. by the Archbishops of York. These do not begin till some time
after the regal coinage. The first Archbishop of York, of whom coins
are known, is Ecgberht (734-766), who was a brother of King
Eadberht, and from whom he appears to have received the right of
issuing money. In acknowledgment of this privilege Ecgberht placed
his brother's name on his coins (see No. 89). It was precisely a
parallel case to that of the Archbishops of Canterbury, who placed
the name of their overlord on their coins (see p. xv). The coinage
of the Archbishops of York ceased with that of the Anglian kings.
The types are precisely similar to those of the regal series. There is,
however, one piece of a very exceptional character : the so-called
solidus of Wigmund (see No. 91). Whether this is a trial-piece,
which is very improbable, or an ornament, or an offering penny of the
same nature as Aelfred's large silver coin (see No. 134), it is not easy
to determine. The facing bust is of most unusual occurrence, and in
this form is only found on a few Roman coins of the 4th century. Its
appearance amongst a copper coinage seems so out of place that it
scarcely could have been intended for currency. It may therefore be
looked upon as an offering penny (Munus divinum, " divine offering "),
or it may have been intended to mark Wigmund's accession to the
archiepiscopate, which he designates as "Munus divinum, a divine office."
DANISH The conquest of Northumbria by the Danes and the expulsion of
the line of Anglian kings brought about a complete change in the
monetary system. In their foraging expeditions south of the Humber
the Danes had been accustomed to meet with the penny as the coin
in currency. Its introduction, therefore, into Northumbria followed
almost as a matter of course. The first Danish ruler in Northumbria
of whom we have coins is Halfdan (875-877) ; but it is possible
that these were issued before he obtained his new kingdom. Only
two specimens are known, and they are both of Aelfred's types (see
Nos. 9495). A regular coinage was, however, established by his
successor Guthred-Cnut, who modelled his money on that of the
Frankish coinage. From Guthred-Cnut the coinage is fairly con-
secutive, though with breaks occasioned by internal dissensions or by
the encroachments of Wessex, which now began to extend its power
north of the Humber. In its general character the coinage is quite
un-English, and rather Scandinavian or Frankish. The types are
varied and of interesting designs. Uncultured as these Northmen
were, they must have had skilful workmen.
INTEODUCTION.
XIX
ST. PETER
COINAGE.
The last Danish king to strike coins in Northumbria was Eric, who NORTH-
was expelled by Eadred of Wessex in 954. Northumbria was now
incorporated with Wessex, which extended from the southern shores to
the borders of Scotland, and whose monarchs henceforth styled them-
selves " Kings of England."
The ecclesiastical or quasi-ecclesiastical coinage of Northumbria
under Danish rule is that known as the " St. Peter " coinage. It was
struck at York, and is very similar in character to the St. Eadmund
coinage of East Anglia. It is difficult to fix the precise limits of its issue,
but from the evidence of finds and also from the nature of its types it
may be assigned to a period extending from about 920 to 940. This
would be contemporaneous with the accession of the second Scandinavian
dynasty in Northumbria, whose first king was Regnald (919-921).
Several of the types of Regnald's coins are met with on the " St. Peter "
money. The extent of the issue also shows that it must have lasted
several years. It is not beyond the bounds of possibility that it may
have been struck by the Archbishops of that time, who continued to
have their see at York.
The coinage of Wessex dates from the reign of Ecgbeorht. Previous WESSEX.
to that time Wessex does not appear to have struck any money ; and
the absence of finds of coins of an earlier date within the old limits of
the Wessex kingdom, tend to show that it did not feel the need of a
currency. Ecgbeorht succeeded to the throne of Wessex in 802 ; but
there are no coins which can be attributed to him for at least the first
twenty years of his reign. The beginning of the West Saxon coinage
was one of the consequences of Ecgbeorht's conquest of Kent in 825
and the expulsion of its king, Baldred. This conquest placed Canter-
bury with its mint in the hands of Ecgbeorht, and the coins themselves
show that he at once availed himself of the opportunity of establishing
a coinage of his own. His early money not only bears the types of
Baldred's and his predecessor's coins ; but we find all Baldred's moneyers'
names on his coins. Ecgbeorht's coinage is therefore in its origin
entirely Kentish, and is of the penny class only. Having thus assumed
this right, Ecgbeorht looked upon it as a mark of kingly power ; for
when, a few years later, in 829, he drove out Wiglaf from Mercia, he
seized also the London mint and struck coins there (see No. 125), and
did not allow any Mercian coins to be issued during the rest of his
reign. The types of Ecgbeorht's coins are numerous, but the large
majority are only copies either of Kentish, Mercian, or East Anglian
coins. A few, however, such as the monogram of Canterbury, the
" Rex Saxoniorum " type, &c., show a certain amount of originality.
The coinages of Ecgbeorht's more immediate successors present but
little change. Aethelwulf somewhat increased the number and variety
of his types, and styled himself " Rex Cantiae," or " Rex Saxoniorum,"
or " Rex axoniorum Occidentalium," thus marking his extended
jurisdiction ; but from his reign to that of Aelfred the coinage assumes
a more simple form. During this period the Canterbury mint only
appears to have been in use, so that the Wessex money preserved its
Kentish character.
b 2
XX
INTRODUCTION.
AELFRED.
AETHEL-
RED n.
It was at this period that the Vikings began to renew their raids on
England, and on his accession Aelfred found himself beset on all sides
by this foreign foe. We have seen how these invasions affected the
coinages of East Anglia and Northumbria, and though they left their
mark in Wessex, yet that state was not affected in this respect to the
same extent. The greater part of Aelf red's reign was occupied in resist-
ing the attacks of the Danes ; but he emerged from the conflict with
success, and saved his kingdom from the threatened annihilation and
England from becoming entirely Danish. By the treaty with the Danish
leader Guthorm, made after the battle of Ethandune, the Danes drew off
to the district north of the Thames, whilst Aelfred added the greater
part of Mercia to his dominions. This accession of territory is marked
by a large issue of coins at London and Oxford. Besides minting at
these places and at Canterbury, he also struck coins at Bath, Exeter,
Gloucester, Winchester, &c., which show that from this time the
coinage becomes more general, and is not, as before, limited to Kent.
Aelfred's coins present a considerable variety of types, and the most
remarkable are those with the mint-name in monogram. The coinages
of the following reigns clearly mark the growth of Wessex. Eadweard
the Elder on his coins perhaps commemorates the building of the
burgs, which were erected to keep the Danes in check ; Aethelstan, his
successor, strikes coins as far north as York on his victory over Anlaf
of Northumbria; and the increasing power of Wessex is witnessed
by mints at Norwich, Nottingham, Shrewsbury, and Warwick. The
expulsion of Eric Blothox from Northumbria by Eadred in 954, placed
that kingdom under the rule of Wessex, which now established its
power over the whole of England.
It must not be assumed that after the conquest of Northumbria the
country remained undisturbed by the Northmen. There was a lull of
about twenty-five years, during the reigns of Eadwig, Eadgar, and Ead-
weard II, in which time there was a marked expansion and increase
of the coinage, and mints were established at no less than thirty-six
places, which extended from Exeter in the south-west to York in the
north. The output of coins was very remarkable, not only for their
number, but also for their excellence of design and workmanship.
Soon after the accession of Aethelred II the troubles with the North-
men and Danes recommenced, and England was attacked in the north
and in the south. Then began the dangerous practice of tribute.
Large sums of money were paid to the invaders, whose greed could not
be satisfied, and again and again fresh demands were made. At last
Aethelred committed a rash act which brought down on him the
vengeance of his enemies. In the year 1002 he ordered a general
massacre of Danes, which is known as the Massacre of St. Brice, as it
occurred on the mass-day of St. Bricius (13th Nov.). This act was
fraught with serious consequences for Aethelred and for England.
In revenge, Svend, King of Denmark, invaded England with a large
force, and the country was for some years at the mercy of the invaders,
who when worsted in battle took to their ships, but when successful
exacted large tributes. In 1013 Aethelred fled to Normandy; but,
INTEODUCTION. XXI
Svend dying shortly afterwards, he was restored to his kingdom after AETHEL-
a short struggle with Cnut, the son of Svend. Aethelred died in 1016.
It is an interesting fact that, in spite of all the trouble and disorder
into which England was plunged during this reign, there was not only a
considerable increase in the amount of coinage, but also an increase
in the number of mints and in the types of the coins. A much greater
regularity appears also to have been introduced in the striking of the
coins, since we find the same types used at nearly all the mints, the
only difference consisting in the names of the moneyer and the mint.
The uniformity of fabric and style of each separate type is most
remarkable. With a single exception the types consist of the king's
head on one side, helmeted or diademed, and on the other side some
form of ornament, generally a cross. The one exception is the Agnus
Dei and Dove type (see No. 176), which at one time was thought to be
Danish ; but, as it only exists of English mints, it should be given to
the Anglo-Saxon series.
The discovery of very large hoards of English coins in Scandinavian
countries, larger than those found in England, suggests that much of
the tribute was paid in actual money. This wide-spread circulation of
Aethelred's coins led to their being copied in Denmark and Norway,
and even in Ireland, where the Danes had already formed settlements.
After a short contest with Edmund Ironside, son of Aethelred, CNUT -
which was followed by his early death, Cnut became master of the
realm, and England was for a time subject to Danish rulers. Passion-
ate and revengeful at first, Cnut soon showed himself a wise and
temperate king, and during his reign the land continued to prosper,
being now freed from the continuous invading hosts. Nearly all the
Danish troops were sent back to Denmark, only a small force being
retained for the protection of the king. This quiet state of the
country is reflected in the coinage, which in general appearance shows
a continuity with that of the previous reign. The number of mints
does not decrease, and at first Aethelred's types are copied. A slight
divergence, however, soon sets in ; but there is no material change.
There are only two varieties of the obverse type worth noticing ; these
are those on which the king is represented wearing (a) a high pointed
helmet such as he wears in the Bayeux Tapestry, or (6) wearing a
crown, which it is possible Cnut may have copied from German coins.*
After the death of Harthacnut, whose coinage, as well as that of his EDWARD
brother Harold I, resembles Cnut's, the restoration of the house of CON SSOR.
Cerdric in the person of Edward (the Confessor), Aethelred's son,
brought with it a new element into the history of England the intro-
duction of Norman influence. The sympathies of the young king lay
with the home and friends of his youth. He spoke their language, he
introduced their habits, he adopted a seal of Norman form for his
charters, and Norman favourites occupied the highest posts of Church
and State. Thus was laid the foundation of the great events which
* Cat. Eng. Coins, Vol. II., p. Ixxxix.
XX11 INTEODUCTION.
EDWARD were soon to follow. As this influence is not to be detected on the
CONFESSOR, coinage of this reign, it is not necessary to trace its course in the
history of the country. The coinage of Edward the Confessor is only
a continuation of what preceded ; and its general character therefore
was unchanged. There are as usual the same variations in the types,
some of which had a lasting effect, while others were only ephemeral.
An attempt at portraiture was also introduced. On his early coins
Edward the Confessor is represented without a beard : but his later
pieces show him with a beard, which he wore towards the end of his life,
" barba canitie insignis lactea." The facing bust too appears for the
first time : but it is a type destined to survive all the others. The so-
called sovereign type (see No. 189) was also an innovation, the obverse
representing the full-length figure of the king seated, facing, holding
sceptre and orb, being probably adopted from Byzantine coins, whilst the
reverse, the four martlets in the angles of a cross, is commonly called
the arms of the Confessor. There is no reduction in the number of
mints, and we meet with the same uniformity of style and fabric as in
the money of Aethelred II and Cnut. Edward's last type, that with
PAX between two lines on the reverse, was the only one used by his
successor, Harold II, during his short reign.
With the death of Harold II at the battle of Hastings, and the
usurpation of the throne of England by William of Normandy, the
second period of the English coinage since the coming of the Saxons is
brought to a close. We have already noticed how the general history
of Mercia is reflected in its coinage, its rise, its fall, and its absorption
by other powers. This equally applies to all the other Anglo-Saxon
kingdoms. In following up the history of the coinage which we have
briefly summarised, we first see how Kent came under the rule of
Wessex. East Anglia and the greater part of Mercia for a short time
were a prey to the Danish invaders, who after a while had to yield to
the advancing power of Wessex. In the meanwhile in the north the
Anglian kings of Northumbria had also to give way to the Danes, who
like their fellow-countrymen in the south were unable to stem the
irresistible force of Wessex. Thus after a struggle which extended
over a century and a half England was united- under one rule, and
subsequent invasions did not destroy this unity. This gradual
progress of the history of England finds an exponent in the coinage.
We can trace the rise and fall of each state through its coin issues, and
we can follow throughout the whole period the gradual growth of the
power of Wessex by the extension northwards of her minting places ;
so that when England was united under one rule the coinage of Wessex
extended from the Scottish border to the southern shores, and it
continued thus without any break down to the Norman Conquest.
Before proceeding to the next section of the English coinage, that
under the Norman kings, it may be well to refer briefly to the con-
stitution of the mints and to the position of the moneyers during the
Anglo-Saxon period.
ANGLO- The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and the other chronicles of the time
M^re. afford us no information respecting the constitution of the mints and
INTBODUCTION. XX111
the rules by which they were governed ; and it is not until the reign ANGLO-
of Aethelstan that any mention of mints is made in the laws. During MINTS.
the existence of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, whose coinages have been
described, each state had at least one central mint, and generally only
one. The principal Mercian mint was at London ; but for a time, as
we have shown, the Mercian kings occasionally made use of that at
Canterbury. The only mint of Kent was at Canterbury, which served
both for the regal and the archiepiscopal money. The East- Anglian coins,
we may presume, were struck at Colchester, where a mint had been
established under the later Roman emperors ; and the mint-place of
the Anglian and Danish kings of Northumbria was at York. Of this,
there is abundant proof. Wessex used Canterbury as a mint as soon,
as Kent was annexed to that state, and with the exception of a few
coins struck by Ecgbeorht at London, this was its only mint until
the time of Aelfred. When that king added a part of Mercia to his
dominions, he extended his mints to Bath, Exeter, Gloucester,
London, Oxford, and Winchester, those of Castle Rising and Lincoln
being somewhat doubtful. It is from the laws of Aethelstan that we
first obtain any information about the mints. By the Synod of
Greatley (A.D. 928) it was ordered that there should be one kind of
money throughout the whole realm, and that no one should coin save
in a town. This would imply that hitherto there had been occasionally
some irregularities in the issuing of the coins ; but it may also have
some reference to the Danish imitations of Anglo-Saxon money which
at that time had an extensive currency. The edict then proceeds to
declare that each burg was entitled to one moneyer ; but certain places,
on account of their importance, should have two or more. London was
to have eight, Canterbury seven four for the king, two for the bishop,
and one for the abbot Winchester six, Lewes two, &c. The result
was a large increase in the number of mints, which however somewhat
decrease during the successive reigns of Eadmund, Eadred, and Eadwig.
There are however a considerable number of coins of this period without
a mint-name of precisely the same type as those with mint-names, but
of such different fabric and style that they cannot belong to the same
localities. Under Aethelred IT, whose coins all bear the mint-name,
there is an enormous increase of mints, and with this increase there is
introduced a much greater uniformity in the general appearance of the
money ; and were it not for the occurrence of the names of the mints,
coins of the same type are so much alike that it would not have been
possible to determine whether they were struck at London, Exeter or
York, or any other place. There is no contemporary record of this
apparent re-organization of the coinage, which must have been brought
about by some system of centralization, under which the dies were issued
from one common source. Otherwise such uniformity could not have
been attained. The clue is to be found at a somewhat later date. From
Domesday * we learn that " in the city of Worcester Edward the Con-
* Vol. I. Ed. 1783, fol p. 176, s. v. Wirecestre.
XXIV INTRODUCTION.
ANGLO- fessor had this custom. When the money was changed each money er
was to P a J 20 solid! in London on the receipt of the irons (or dies) for
striking the coins." This custom was not confined to Worcester, as
several other places are also mentioned. If this practice of issuing dies
from one centre prevailed under Edward the Confessor, why should it
not have existed under Aethelred II. If it was so, we have a complete
explanation of the almost sudden uniformity of type throughout the
kingdom. The dies would be made from one pattern, and the only
difference would be in the names of the moneyer and the mint, which
would be varied to suit the circumstances. The want of a common
centre for the making of the dies would also account for the variety in
fabric of coins of the same type issued before this reign. The increase
of mints inaugurated by Aethelred II was continued to the end of the
Anglo-Saxon period, during all which time there was a great output of
coins, and throughout a general uniformity of style and fabric.
MONEYBRS. If the chronicles are silent about the mints, they are equally so as
regards the money ers. They give us no information whatsoever as to
the mode of their appointment, how they were chosen, what were their
duties and what was their status, whether mere artisans or men of
position. This has led to some controversy and great diversity of
opinion. We can only obtain our knowledge by a process of induction,
which may be gathered either from the coins themselves or from later
custom or practice. The earliest mention of the moneyer, or myntere,
is in the laws of Aethelstan, where it was ordered that certain punish-
ments should be inflicted on those who were guilty of misdemeanour in
their office. One punishment was that the guilty moneyer should have
his hand struck off, and that it should be placed in the smithy.* This
would imply that at this time the moneyer was the actual engraver
of the dies ; and this last supposition is somewhat confirmed by the
words ' ' me fecit," which are occasionally found after his name. If
this was his position under Aethelstan, we may conclude that it had
existed previously. When the change to the making of the dies at one
centre was introduced, the moneyer must have ceased to be a mechanic,
as there was no need of technical skill in his office. He became now an
overseer, and he was only responsible for the purity of the metal from
which the coins were struck and for their proper manufacture. From
the passage in Domesday already referred to we are told that for each
month that the dies were in use the moneyer had to pay a fine of
20 solidi, besides the sum he had already disbursed on receiving the
dies. To be responsible for so large a sum he must have been a
man of some substance. Madox, in his Hist, of the Exchequer, gives
a good deal of information about the moneyers during the reigns of
Henry II and Ill.f Like the other officers of the mint he was
elected by the burgesses, and it was a stipulated qualification that
he should be a trusty and prudent man. It was not required that
he should have any technical knowledge. He was to be a person
* Cat. Eng. Coins, Vol. I., p. xxxiii.
t Num. Chron., 1899, p. 109 et seqq.
INTEODUCTION. XXV
selected for his integrity, to be possessed of means, and one fully MONEYERS.
responsible for the performance of the duties of his office. He was
also liable to be summoned to Westminster to take part in the assays
of the coins and in the trials of the Pix, and if necessary to bring his
workmen with him. His position, therefore, was a very different one
from that of the money er, who for a dishonest act ran the risk of losing a
nlember. As the constitution of the mint under Henry II appears to
have been the same as under William I and Edward the Confessor,
may it not be inferred that the same conditions prevailed in the time
of Aethelred II, who, judging from the nature of his coinage, first
instituted the custom of having the dies engraved at one central
place, and then sent for distribution to all the local mints. If this were
so, then the change in the status of the moneyer dates from his reign,
and it continued without any material alteration so long as the office
lasted.
The Norman Conquest did not produce any immediate change in the
monetary system of England, and the silver penny continued to be the
only current coin, and it remained practically so until the end of the
reign of Henry III. There was no alteration in its general type, and
it preserved its standard of fineness and weight. This was probably
an instance of the policy of William of Normandy, who, wishing to be
looked upon by the people as the rightful heir of Edward the Con-
fessor, promised that they should be governed according to the old laws
of the land.
In the number of types, as compared with those of Edward the WILLIAM I-
Confessor, there was a slight diminution under William I and II, HENRYlL
whose respective coinages have not up to the present been definitely
separated (see p. 34). This diminution of types continued under
Henry I and Stephen, and when we come to Henry II we find that
they are reduced to two only during his whole reign. Of the coins
assigned to Richard I and John, which always bear their father's name,
there is only one type ; but under Henry III the number is again in-
creased to two. This fixity of type was an outcome of the deteriorated
condition of the money under the later Norman kings. As all the
types are given with the descriptions of the coins or in the notes, it will
not be necessary to mention them here except when any important
change occurs.
It will be seen from the plates that the early coinage of William I in
type and fabric resembles that of the later Anglo-Saxon kings. The
most remarkable change occurs in the king's bust being generally
presented full-face, holding a sword or a sceptre. This soon super-
des the profile bust. The fabric of the coins too shows that at first
e dies were engraved by skilled workmen, but before the end of the
ign of William II a considerable falling off in technical skill is notice-
le. It becomes more marked under Henry I, and the climax of
adation is reached under Stephen, whose money artistically is the
worst that had hitherto been struck in this country. The impress of
the dies was very imperfect and the inscriptions almost illegible. An
exception, however, is to be found in some of the semi-regal and
XXVI INTRODUCTION.
WILLIAM I- baronial coins issued during the civil war. It was this state of
' things that induced Henry II to establish a greater fixity of type, and at
the beginning of his reign to introduce a general type for all his money,
" which should be continuous." The type was therefore only once
changed by him, and this occurred in 1180, when the so-called " short-
cross type " was adopted. This remained in use till the middle of the
reign of Henry III. Greater care was taken in the actual striking of
the coins, which were of more uniform roundness and thickness, and
the inscriptions were clearly legible. This uniformity was adhered to
in the future, and became still more marked in succeeding coinages.
The mints under the Norman kings are as numerous as those under
the later Anglo-Saxon kings ; but towards the reign of Henry III their
number is so much reduced that they are limited to the chief centres
only. The same may be said of the moneyers' names, and even to a
still greater degree ; for with one exception only, that of Robert de
Hadley (see No. 243, p. 44), they disappear altogether after the time
of Henry III. This abolition of the office of moneyer as it had
existed since early Anglo-Saxon times, may have been caused in some
degree by a centralization of the working of the mints under the
superintendence of a general overseer. This officer appears to have
been first appointed by Henry II, when he carried out his reform in
the coinage in 1180. The change however was not a sudden one, but
took some time to develop. The rolls of the period of Henry III
furnish us with a complete list of the officers of the mint at that
time. The principal of these were : i. the Master, who was the
general superintendent of the mint ; ii. the Warden, whose principal
duty was the payment of the salaries of the other officers ; iii. the
Assayer, who was responsible for the purity of the metal ; iv. the
Cuneator, who had under his orders the engravers of the dies :
this office was hereditary ; v. the Keeper of the dies ; and vi. the
Moneyer, whose duty it was to receive the dies and to deliver them up
after use, and generally to superintend the striking of the coins and
to keep a record of the amount struck. Besides these there were a
number of minor officials.
In our remarks on the coinage since the Norman Conquest reference
has been made to the semi-regal and baronial coins issued during the
reign of Stephen, and to the fact that neither Richard I nor John
placed their own names on their English coins, but retained that of
their father, Henry. These points merit some special notice.
The semi-regal and baronial coins were those which were issued
during the civil war, when the Empress Matilda, the daughter of
Henry I, attempted to wrest the crown of England from Stephen on
behalf of her son Henry, whom she claimed to be the rightful heir.
This series is of two classes : that struck by the partisans of Stephen
and his own relations ; and that issued by the adherents and
supporters of the cause of the Empress. Of the former are the coins
of Stephen and Matilda, his wife, showing on the obverse their figures
in full length ; of Stephen's son Eustace, who was governor of York,
and to whom the right of coinage had been granted ; and of William,
INTRODUCTION. XXV11
Earl of Boulogne, who appears to have usurped the right of issuing WILLIAM i-
money. Of the latter class there are coins of the Empress Matilda HENRY IL
herself; of Henry, Bishop of Winchester, who at various times
supported both sides ; and of Robert, Earl of Gloucester, Eustace
FitzJohn, and Roger, Earl of Warwick, who commanded Matilda's
armies. Many of these coins are remarkable for the exceptional merit
of their work, so entirely differing in that respect from the coinage of
Stephen. They are also interesting as showing the places which from
time to time were held by Matilda and her generals. Besides these
there are a number of rude pieces, many of them counterstruck coins
of Stephen himself, which are said to have been issued by the turbulent
barons, who seized Stephen's castles and then turned them into mints.
Many of these pieces are of excessive rarity, and are much prized and
sought after by collectors.
The next point, the absence of the names of Richard I and John
on their English coins, is not easily explained. The pennies which are
classed to these reigns only vary from those of Henry II in slight
changes in the form of the bust. The name of Henry is on all of them.
This circumstance is the more noticeable as Richard struck coins in his
own name for his French dominions, and John did the same in Ireland,
when he was lord of Ireland, and after his accession to the throne.
Moreover there are English halfpennies of John struck at London
and Winchester, which bear his portrait and name (see p. 42). The
records also show that during both reigns the mints were in active
operation. In 1194 Richard ordered that one kind of money should
be current throughout the realm, and it is further stated that this was
carried into effect to the great advantage of the people. In 1199
John granted dies to Canterbury, and confirmed the right of coinage
to the Archbishops, and in 1208 writs were issued to the moneyers of
no less than sixteen different cities and towns to appear at Westminster
to receive dies, and it would seem that these dies were actually
delivered. It can therefore only be presumed that in Richard's case,
during his long absence from England, no steps had been taken to
stamp his name on his coins, and that on his return he did not
enforce a change. John, however, may have been actuated by other
motives. He had usurped the crown to the exclusion of his nephew
Arthur, and therefore, having no rightful claim, he may have thought
it better to follow the example set by his brother.
Passing on to the reign of Henry III we find that he made only one HENRY III.
change in his silver money. He retained for some years the short-
cross type of Henry II without any material alteration; but in 1248,
on account of the debased state of the coinage through clipping and
counterfeiting, he instituted a new one, the long-cross type, which
consists of a double cross on the reverse extending to the edge of the
coin. This device was adopted in order to make it more apparent
whether a coin had been clipped or not. To distinguish this coinage
further from the money which had preceded it, Henry placed either
the Roman numerals III or TERCI after his name. No alteration
was made either in the fineness or weight of the coins.
XXV111 INTBODUCTION.
HENRY ill. The most remarkable feature in the coinage of this reign was the
attempt to introduce a gold currency in the form of a penny, which
was to be current for twenty pence, but which was soon raised to twenty-
four pence. It occurred in 1257 (see No. 238). This innovation, which
had followed closely on the introduction of the fiorino d'oro into Italy,
was not a success; partly because the coin was rated too high in
comparison to the silver, and partly because the country was not
prepared to receive a coin of so high a value in general currency.
Notwithstanding the circumstance that at the time there was in the
country a large amount of foreign gold, which passed by weight, the
citizens of London protested, and the king listening to their protest,
the new coin was promptly withdrawn. It was not for nearly a
hundred years that a further attempt was made in this direction.
EDWARD I. The attempt at uniformity in the coinage begun by Henry II and
continued by Henry III was more effectually carried out by Edward I.
For the first few years of his reign he does not appear to have issued
any money, unless possibly he continued to use the dies of Henry III,
but in 1279 he ordered a new coinage of a new type. It was to
consist of the penny, halfpenny, and farthing, which were to have the
king's bust facing and crowned on the obverse, and a long cross
pattee with three pellets in each angle on the reverse.
" Edward did smyte rounde peny, halfpeny, ferthyng
Ye croice passed ye bounde of all yorghout ye ryng
Ye kynges side salle be ye hede and his name writen
Ye croyce side what cite it was incoyned and smyten." *
With the exception of the small issue by John (see p. xxvii.), the
halfpenny had not been in use since Anglo-Saxon times, and the farthing
was a new denomination. Groats of the value of four sterlings were
also ordered ; but there is considerable doubt whether any were struck
even as patterns, and whether or not pieces similar to No. 242 may
not belong to Edward IIL| This large silver coin had also been
ordered during the reign of Henry II on two separate occasions.!
The new type is a strong illustration of the stability of the English
coinage, as it became at once absolutely stereotyped, and was the only
one used for the silver money till the reign of Henry VII. Another
important change took place on the introduction of this type.
With the exception of Robert de Hadeley, who was the moneyer
at the Abbot's mint at St. Edmundsbury, the name of the moneyer
was now entirely omitted, and in its place was inscribed VILLA or
CIVITAS, which thus preceded that of the mint. This further
innovation was probably carried out under the orders of William de
Turnemire of Marseilles, who was appointed to the office of master of
the mint of England in 1279, and who was to have control of all the
mints, the number of which was now much reduced.
In consequence of the purity of the metal of this new coinage and
* Langtoft's Chronicle, see Bud., Vol. I., p. 194.
t Ib. Vol. I., p. 206. | 16. Vol. I., pp. 182, 186.
INTBODUCTION. XXIX
the admirable manner in which it was struck, numerous imitations EDWARD I.
were soon made in the Low Countries and in Germany. These coins
were as a rule lighter in weight and of baser metal than the English
penny, and very strict regulations had to be passed to prevent their
introduction into this country.* The principal ports were watched,
and every incomer had to expose under pain of forfeiture all the
money he possessed. Besides these pennies there was much other foreign
base money brought in. These were known as pollards, crocards,
scaldings, brabants, eagles, leonines, sleepings, <fec. They came chiefly
from France and the Low Countries, and their names were probably
derived from their types.
No further change occurred in the coinage until the eighteenth year EDWARD
of Edward III, except that the weight was slightly reduced from
22J grs. to 22f grs. to the penny. The moneys therefore of Edward I
and II and the early coinage of Edward III are difficult to
distinguish (see p. 43). We have here the same difficulty as with
the coinages of Henry II III. In his eighteenth year Edward III
made a more successful attempt than Henry III to establish a gold
currency ; but this attempt was not at first quite a success. A remedy
was however soon found, and since that time England has had a
continuous series of gold money.
For some time the want of a gold currency had been felt, and the
use of foreign money had been resorted to ; but such an arrangement
could not be lasting. In 1343 Edward III ordered a gold currency.
It consisted of the florin, its half the leopard, and its quarter the helm.
The florin weighed 108 grs., was 23 cts. 3^ grs. fine, and was current for
Qs. These pieces were however rated too high in proportion to the silver,
and in consequence of their being generally refused they were at once
withdrawn from circulation. In the following year another new
coinage was struck, consisting of the noble, its half the maille noble,
and its quarter the ferling noble. They are of the same standard as
the florin and its parts, and were current at the rate of 6*. 80?. to the
noble, or half mark, which weighed 138 r 6 F grs. It is somewhat strange
that we have no reliable information as to the origin of the types
of the noble and half -noble, or of the derivation of their names. --It
has however been presumed that the type of the king standing in a
ship may refer to the victory over the French fleet off Sluys on
Midsummer Day 1340, and that the name noble may be derived from
the noble nature of the metal of which the coins were struck, f The
latter interpretation however seems somewhat far-fetched. The in-
scription on the reverse of the noble, " Jesus autem transiens," &c., was
considered to be a charm against thieves, or rather a warning against
the practice of clipping ; but it may possibly have had some reference
to the victory commemorated by the type. The purity of the metal
of these coins and their handsome appearance soon led to their being
These pieces were known as lussheburgJis (? for Luxemburgs). Bud., Vol.
p. 225.
t Bud., Vol. I., p. 219, 220.
XXX INTBODUCTION.
EDWAKD exported and to their being imitated in the Low Countries. These
1 ' imitations were of lighter weight and of not such pure metal. Laws
were soon passed against the exportation of the one and the importation
of the other, but to little purpose. In consequence, in 1346, the weight
of the noble was reduced to 128f- grs., and further, in 1351, to 120 grs.
The divisions were reduced in proportion. This change in the weight
of the gold money brought with it a corresponding lowering of the
standard of the silver money, first in 1344 to the rate of 20 grs. to
the penny, in 1346 to 20 grs., and again in 1351 to 18 grs. This last
year saw also the first issue for currency of the groat and half-groat,
which were similar in type to the other silver coins. The further
concentration of the working of the coinage at this time resulted in a
reduction in the number of the mints, and gold was only struck at
London, and silver at London, Berwick, Canterbury, Durham, Reading,
and York. Groats and half-groats were minted at London and York
only.
ANGLO- We may pause here to notice briefly another class of coinage which
COINAGE. at this period had assumed considerable proportions. This is the
Anglo-Gallic money which was struck for the English possessions in
France. These coins are mostly of French types and denominations.
Henry II was the first English monarch to strike coins for his French
dominions. Eleanor, his wife, also issued money, but probably not
until after her husband's death. These coins are of Aquitaine only.
Richard I struck for Aquitaine and Poitou, and perhaps for Normandy,
and Edward I for Aquitaine, Gascony, and Ponthieu. Down to this
time the Anglo-Gallic coins consisted mostly of the denier class in
silver and billon. Under Edward III the coinage was much increased,
gold being added to the silver and billon money. The date at which
gold was introduced is not quite certain, but it was before 1337, thus
preceding the English gold money by more than six years. The first
piece issued was the florin of Aquitaine, the type of which was taken
from the florin of Florence, which had been imitated by many other
European states. This gold piece was followed at intervals by the
mouton, the chaise, the leopard, and the guiennois, most of which have
their prototypes in the French series. For his silver and billon coins
also several new denominations were adopted. The mints are numerous
(see p. 47), and the fineness of the gold coins appears to have followed
the French standard, but that of the silver was ordered to be after the
English standard ; this injunction, however, was not adhered to.
An exception was made in the case of the town of Calais, where an
English colony had been founded in 1347. A special mint was set up
there, and the money was ordered to be the same as that coined in
England. It consisted in gold of the noble and half noble no quarter
nobles having hitherto been identified and in silver of the gros,
demi-gros, and denier. Strictly speaking these coins belong to the
English series. As a distinguishing mark they bear either, the initial
or name of the town (see p. 51). The Calais coinage in gold and silver
dates from 1360.
When Aquitaine was created into a principality in 1362, and was
LNTBODUCTION. XXxi
granted by Edward to his eldest son, Edward the Black Prince, the ANGLO-
right of issuing money was granted also. The Black Prince's money COINAGE
was of gold, silver, and billon, and in denominations and types it
chiefly followed that of his father ; but he also struck the hardi d'or
and the royal d'or (see p. 53). This last coin is a remarkable specimen
of French medal lie art of the time. The Anglo-Gallic money was con-
tinued by Richard II, Henry IV, Henry V, and Henry VI, all of whom
issued a variety of coins in all three metals, gold, silver, and billon.
During the last two reigns the mint at Calais was revived, and coins
were struck as before after the English pattern. This mint appears
to have been in abeyance for a while after Edward III. With the
decline of the power of England in France the Anglo-Gallic coinage
also declined ; and before the close of the year 1453, when Calais and
Guisnes alone remained to the English, it came virtually to an end.
A few gros were subsequently struck by Henry VIII at Tournay,
when he held that city from 1513-1519 ; but the scarcity of these
coins shows that the issue was of little importance.
We will now resume our account of the English coinage. During RICHARD
the reigns of Richard II and Henry IV, V, and VI, there was but HENRY" VI
little change. The same denominations were struck in gold and silver
as since 1351, but in or about his 13th year (1411) Henry IV reduced
the noble to 108 grs. and the silver to the rate of 15 grs. to the
penny; the other pieces in each metal were reduced in proportion.
This lowering of the standard weight was intended partly as a
compensation for the scarcity of bullion at the time, and partly as a
means of providing money for the king, to whom the parliament
had not recently granted any subsidies. It is at this time that
we meet with the practice of using mint-marks, which were placed
on the coins to show the different issues. In the absence of dates
it is by means of these marks that the sequence of the issues can
be ascertained. These marks do not appear at any time to have been
changed at regular intervals, but they were varied according to the
discretion of the authorities of the mint. At a later period in the
reign of Elizabeth, when some of the silver coins were dated, one mint-
mark was in use for several years, whilst' under James I several
changes were made in the same year. In many cases the same marks
are found on the gold and silver coinages. These denote contemporary
issues. The use of mint-marks begins during the reign of Edward I ;
they become an established practice in that of Henry VI, and they
continue in an unbroken series to the end of the reign of Charles I.
A few occur during the Commonwealth and in the early years of
Charles II.*
Several important changes were made by Edward IV in his gold EDWARD IV.
money ; but the silver remained as before. His first coinage was
issued on the same patterns as those which preceded ; but in 1464, on
account of the dearth of money, the value of the gold was raised to the
See Appendix A.
XXX11 INTRODUCTION.
EDWARD iv. rate of 8s. 4d. to the noble, and the weight of the silver was reduced to
12 grs. to the penny. In the following year a new gold coin called
the ryal or rose noble was introduced. It was similar in type to the
noble, but to distinguish it from that coin a rose was placed on the
ship on the obverse and a sun on the reverse. These were the badges
which Edward had adopted after the battle of Mortimer's Cross. Its
weight was 120 grs., like that of the noble of 1351 ; but its current
value was raised to 10s. The half-rose noble was of the same type ;
but little change was made in that of the quarter-rose noble. To supply
the place of the old noble another entirely new coin was struck, called
at first the noble-angel, but soon simply the angel. It weighed 80 grs.
and was current for 6s. 8d. In order to facilitate the issue of this
new money several of the local mints, Bristol, Coventry, Norwich, and
York, were allowed to strike the rose noble and its half ; but no
quarter-nobles. They are to be distinguished from the London pieces
in having the initial letter of the mint stamped on the obverse below
the ship. During the short restoration of Henry VI in 1470-71, he
struck money of the same kind as was then in use, but in gold he only
issued the angel and half-angel. After Henry's second deposition,
when Edward again took possession of the throne, he continued the
coinage on the same principles as established in 1465 ; except that he
appears to have discontinued the issue of the rose noble and its parts,
and to have struck only angels and half-angels. No change was made
in the types or standard of the silver money. The remaining indentures
of this reign relating to the coinage chiefly applied to Ireland.
EDWARD v The short reigns of Edward V and Richard III brought no changes.
RICHARD These kings issued angels and half-angels in gold, and groats, half-
Hi, groats, pennies, and halfpennies in silver. The types are the same as
those of Edward I Vs coins ; but Edward V struck groats only in
silver, and his money can only be distinguished from his father's by its
mint -marks.
HENRY vii. Passing on to the reign of Henry VII we enter upon a new era in
the coinage of England, and the greatness of the house of Tudor shines
forth in the variety and, in some cases, the splendour of its money.
Henry VII not only introduced some important new denominations,
but in the case of the silver he broke through the stereotyped form of
type which had existed for over two centuries and a half. At first
he made no alterations; but in 1489 a first innovation was made by
the issue of a new coin called the sovereign. Its current value was
20s., twice that of the ryal, and it weighed 240 grs. On the obverse
is shown the king enthroned, and on the reverse the Tudor rose is
charged with the royal shield. It was the finest gold coin that had
ever been struck in England, and it excelled all other European coins.
It may be said to mark in some degree the growing wealth of the
country, for no state unless in a prosperous condition could have
issued such a coin ; and this in spite of all the trouble that had been
experienced by a prolonged civil war.
In silver the shilling was now first struck (1504), and in introducing
this new denomination an opportunity was taken to change the types
INTRODUCTION. XXX111
of some of the coins. The bust of the king was no longer shown full-face HENRY ML
but in profile, and on the reverse the long cross pattee with pellets was
replaced by the royal shield on a cross fourchee. In the case of the
smallest silver pieces, the halfpenny and farthing, the old type was re-
tained ; but in addition to the pennies of the old type a new one was
issued, which is now known as the " sovereign penny " from its resem-
blance to the so-called " sovereign type " of Edward the Confessor. In
the profile type we meet with the first genuine attempt at portraiture
since the Conquest. " The portrait of Henry VII is a work of the highest
art in its own kind. Nothing superior to it has appeared since." *
This artistic excellence is remarkable, for up to that time England had
produced no painter-artists. It is clear, however, from the coins and
from the fine examples of English goldsmiths' work, that the skilful
Italian and French metal workers were not without rivals in this
country. Another innovation connected with this coinage was the
placing of the numerals after the king's name, showing that he was
the seventh king of the name of Henry who had ascended the throne
of England. It should be mentioned that, previous to the introduction
of the profile bust, Henry had slightly changed his portrait by repre-
senting himself wearing an arched crown instead of an open one.
This variety of type marks the middle period of his silver coinage,
from 1489?-1504.
The innovations made by Henry VII were continued and extended in HEINRY
the next reign, and in addition several new denominations were added VIIL
to the list of the gold coins. In one respect, however, there was a serious
retrogression. This was in the lowering of the standard of fineness of
both the gold and the silver. Hitherto the standard of the gold
money had remained unchanged since its institution by Edward III,
and in the case of the silver there had been no material alteration
since the Conquest. The change in the gold standard took place in
1526, when gold called crown gold, i.e., 22 cts. fine, was adopted.
The reason given was that the high price at which gold was rated
in Flanders and France, occasioned a wholesale exportation of
English money. At first the new gold was only used for a few coins,
but later on it became general, and considerably affected current
values. The debasement of the silver money did not occur till 1543,
in which year it stood at 5 parts fine to 1 part alloy ; but during the
following year it fell to half silver and half alloy, and then to one-third
silver and two-thirds alloy. The gold at that time was further reduced
to 20 cts. fine. In the indentures ordering the debasement of the
money no cause was assigned. It was no doubt due to the necessities
of the king. The treasure which he had inherited from his father was
exhausted, he had squandered all the money and valuables derived from
the dissolution of the religious houses ; and the so-called " benevolences "
were unwillingly paid.
The new coins in gold were the double-sovereign, the half-sovereign,
the crown and half-crown, the quarter-angel and the George noble and
* Coins and Medals, ed. S. Lane Poole, 3rd ed., p. 118.
c
XXXIV INTEODUCTION.
HENRY its half. The George noble was first struck in 1526, and was current
IIL for 6s. 8d., the value of the old angel, which had now risen to Is. Qd. The
George noble took its name from its type. New types or modifications
of types were also given to some of the other gold pieces. The crown
and half-crown bear the shield on one side and the Tudor rose on the
other, and, in the case of the sovereign and its half, supporters to the
shield were introduced. The silver money also shows three changes in
the obverse type, the third being very distinct from the other two.
In his early silver coins Henry followed the type of his father's money,
even to the portrait, only altering the numerals after his name. On
his second coinage he preserved the type but changed the portrait,
whilst the third change shows him full-face or three-quarter-face.
This last type was introduced in 1543, when the first debasement of
the silver money took place. It was adopted on all the coins, in
order to distinguish them from earlier issues. Another reform was in
the abolishing of the ecclesiastical mints. It is very probable that these
mints may have continued to exist since Edward Ill's time : but on
account of the absence of any distinguishing mark the episcopal issues
cannot be separated from the regal money. In the reign of Henry VI
the custom of placing the privy mark, a symbol or an initial, of the
prelate on the coin was revived. From these marks it will be seen that
the prelates only issued half-groats and pennies, except in the case of
Wolsey, who struck groats, for which " presumptuous act " he was
afterwards indicted. As these marks are not found on coins of a later
date than the second issue of Henry VIII (1525-1543), we gather that
with the introduction of the three-quarter-face type the right of coinage
was withdrawn from the prelates. In 1543 the Bristol mint was revived
and gold as well as silver money was issued there. This was the only
local mint at which gold was struck during this reign.
ED WARD VI. Edward VI made no attempt at first to improve the standard of his
money. He continued to strike gold and silver of the same denomina-
tions as those of the coins of the last issue of Henry VIII ; and in one
instance he even retained his father's name, but changed the portrait
(see No. 441, p. 86). The low standard of metal led to numerous
forgeries, especially in the case of the silver money, which was also
much clipped. To remedy this evil a new coinage in gold of a some-
what higher standard, 22 cts., was ordered in 1549, and at the same
time a slight improvement was made in the silver money, which was to
be of equal parts silver and alloy. Some of the base money too was
withdrawn from circulation. The new gold coinage consisted of the
triple-sovereign, sovereign, half-sovereign, crown, and half-crown, and to
distinguish these pieces from those previously issued the types were
modified. The shilling was the only silver coin struck at this time, and
being of finer metal it was reduced in weight. In 1550 an attempt
was made to return to the original standard of fine gold ; but owing
to the debased state of the silver it failed (see Nos. 459-461). This
constant change of the gold coins led to considerable confusion in
their current values, which no number of proclamations or orders could
rectify. Added to this there was still a large amount of Henry's base
INTRODUCTION. XXXV
money in currency, and even this was extensively counterfeited. At EDWARD vi.
last, in 1551, Edward determined to take some decided step, and he
ordered an entirely new money in silver, consisting of the crown, half-
crown, shilling, sixpence, threepence, and penny. The standard of
fineness was 11 oz. 1 dwt. pure and 19 dwts. alloy; but he still
struck a penny, halfpenny, and farthing in base metal. This issue
added four new denominations, the crown, half-crown, sixpence, and
threepence, and for these as well as for the shillings new types were
made (see Nos. 466-471). The crown and half-crown are dated, and
the other pieces bear their current values. The dating and marking
the coins with their values were two innovations of this reign. The
earliest dated pieces are the base shillings of 1547. The " sovereign
type " was revived for the silver penny. This salutary reform of the
silver money was followed in the next year by the readjustment of the
gold, consisting of the issue of the sovereign, half-sovereign, crown, and
half-crown, of a standard of 22 cts., crown gold, and of a uniform type
(see Nos. 462-465). In this manner the coinage was nearly restored
to its condition before the debasement introduced by Henry VIII
in 1543. It was a judicious proceeding and materially affected the
welfare of the country both at home and in its foreign relations.
The mints in operation during this reign were at London, South wark,
Bristol, Canterbury, and York. At the last two silver money only was
issued. Those of Bristol and Canterbury ceased working before the
introduction of the silver money of 1551. The closing of the Bristol
mint may have been partly due to the fraudulent actions of its master,
Sir William Sharington. With the exception of a few sixpences,
threepences, and pennies of York, the only mints in operation from 1551
were those of the Tower and Southwark, whose coins can be easily
distinguished by their mint-marks, the tun and the letter Y. The local
mints came to an end with this reign, and henceforth, with two notable
exceptions (see p. 90), all the coins in gold and silver were struck at
the Tower. Thus the centralisation of the coinage, which was begun
by Henry III, was now completed ; and it has proved to be one of the
best safeguards of the purity of the English currency.
The standard of the coinage as restored by Edward VI was not MARY.
altogether preserved by Mary, who, however, in her first proclamation,
announced that her gold and silver money should in fineness be of the
standard sterling. In the case of her gold money this promise was
carried into effect, and sovereigns, ryals, angels, and half-angels of
former types were struck of standard metal, 23 cts. 3^ grs. fine and
^ gr. alloy. Her silver coins, which were the groat, half-groat, and
penny, were only 11 oz. fine, which was one pennyweight worse than
the last silver money of Edward VI. They were all of one type,
having the queen's bust on the obverse and a shield on the reverse. A
base penny of a different type was also issued.
After her marriage with Philip angels and half-angels only in gold
were struck, and in silver the groat, half-groat, and penny, and
subsequently the half-crown, shilling, and sixpence. Except in the case
of the last three denominations no change occurred in the types, the
e 2
XXXVI INTEODUCTION.
MARY, king's name only being added to that of the queen. On the half-crown,
however, Philip's bust is on one side and that of Mary on the other ;
but on the shilling and sixpence the busts are placed facing one another,
" amorous, and fond, and billing," on the obverse, and on the reverse is
a shield. These coins are generally dated, and the shilling and sixpence
usually bear their marks of value. Both gold and silver are of the same
standard of fineness as the coins of Mary alone.
ELIZABETH. Immediately on her accession Elizabeth turned her attention to
the state of the coinage, more especially as regards the base money,
which was still in currency and the circulation of which continued
to cause much distress. She ordered that gold money should be
struck of two standards of fineness, i.e., at 23 cts. 3^ grs. fine, or
standard gold, and 22 cts. fine, or crown gold, and that the silver coins
should be 11 oz. fine and 1 oz. alloy, as during the reign of Mary.
Three years later, in 1561, the standard of silver was raised to 11 oz.
2 dwts. fine and 18 dwts. alloy, thus restoring it to the fineness before
the debasement by Henry VIII. This standard of silver has been
preserved unchanged to the present day. The coins of fine gold were
the sovereign, the ryal, the angel, and the half and quarter-angel, current
at 30s., 20s., 10s., 5s., and 2s. Qd. respectively. The types were the
same as in previous reigns. The coins of crown gold were the
sovereign (known as the pound sovereign), the half-sovereign, the crown
and the half-crown, current at 20s. to the sovereign. The types of all
these pieces are the same, having the queen's bust on the obverse and
a shield on the reverse. Two new denominations were added to the
silver money, the three halfpence and the three farthings ; and these,
as well as the sixpence and threepence, are always dated, and are
further distinguished by a rose at the back of the queen's head. These
denominations date from 1561. Between 1558 and 1561 the silver
money consisted of the shilling, the groat, the half-groat, the penny,
and the halfpenny. With the exception of the last piece, all are
of a uniform type, having the crowned bust on the obverse and a
shield on the reverse. Later on, in 1601 and 1602, crowns and half-
crowns of similar type were issued. It will thus be seen that in the
reign of Elizabeth the number of coin denominations reached its
maximum.
At an early period in this reign steps were taken to call in the
debased money of Henry VIII and Edward VI, some of which was
recoined into shillings and sixpences and sent to Ireland. The whole
of the debased money was reduced one-quarter its current value ; but
of the base shillings some were countermarked with a portcullis and
re-issued at the decreased value of 4^d. ; whilst the very debased
shillings of Edward VI, those with a lion, a rose, a harp, or a lis for
mint-marks, were countermarked with a greyhound and re-issued at
2,^d. In 1561 the circulation of base money was prohibited by
proclamation. It was in consequence of this proclamation that the
smaller moneys, the three halfpence and three farthings, were coined
to provide a small currency, the lack of which was much felt. The
lowering of the value of the base money caused a considerable rise in
INTRODUCTION. XXXV11
the market value of the commodities for daily life. To remedy this ELIZABETH.
the current values of all the gold and silver coins were reduced one
quarter, so as to make them of the same value as from the
6th Edward IV to the 16th Henry VIII. In 1572 they were again
restored to their values as in 1558. The supply of small silver money
being insufficient to meet the public demand, the need of a small
currency was met by the issue of private tokens by tradesmen, towns,
and corporate bodies. These were made of lead, tin, latten, and even of
leather.* A proposal was made to the queen in 1574 to issue a debased
currency in the smaller pieces ; but she was indisposed to entertain any
project which would entail the debasement of her coins again. At last
her consent was obtained for the issue of a cupper coinage, and patterns
were actually made ; but the proposal was never carried into effect.
It was during this reign that the first essay was made to effect a
more even striking of the coins. Hitherto they were always struck by
the hammer, which often caused an imperfect and irregular imprint of
the type, and also it frequently left the edge ragged, which was an
encouragement to clipping. In 1560 it was proposed to introduce the
use of the mill and screw into the mint. This invention, which had
been used at the Paris mint, was brought to England by a Frenchman,
Eloye Mestrell. He was encouraged by the queen, and in 1562 began
coining milled money in the Tower. A few years later Mestrell was
detected counterfeiting and striking money outside the mint ; and,
being convicted, he was executed at Tyburn. The coins struck by this
process are of gold and silver, and are easily to be distinguished from
the hammered money by being of neater and sharper work, and by
their perfect roundness due to the flans being placed within a collar.
This new process was not much employed during this reign after 1572,
and was not generally resumed till 1662.
The death of Elizabeth brought to a close one of the most important
periods in the history of the English coinage, that of the Tudor
dynasty. The coinage from Henry VII to Elizabeth had been as
remarkable for its vicissitudes as for its excellence. During no other
period did the English mints issue such an array of coins so conspicuous
for their beauty of workmanship, their unusual size, and their great
variety. The actual output also exceeded that of any previous period.
The first monarch of the Tudor dynasty found the coinage in a
sound state, and not only did he use his best exertions to keep it
so, but he even improved it. His successor, Henry VIII, followed
quite a different course, being actuated entirely by private motives.
He debased the coins, not for the benefit of the State, but as a means
of meeting the debts incurred through his own personal extravagance.
He did not dare to ask his parliaments for money, and therefore
took to cheating his people. f This debasement caused wide-spread
* It would appear that, as early as the reign of Henry VII, private tokens were
used to supply the dearth of small copper coins. They are referred to by Erasmus
s plumbei Angliae.
t Rogers, Hist, of Prices, Vol. IV., p. xiv.
XXXV111 INTEODUCTION.
ELIZABETH, distress and resulted in a great enhancement of the prices of every
kind of commodity, especially of provisions. Though it lasted only for
a few years, its effects were much more permanent. Neither the efforts
of Edward VI to reform the money, nor those of Mary, were of any
material avail ; for so long as the base money was in circulation the evil
continued. On Elizabeth then devolved the duty of bringing about a
better state of things, and she met the difficulty in a bold and
determined spirit. The amelioration of her coinage was one of her first
acts, and she did not relax her efforts till she saw all the base money
withdrawn from circulation and replaced by a currency of the highest
standard. The measures necessary to accomplish this pressed heavily on
the crown as well as on the nation generally, more especially on the lower
classes, and at times produced considerable friction ; but Elizabeth
persevered, and her perseverance culminated in success. This success
is all the more to her credit as she did not receive from her Council
the assistance she might have expected ; for some of its members were
influenced by private ends, and viewed her efforts with great dis-
like. The numerous proclamations and orders relating to the coinage
which were promulgated at this period must have been very detri-
mental to the commercial relations with foreign countries. England
had been placed for long in a unique position. Her coinage had been
the envy of her neighbours, who counterfeited it in baser metals,
and then attempted to pass off their spurious pieces as genuine.
This resulted in a series of orders forbidding the exportation of any
English money or the payment in gold to any alien for merchandise.
These measures may have been a safeguard to the coinage : but they
were injurious to commercial transactions. Another great evil which
England had to meet was the importation of foreign base money. The
want of small change had always borne heavily on the lower classes,
and amongst them foreign base moneys found a ready circulation. It
is somewhat strange that the advisers of the Crown, on economic
grounds, did not meet this difficulty in a statesmanlike manner.
Scotland had adopted such a coinage at an early period, and it was
even introduced into Ireland : but England held aloof ; and even
Elizabeth could not at first be persuaded that a copper coinage formed
on a true basis would not only rid the country of the tradesmen's
tokens, but also drive out all the foreign base money.
We have already referred to the artistic merit of some of the coins
of Henry VII. What was said about the profile money applies
generally to all his coinage, and the subsequent issues of the Tudor
sovereigns, always excepting the base money, came fairly up to the same
high standard of workmanship. The new silver money of Edward VI,
though of somewhat different style, was very little inferior in point of
execution to the profile money of Henry VII, and later on few pieces
excelled in neatness of design and execution the pound sovereign of
Elizabeth, which shows the bust of the queen in very low relief.
JAMES I. After the difficulties which James had experienced with his Scottish
money, it must have been a relief to him, on his ascending the throne of
England, to find the currency of his new kingdom in such a satisfactory
INTRODUCTION. XXxix
condition. He left his Scottish money in a great state of confusion, JAMES I.
and he found the English in perfect order : and it is to his credit
that he did not seek to disturb it.
His first English gold and silver money was of the same standard of
fineness and weight as the last coinage of Elizabeth. The denomina-
tions were also the same, except that some of the smaller silver
pieces introduced by Elizabeth were discontinued ; as well as the groat,
of which there had been an almost unbroken issue since the reign of
Edward III. The alterations made in the types were very slight
beyond the addition of the arms of Scotland and Ireland to the shield,
and an entirely new set of reverse legends. If we except the change of
title to that of "King of Great Britain," which James assumed in 1604,
the silver coins remained the same to the end of the reign. The
gold money does not present quite as much uniformity. The first
issue consisted of the sovereign, and its divisions the half-sovereign,
crown, and half-crown, at 22 cts. fine. These were similar in type to-
Elizabeth's pound sovereign. In 1604 James somewhat reduced the
weight of the gold, so that the sovereign of the previous year was
raised to 22s. current. This appears to have been due to the increased
value of silver on account of its scarcity. As this money was to be
current throughout the United Kingdoms of England and Scotland,
the chief gold piece, the sovereign, received the name of unite. Again
no change was made in the general type, only in the legends, but a new
piece called the thistle crown was struck ; it was to be current for 4s.
The list of gold coins was further added to in the following year by
the issue of rose ryals, spur ryals, angels, and half-angels, which were
of standard metal and were of similar types to those of the coins of
this standard in previous reigns. To prevent the exportation of gold
from this country, it was again found necessary in 1611 to raise the
current values of the coins, so that the new sovereign was rated at 22s.
It was deemed more convenient to raise the value of the gold than to
lower the weight of the silver, which had been proposed by the king ;
as such a step would have considerably disturbed the prices of com-
modities at home. But this raising of the value of the gold pieces did
cause some confusion " on account of their unaptness for tale," and it
was therefore thought expedient in 1619 to have a fresh issue of gold
money at a somewhat reduced weight. The new coins were the rose
ryal, spur ryal, and angel of standard gold, and the laurel, half-laurel,
and quarter-laurel of crown gold. Some alterations were made in the
types of all the coins in order to distinguish them from the old pieces,
which were not withdrawn from circulation. The laurel, which was
equivalent to the pound sovereign, received its name from the obverse
type, which showed the bust of the king laureate ; a type adopted by
him with the object of proclaiming his imperial rank of King of
England, Scotland, and Ireland. On all these gold coins the current
values were given. These marks are also to be found on most of the
silver coins throughout the reign. This is the first occurrence of value
marks on gold coins.
The project of a copper currency was advanced one step during this
xl INTRODUCTION.
JAMES I. reign : but it was scarcely a step in the right direction. James had
realized the advantages of a copper coinage in Scotland, and he was
also very much averse to the leaden tokens .which continued to be
issued by tradesmen and others, and which were widely circulated. In
order to supply " to his subjects the good arising from the use of
small monies," the king in 1613 granted a patent to John, Lord
Harrington, for the issue of farthing tokens of copper ; each piece to
weigh about 6 grs. On account of their small size, extreme thinness,
and small intrinsic value, these tokens were circulated at first with
great difficulty, although as an inducement for their acceptance the
patentee was bound to deliver them at the rate of twenty-one shillings
of farthings for twenty shillings of sterling money. The leaden trades-
men's tokens were now declared illegal and their circulation pro-
hibited. The patent for the copper farthings was twice renewed during
this reign (see p. 105).
CHARLES I. The stirring events of the reign of Charles I are in a measure
reflected in the coinage, which is more varied and more extensive than
at any previous or subsequent period of English history. One of the
effects of the contest between the king and the parliament was the
establishing of local mints throughout the country, which were used
for the purpose of supplying the king with money to enable him to
carry on the struggle. The coinage of this reign may be divided into
three classes : i. That struck at the Tower mint in London ; ii. That
struck at the local mints, which were mostly established after the
breaking out of the Civil War ; and iii. That which was issued in
towns or castles in a state of siege. The first two classes form the
general currency ; the third is more of the nature of a " money of
necessity," and was not issued under a royal warrant.
For all his coins struck at the Tower Charles adopted the types of
his father's money ; but he discontinued all the legends introduced by
him. The coins in gold were the unite or 20s., the double-crown or
10s., the crown, and the angel. The last piece only was of standard
gold ; all the others being of crown gold, i.e. 22 cts. fine. The silver
coins were the crown, the half-crown, the shilling, the sixpence, the half-
groat, the penny, and the halfpenny, of the usual fineness. The various
issues of both gold and silver are marked by certain small changes in
the dress of the king (see No. 564, p. 106), and by a variety in the
form of the shield. With these small exceptions the types of the
Tower coins remained unchanged throughout the reign. To this series
belong the milled coins struck under the direction of Nicolas Briot,
which are of the same types and denominations as the Tower pieces.
Nicolas Briot, a native of Lorraine, was a very skilful artist and
engraver, and having received permission to establish at the mint his
new machinery, for striking coins, he issued a series of gold and silver
money as remarkable for their neatness of design and execution as for
their careful striking. The hammer process was still used for the
other coins.
LOCAL Most of the local mints were not established till after the breaking
VIINTS - out of the Civil War, at which time the Parliament seized the Tower
INTRODUCTION. xli
mint and continued for a while to strike coins in the king's name. LOCAL
The local mints were Aberystwith, Bristol, Chester, Combe-Martin (?), MINTS '
Exeter, Oxford, Salisbury (?), Shrewsbury, Weymouth, Worcester, and
York ; but of these, York had been founded about 1629 and Aberystwith
in 1637. This last mint was established for the purpose of refining
and coming the silver drawn from the mines in Wales, but there
appears to be no record of the cause for reviving the mint at York.
The only local mints to strike gold coins were Oxford and Bristol. The
denominations were the unite and the half-unite \ but of Oxford there is
the three pound piece or triple-unite. These somewhat remarkable pieces
are said to have been coined from gold found in Wales and supplied by
Thomas Bushell. Some unusually large pieces in silver were also coined
of the value of 20s. and 10s. These were, however, practically limited
to Oxford and Shrewsbury. On many of his silver coins and on all his
gold issued at the local mints, Charles adopted for the reverse type,
what is known as the " Declaration " type, being an abbreviation of the
legend, " Religio Protestantium, Leges Angliae, Libertas Parliamenti,"
or in substance his declaration to the Privy Council, 19 Sept. 1642
(see p. 113). The most remarkable coin of this type is the crown
struck at Oxford, showing the king on horseback with a view of the
city in the background (see No. 632, p. 117). This coin was the work
of Thomas Rawlins, who was for a long time engraver at the Tower
mint ; and when the king's mint was located at Oxford he removed
there also and superintended its operations. A large portion of the
money coined at Oxford was made from silver plate belonging to the
colleges. Also a number of private persons sent in their plate to be
used in a similar manner. For the different issues of the local mints
we must refer the reader to the descriptions in the body of the work.
We will only add that, owing to the skill of Briot and Rawlins, much of
the coinage of Charles I is but little inferior in artistic merit to the
money of the Tudor sovereigns. The revival in medallic art in this
country was due in a great measure to the encouragement it received
from the king, who took a keen interest in the affairs of his mint,
often personally superintending and suggesting the designs for the
coins, and more especially those for the royal medals.
The third and last series of money of this reign is the siege pieces. sir.;K
These were struck at Beeston Castle, Carlisle, Colchester, Newark,
Pontef ract, and Scarborough. They are mostly of silver, Colchester and
Pontefract only issuing gold. Some of the coins, such as those issued
at Newark and Pontefract, are well and regularly struck, mostly on
lozenge-shaped blanks ; but others are of a very rude character and are
mere pieces of metal, cut from plate and stamped with the representation
of a building. Again, still ruder pieces, not unfrequently portions of
spoons, bear only the mark of their intended current value.
The only copper coins in circulation during this reign were farthing
tokens similar to those issued by James I. These belong to the period
before the Civil War, and were issued under patents granted to the
Duchess of Richmond and others. The early pieces were of the same
type as those of James I, but on account of the numerous forgeries
cype as DJ
xlii
INTEODUCTION.
SIEGE
PIKCES.
COMMON-
WEALTH.
which were put into circulation, it was found necessary in 1635 to
change the type (see No. 655, p. 122).
It has been already mentioned that when Charles departed from
London, the Parliament seized the mint in the Tower and continued to
strike money from the king's dies. This was done in order that it
might circulate equally amongst the friends of the king and of the
Parliament. It would appear that owing to the dearth of bullion,
both of gold and silver, the mint was closed in 1646, and was not again
in operation till after the king's death, when the Commons ordered that
a coinage of crown gold and silver was to be made having like impres-
sions and inscriptions, which were to be in the English tongue. Thus
for the first and last time we have an English coinage with the legends
on both obverse and reverse in English instead of in Latin. The coins
issued under this order were the broad or 20s., the half -broad or 10s.,
and the five shillings in gold ; and the crown, half-crown, shilling, six-
pence, half-groat, penny, and halfpenny in silver. All, with the excep-
tion of the last piece, have their marks of value. The dies were made
by the eminent engraver and medallist Thomas Simon ; but the
simplicity of the design gave him but little scope for any marked
display of his artistic talent.
No copper money was issued officially during the Commonwealth ;
although dies were prepared for striking farthings. The dearth of a
copper currency was again met by the issue of private tokens, pennies,
halfpennies, and farthings in copper, which were struck by the principal
tradesmen of almost all the towns in England. These are now known
as the seventeenth century tokens, and, historically and genealogically,
they are of considerable interest to the local historian.
CROMWELL. Following the coins of the Commonwealth is a series of gold
and silver pieces bearing on the obverse a portrait of Cromwell as
Lord Protector, and on the reverse the English shield with an
inescutcheon having the Protector's private arms. The dies for these
pieces were made in 1656 and 1658 by order of Cromwell and with the
consent of his Council. It is very evident from the orders of the
Council that at first it was intended that these coins should pass into
currency. At the last moment, however, there must have been some
hesitation either on the part of the Council in carrying out this
scheme, or some reticence on the part of Cromwell, who may have had
some fear lest he should be accused of arrogating to himself kingly,
power. In producing these fine coins the services of Thomas Simon
were requisitioned, and we have in them some splendid examples of
the die-engraver's art. The portrait is boldly executed and the
general design shows great precision and power of technique. To
add to their beauty the coins were carefully struck by the mill and
screw under the direction of Peter Blondeau, who at the request of the
Council had come recently from Paris to give advice respecting the
cost of coining money by his new invention.
CHARLES On his restoration Charles II struck money of the same denomina-
GEORXJEII. tions and standard of fineness as those of the coins that were issued
during the Commonwealth ; but he restored the types used by his
INTRODUCTION. xliii
father with the exception that on the gold pieces a laureate bust was CHARLKS
substituted for a crowned one. In silver no crowns were struck GEORGE n.
although they were ordered. The dies for the other denominations
were designed and engraved by Thomas Simon, and they were
struck by the hammer. Between 1660 and 1662 there were several
small differences of type, the later pieces all being marked with their
current values. It was at this time that the first Maundy money
was struck (see Nos. 716-719, p. 130). The year 1662 witnessed the
final adoption of the mill and screw for the striking of coins, the
machinery necessary for this purpose having been erected at the
mint under the superintendence of Peter Blondeau, whom we have
already mentioned. New dies were prepared for the coins both in gold
and silver, and Jan Roettier, a Dutch engraver, who is said to have
accompanied the king on his return from exile, was chosen to carry
out the work in preference to Thomas Simon, who had incurred the
displeasure of the authorities of the mint and even of the king.
It was on this occasion that Simon made his famous Petition Crown
(see No. 726, p. 132), on which he besought the king to compare
that piece with those issued by the Dutch engraver, and if found
to be better executed, to reinstate him in his post at the mint. The
gold coins issued under the order for this new coinage were of the
current values of 100s., 40s., 20s., and 10s., called five guineas, two
guineas, guinea, and half-guinea, from the circumstance that most
of them were made from gold imported from Guinea by the African
Company (see p. 131). The silver coins were the crown, half-crown,
shilling, sixpence, groat, threepence, half-groat, and penny ; but the last
four denominations were probably only issued as Maundy money. One
general type was now adopted for all the coins with slight variations,
but an exception was made in the case of the Maundy money, the
reverses of which were of a special character. The weight of the
guinea was at first 13 Iff grs., but in 1670 it was reduced to 129|| grs.,
and it remained so till the reign of George III. No change took
place in the standard of fineness or weight of the silver money.
From this time onwards to the middle of the reign of George III
there was no change in the denominations, except the issue of the
quarter-guinea in 1718, and the type is only occasionally varied by
having the arms on one shield or on four separate ones, or by the
adding of an inescutcheon, as in the case of William and Mary and
the kings of the house of Hanover.
It will have been noticed that from the time of Elizabeth there had
been a further tendency to simplify the character of the coinage,
which became much more stereotyped both as regards its types and its
denominations. It must however be admitted that in this simplifica-
tion the coinage loses all its interest to the numismatist. It made it
however more adaptable for general use, and from a fiscal point of view
such stability was of the highest importance to the country. Under
> James I the type of the silver money was definitely settled, and
Charles I modelled his whole coinage after that of his father.
Nothing could have been more simple and uniform than the coinage
xliv INTEODUCTION.
CHARLES of the Commonwealth, and the climax was reached when the milled
GEOKGEII. money of Charles II was introduced, which formed a pattern for
future reigns. It will therefore not be necessary to give any detailed
account of the coinage throughout the period from Charles II to
George III, as it would be only to repeat what has already been
said in the descriptions of the coins. There are, however, a few points
which may be specially mentioned.
SPECIAL In 1663, when the African Company sent some gold to the mint,
ON Coras, permission was given to have their stamp of an elephant, or an elephant
with a castle on its back, placed upon the coins struck from this bullion.
This mark is also found on some of the silver coins of this reign ;
and ib occurs frequently on the coinages of subsequent reigns to
George I. This permission was extended, and at various times the
following stamps or marks are met with: Thus E.I.C. is for metal
imported by the East India Company; VI GO for bullion obtained
at the victory in Yigo Bay in 1702 ; LIMA for bullion taken
by Admiral Anson from the Spaniards in South America during his
famous voyage round the world (1739-1743) ; SS.C. for silver supplied
by the South Sea Company, and W.C.C. for the Welsh Copper Com-
pany. Also roses denote that the silver came from the west of
England, and the plume is the mark of the Welsh mines. These marks
do not occur after the reign of George II.
THE The original current value of the guinea was, as we have seen, 20s.,
ITS U VALUE, and it remained so till the time of William and Mary. In the mean-
ETC. while the silver money was getting into a very bad state, partly on
account of the prevalence of clipping, partly through forgery, and
partly because some of the old hammered money had not been with-
drawn from circulation. The effect was to send up the value of the
guinea, which in 1694 rose to 30s. This state of things was found to
be very injurious to the trade of the country, and it was determined
to call in all the silver money then in circulation, and to issue an
entirely new currency. In order to facilitate a speedy issue local
mints were established at Bristol, Chester, Exeter, Norwich, and York,
so that within two years the project was completed (see p. 138). The
issue of this new money brought with it a fall in the current value of
the guinea, which in 1698 was fixed at 21s. Qd. It was further
reduced in 1717 to 21s., and henceforth it remained at that value.
COPPEK It was subsequent to the Restoration that a copper coinage was
established on a fixed basis. Early in Charles IPs reign the trades-
men's tokens were still in wide circulation; but as these pieces
intrinsically were of small value, they were only locally current. The
dearth therefore of small change caused considerable inconvenience,
and the matter was frequently brought before the parliament. At
last, in 1672,* an authorized copper coinage of halfpence and farthings
was undertaken, and the tradesmen's tokens were at once declared illegal,
and their circulation forbidden. Except during the reigns of James II
and William and Mary, when halfpence and farthings in tin were
* Patterns had been prepared in 1665 (see Bud., Vol. II., p. 12).
INTEODUCTION. xv
struck, no change was made till the reign of George III. The weight of COPPER
these coins varied from time to time according to the price of copper.
During the latter part of George II's reign the currency had been GEORGE in.
allowed to drift into a very unsatisfactory state, especially the silver.
Crown pieces had almost disappeared, and the other silver coins were
much defaced and worn. The gold money had not suffered to the
same extent. No steps however were taken to bring about an improve-
ment. Guineas and half-guineas, and on one occasion the quarter-
guinea, continued to be struck, but the issue of the silver money was
practically abandoned, with the exception of small coinages of the
shilling in 1763, 1787, and 1798, and of the sixpence in 1787. This
was the only official silver money issued from 1760 to 1816, a period
of over fifty-six years. In 1797 an attempt was made to improve the
copper money by the striking of twopences and pennies, but the former
were found too large and heavy for convenient circulation. In
consequence of the dearth of a copper currency there had been a
return to the tradesmen's tokens, pennies, halfpennies, and farthings,
which were struck in enormous quantities throughout the country.
These pieces were an improvement on the tokens of the previous
century, for intrinsically they represented nearly their current values.
In the same year, 1797, one-third guineas were struck to provide
smaller change, and the Government also resorted to a curious
method of providing silver money by issuing Spanish dollars counter-
marked with the head of the king, In 1804 the Bank of England
obtained permission to strike dollars in silver, and subsequently pieces
of three shillings and eighteenpence. At length, in 1816, the Govern-
ment resolved to meet the expense of an entirely new coinage of gold
and silver, but no new copper money was ordered, as a fresh issue had
occurred in 1806. The guinea, half -guinea, and third-guinea were
superseded by the sovereign and half-sovereign ; but no change was
made in the denominations of the current silver coins, which consisted
of the crown, half-crown, shilling, and sixpence. The sovereign was
struck at 123 T 2 ^ grs., and there was a slight reduction in the weight
of the silver money, which was at about 87 grs. to the shilling. The
dies for most of these coins were made by Pistrucci, and it was at
this time that the type of reverse of St. George slaying the dragon
was introduced ; the other reverse type was generally a shield. The
coinages of George IV and William IV were of precisely the same
character as the last issue of George III. A few variations occurred in
the reverse types, such as the lion shilling, &c., and the two pound piece
was instituted by George IV ; but it was discontinued by William IV,
who, however, in 1836, revived the groat.
The coinage of Queen Victoria is too well known to need any detailed VICTORIA.
account. Her early money was based on that of the previous reign.
In 1845 the threepence was put into general circulation ; hitherto,
since 1662, it had only been used for Maundy money. In 1848 the
florin was first issued, and the striking of the groat was discontinued
in 1856. A bronze coinage, with a fresh portrait of the Queen, was
substituted for a copper one in 1860, as being more convenient for
xlvi INTRODUCTION.
VICTORIA, general use. Since the recoinage of 1817 the silver and copper coins
had become mere tokens.
On the occasion of the Queen's jubilee in 1887 a great recoinage of
gold and silver was determined on to celebrate the occasion, and the
opportunity was taken to change the royal portrait, which on the gold
and silver money had remained unaltered since the Queen's accession.
Some of the reverse types were also modified, the St. George and the
dragon made by Pistrucci being revived for several denominations,
and former types of Anne and George IV were also made use of. The
new denominations were the five pounds and two pounds in gold, and
the double-florin in silver. No alteration was made in the bronze
money. Again, in 1893, on account of the unfavourable reception of
the Jubilee money, a third portrait of the Queen was adopted for the
gold and silver ; new reverse types were prepared for the half-crown,
florin, and shilling, and the double-florin was discontinued. The last
event connected with the coinage was a new issue of the bronze money
in 1895, when the bust of 1893, was used and a slight alteration made
in the reverse type by eliminating the representation of the lighthouse
and the ship, which had been placed on the bronze coinage of 1860.
COINAGE ^ ne co ^ na S e ^ Scotland is not of very remote antiquity, and there
are no traces of any Scottish money which would correspond in date
to the period either of the ancient British coins or of the subsequent
coinages of the Anglo-Saxons. The statements of the early writers
that Donald I was the first king of Scotland who struck gold and
silver coins, and that Donald V set up a royal mint and coined
money at Stirling, and even that Reutha had a currency, have no
historical value,* and no such coins are known to exist. The
attribution by later numismatists of coins to Malcolm III and
Alexander I has been called in question, and it is now generally
admitted that it is to the reign of David I (1124-1153) that the first
issue of purely Scottish money is to be assigned. It must not however
be assumed that the absence of Scottish money involved the absence
of a currency in Scotland till a date so comparatively late. Finds
show that in the first three centuries of the Christian era there
was a considerable circulation of Roman money in Scotland, which
was followed by that of the Anglo-Saxons. No sceattas however are
known to have crossed the border, though hoards of Northumbrian stycas
of the ninth century have been occasionally unearthed. The importa-
tion of Anglo-Saxon money does not appear to have been carried on
to any considerable extent until the tenth century. This date would
coincide with that of the so-called Commendation to Eadweard the Elder,
king of Wessex, by the terms of which Constantine II of Scotland
acknowledged him as " father and lord." It was on this compact that
the subsequent claims of the English to the overlordship or suzerainty
of the Scots was based. The homage done to Eadweard was repeated
and renewed to nearly every subsequent English monarch down to
Edward I. It was a cause of constant strife between the two nations,
Cochran-Patrick, Records of Hie Coinage of Scotland, Vol. I., p. civ.
INTEODUCTION. xlvii
the English king asserting his right, the Scottish king protesting but SCOTTISH
finally always submitting. This English domination continued down COINAGK -
to the peace of Northampton in 1328, which followed the famous
battle of Bannockburn, as a result of which the original Commendation
of 924 and all subsequent submissions to England were annulled.
This period in the history of Scotland is generally known as the
" English period." We shall see what was the effect of this English
influence on the coinage of the country. During the early times it is
possible that, like the Irish, the Scots imitated largely the Anglo-Saxon
money, especially that of Aethelred II, which is more commonly found
than any other series.
The absence of a coinage has been attributed by some writers to a
scarcity of metal and to a dearth of skilled native workmen ; but the
chronicles rather negative such suppositions, and the references not
unfrequently made to gold- and silversmiths' work show that the
country was not altogether deficient either in native art or in the
precious metals.* The cause must rather be attributed to the unsettled
state of the country and the imperfect civilization of the people, and to
the absence of any form of central government.
The numismatic history of Scotland, therefore, begins in the reign DAVID I
of David I (11241153). His coinage consists of pennies only, which BIUKJE.
in type, as well as in weight and in standard of metal, resemble the
contemporary currency of England. David's residence in England
before his accession had imbued him with English ideas, and this was
no doubt the cause of his introducing a native coinage into Scotland
after the English pattern. He also encouraged the settlement of
Norman barons in his country, much to the discontent of his own
nobles. The coins therefore of David I resemble those of Stephen,
and the copying of English types is continued for a considerable
period. The money of Henry, Earl of Northumberland, and of William
the Lion, follows that of Stephen and of Henry II in type, and the
short double-cross type is continued by Alexander II. The long
double-cross type, which was introduced by Henry III in 1247, is
used by Alexander III, and later on he changes this for the single-
cross pattee type first adopted by Edward I.^ Still more closely
imitating the English money, Alexander III strikes halfpennies and
farthings, and excludes the moneyers' names. No change of type
occurred during the following reigns of John Baliol and Robert Bruce,
when the " English period " in Scottish history comes to an end. During
all this time, from David I to Robert Bruce, the Scottish coinage was
extensively supplemented by the importation of English money, which
formed the bulk of the currency, so that during the interregnum from
1296-1306, when Scottish affairs were under English control, the ratio
of English and Scottish coins was about thirty to one.
* Cochran-Patrick, op. cit., p. ciii.
t The Scottish coins, however, have the difference that on the obverse the
king's head is in profile, not facing, and on the reverse there are mullets in the
angles of the cross instead of pellets.
xlviii INTBODUCTION.
MINTS At no time were the mints in Scotland so numerous as in England.
MONEYERS. At first they were few in number, being limited during the reign'of
David I to Berwick, Carlisle, Edinburgh, and Roxburgh ; and there
was no increase till the time of Alexander III, when with the
introduction of the long double-cross type we find about sixteen places
issuing money. The change of type to the long single-cross brought
with it an exclusion of mint-names as well as those of the moneyers ;
and during the reign of John Baliol the only mint-name met with is that
of St. Andrews ; * but under Robert Bruce even this one disappeared.
Under David II and his successors they were renewed, but only to a
limited extent.
The constitution of the Scottish mint in early times appears to have
been not unlike that of the English mint, but on a much more limited
scale. The chief officials were the warden (custos monetse) and the
master moneyer, who was assisted by printers and strikers (operarii),
and whom he himself appointed.! The chief duties of the warden
were those of a general overseer. He received and took charge of the
bullion, he kept a register showing the amount of money coined, and
he was also guardian of the dies. In the absence of historical
evidence the duties and status of the moneyer cannot be so well
defined. He had charge of the mint-house ; he appointed, as we have
mentioned, the workmen under him, and he was responsible for the
weight and purity of the coins, and he had to render to the
warden an account of the amount struck. His status is not defined ;
but he evidently was not a mere mechanic, but a man of some position
and standing. The occurrence of the same moneyer's name on coins of
different towns rather points to the fact that he was not stationary,
but that he moved about from place to place coining money as
required. He may have been in the same position as the moneyers in
France in early times, who accompanied the king on his journeys and
struck coins at the various towns that were visited. Sometimes there
were two or three moneyers working together, as their joint names are
found on the same coin. After the time of Alexander III, when their
names no longer occur on the coins, we lose sight of them altogether.
The office, however, was not abolished.
DAVID II. When Scotland threw off the English yoke she formed an alliance
with France, who was henceforth to make common cause with her
against England. Scotland also pledged herself to invade England
whenever France should declare war against that country. French
influence is, however, not at first to be traced on the coinage, which
continued to follow the English pattern ; and the silver money con-
tinued English in character clown to the time of James V. Only in
the later gold can any trace of French influence be found.
At first David II struck coins similar to those of his predecessors ;
* A special exception was made in the case of St. Andrews by Alexander III in
1283, the right of striking money being claimed by the See. See Cochran-Patrick,
op. cit., p. xlii.
t Cochran-Patrick, op. cit., p. xvii.
INTRODUCTION.
xlix
but. soon after his return from captivity in England in 1357 he DAVID u.
instituted a gold coinage, consisting of nobles, and he also struck
groats and half-groats. All these were of English types. This attempt
to inaugurate a gold currency does not appear to have been success-
ful, as from the rarity of the specimens it is evident that but few
were struck (see No. 24, p. 167). The Scottish coinage was regulated
on the English standard, and in consequence Edward III allowed
the money of England and Scotland to be current interchangeably
on equal terms. By this arrangement a considerable amount of
English gold crossed the border, and so took the place of a native
currency in that metal. Subsequently, when the coinage became
debased, this mutual arrangement could no longer be upheld, and its
abrogation gave rise to continual complaints on both sides, and on
several occasions the importation of Scottish gold and silver into
England was prohibited.
Robert II, the successor of David, struck only silver coins of the ROBERT n
same denominations as before and of the same types ; but Robert III
introduced in 1393 a gold coinage of quite a novel pattern. It
consisted of the St. Andrew or lion, and its half the demi-lion or demy,
which were current for 5s. and 2s. Qd. respectively. Both have the
shield of Scotland on the obverse, and St. Andrew on his cross, or the
cross only, on the reverse. This issue marked the real beginning
of the gold coinage of Scotland, which now becomes continuous.
Robert Ill's silver coins, which are of the same denominations as before,
are more after the English type, having the bust facing instead of
being in profile. He also struck billon money, consisting of the penny
and halfpenny, which are of the same type as similar pieces in silver.
It was the introduction of this base money which put an end to the
monetary arrangements between England and Scotland, and which
produced many remonstrances from the English parliament.
The mint records of the reign of James I are so meagre that any JAMES I.
information about the coinage can only be obtained from the coins
themselves. From these we learn that his gold money consisted of the
demy and half-demy, and his silver of the groat only ; though later
records would make it appear that pieces of smaller denominations
were ordered. He also issued billon money. Only in the case of the
gold was any variation made in the types.
With the reign of James II the multiplicity of issues begins. These JAMES li-v.
increase reign by reign till they arrive at their maximum under
James VI. These constant fresh issues generally involved some change
of type, and more often some alteration in the standard of metal, which
was accompanied by an enhancement of the current values. Other
causes too tended to this result, viz. the issue of base money, the
importation of foreign coins of all kinds, and the practice of clipping.
As a result the current value of the groat, which in David II's
reign stood at 4d., rose gradually to 8d., and in 1456 to I2d. ; under
James III it reached 14cZ., and when James VI came to the English
throne, the ratio between the current values of Scottish and English
money was at 12 to 1.
d
1 INTRODUCTION.
.TAMESII-V. As the various changes in the types and the different issues are
noticed at the head of each reign before the descriptions of the coins,
it will only be needful to refer to some of the more important new
denominations and their types. From James II to James V, with the
exception of the introduction of the one-third groat (see No. 89, p. 183),
the denominations of the silver money remained as before, and English
types continued in the main to be adopted. The full-face bust is the
prevailing one ; but this occasionally gives way to the three-quarter
face bust, to which there is no precise parallel in the English coinage ;
and finally, under James V, the profile bust resembling Henry VII's
is met with.*
Amongst the gold coins of the same period there are several new
denominations, some of which are of special interest. Jarnes II issued
the lion and half-lion, somewhat similar to the St. Andrew and the
demi-lion of Robert III. James III struck the rider, and the unicorn
and half-unicorn, about the same time that the unicorn became the
supporter of the Scottish shield. James IV adds the half and quarter-
rider to the list, and James V the ecu and the bonnet piece with its
parts. The bonnet piece is one of the finest coins of the Scottish
series. Its current value was midway between that of the English
half-sovereign and angel, and it represented on the obverse the king's
bust wearing a bonnet or cap. The head is seen in profile, and there
is a decided and successful attempt at portraiture. It is also the
first dated coin of the Scottish series, in which respect Scotland
took the lead of England. The ecu was modelled on the pattern of
the French coin of that name, and this is practically the first instance
we meet with of the influence of French art on Scottish money. The
billon coinage, which had been introduced by James I, was continued
by his successors. At first the only denominations were the penny
and halfpenny, but to these were added the plack and half-plack, and
under James V the bawbee and half-bawbee. James III also struck
copper money ; but it was discontinued, and was not resumed till
James VI's time. This base money was issued to provide small change
for the people, of which there was great need. The idea was a good
one, and if it had been carried out on sound principles it would not
have affected the gold and silver money in the manner we have
shown.
MARY. The accession of Mary witnessed many changes in the coinage.
New denominations were introduced and the types throughout were
altered. In these respects there is practically no connexion between
Mary's coinage and that of her father, James V. All traces too of
English prototypes disappear, and the coinages of England and Scot-
land are almost as distinct from each other as the money of England
* The absence of any numerals after the king's name from Robert II-III
and James I-III has raised many difficulties in the classification of their coins,
and there still exists much uncertainty. In our order we have not followed the
view of any one writer; but have adopted such a classification as the coins
themselves would appear to warrant.
INTRODUCTION. li
and France. This may be in some degree attributed to the fact that MART.
many of the designs were prepared in France.
Mary's money may be divided into five periods, which correspond in
date to the chief epochs of her life (see p. 184). On some of her earlier
gold and silver coins we meet with an excellent portrait. This occurs
on the ryal and half-ryal in gold and the testoon in silver. Other
pieces bear the Scottish arms and her name in monogram or her
initials. After her marriage with Francis the Dauphin, his portrait is
found with that of Mary, and the French arms are impaled with the
Scottish. Their money consisted of the ducat in gold, the testoon and
half-testoon in silver, and the twelve penny groat and hardhead in
billon. Mary's last gold piece was the crown struck after the death of
Francis, and from this time her currency consisted of silver only, and
chiefly of coins of a larger denomination than had as yet been used in
Scotland. These were the ryal and its parts. On the reverse is
shown a tree, formerly supposed to represent the yew tree at Crookston
Castle, to which a sentimental but legendary story was attached (see
No. 118, p. 189). Mary's billon coins, which were mostly issued early
in her reign, are of various denominations and types.
If Mary's money was distinct from that of her father, equally so JAMES vi.
was James VI 's from that of his mother. His coinage is of two
periods, that before his accession to the English throne, and that after
that event. The coinages of these two periods are quite separate from
each other, the latter being modelled after the English pattern in
every respect. His first coinage is the most remarkable of any
Scottish monarch's, both for its extent and variety. It was a time of
continual change, of the withdrawing of one issue and of the striking of
another. During this period, in fact, we count no less than eleven denomi-
nations in gold, twenty-four in silver, five in billon, and two in copper ;
and of the issues there were seven in gold, eight in silver, four in
billon, and one in copper. This frequent change in denomination and
type and these numerous issues were due in some measure to the
alterations in the fineness of the metal, and to the rise in the value of
silver, caused partly by its growing scarcity. This brought with it an
increased current value of the coins. At the beginning of the reign
an ounce of silver was coined into 40s. From this it rose to 44s., then
to 50s., and finally in 1601 to 60s. These changes in value necessitated
the calling in of the current coins, and either the re-issuing them at an
enhanced value or the striking of fresh ones of a different type, and
the only resulting advantage was the profit made by the mint.
For an account of the various denominations, and their issues, we
must again refer the reader to the descriptions of the coins. Almost
every piece presents a new type, and to give particulars would be to
repeat what has already been said. Amongst the gold coins we may,
however, specially mention the twenty pound piece (No. 123, p. 191),
which is the largest gold piece hitherto struck in Scotland, and
which from its size and rarity was regarded as a medal rather than
a coin. In the thistle noble of 1588 (No. 126, p. 192), we recognise
the type of the old English noble. The rider and its parts were
(I Zt
Ill INTKODUCTION.
JAMES vi. adapted from similar coins of James IY. Amongst the silver coins the
ryal and its parts resemble similar pieces of Mary ; and on some of
James's later coins, both in gold and silver, there are good attempts at
portraiture at various periods of his life. The inscriptions are as varied
as the types. Whether they were suggested by the king himself is
uncertain ; but, as the types were generally devised and directed by the
Council, it may be presumed that James had a voice in their selection
and also in the choice of the legends. Many of these savour of his
ideas of kingly power and of his notions of the divine right of kings.
James continued to strike billon coins similar in character to those of
previous reigns, but of varied types. He also revived the copper money,
issuing twopences and pennies of a better standard than before.
On his accession to the English throne James did not at first make
any change in his Scottish money, but continued the issue of the sword
and sceptre piece in gold, and the thistle merk in silver, with their
respective divisions. Steps were also taken to regulate the current
values between the English and Scottish money. This led to some
confusion, and in 1604 the Council ordered that henceforth the
Scottish coinage should conform precisely to that of England. An
exception was necessarily made in the case of the copper money, as
there was then no copper currency in England. It continued to
consist of the twopence and penny, or as they were now called the
turner and half-turner. From this time the denominations in gold and
silver were the same for Scotland and England. They were also of
precisely the same pattern and weight, except that the arms of Scotland
were placed, after 1610, in the first and fourth quarters. The king
wears the Scottish crown (see p. 197), and the mint-mark is a thistle.
The relative current values remained the same, that is, the English
shilling was equal to twelve shillings Scottish.
CHARLES I. The early coinage in gold and silver of Charles I was similar in type,
weight, standard of fineness, and denominations to the last issue of his
father. So close was the copy that on some pieces the portrait was not
even changed ; but only the name of the king altered in the dies. It
continued so till 1637, when Nicolas Briot, the engraver to the English
mint, was appointed master of the Scottish mint, having as his assistant
John Falconer, his son-in-law. The gold coins, with the addition of
the eighth-unit or half-crown, were the same as before ; but some new
pieces, the half-merk, the forty penny piece, and the twenty penny
piece, were added to the list of the silver coins. The coins issued
by Briot and Falconer are some of the best specimens of the die-
engraver's art of the 17th century. In point of workmanship they quite
equal Briot's English money. They were struck by the mill and screw,
which machinery, after much opposition, Briot was allowed to erect at
the mint. Throughout the reign the standard of gold was at 22 cts.
fine, and that of the silver 11 pts. fine to 1 pt. alloy. Many enactments
and orders were issued prohibiting the exportation of the native
currency and the importation of base foreign money. The circulation
of the English farthing tokens was forbidden in Scotland, and the
copper currency was supplied by the turner and half-turner. There
INTRODUCTION. liii
were no billon coins, those of James previous to 1603 being the last CHARLES I.
issued in Scotland.
During the period of the Commonwealth no money was specially CHARLES II.
struck for Scotland, and there are no silver coins of Charles II until four
years after his restoration. His money is of silver and copper only.
"When Thomas Simon, the English engraver, was ordered in 1662 to
prepare puncheons for the silver coins, he was also directed to make
those for a twenty merk piece in gold, but he does not appear to have
carried out this portion of the order. He prepared models for the silver
pieces, which comprised the four, two, and one merk pieces, the half-
merk, and the elevenpence, and for these he was paid .100. He did not
however make the actual puncheons, but this work was entrusted in
1663 to Joachim Harder, the engraver to the Scottish mint. Compar-
ing these Scottish coins with the English pieces also by Simon, we can
easily see how signally Harder failed to reproduce the exquisite model-
ling of that famous engraver. A similar failure is noticeable in the
case of Briot's models, which had been imperfectly copied by the
Scottish engraver Dickesone (see p. 201). The four merk piece was
current at 53s. 4^., and the divisions in proportion. Each coin was
marked with its current value on the reverse. The types differed some-
what from those of the English silver coins, the bust of the king being
turned to the right instead of to the left.
In 1675 a new coinage was ordered, and the making of the dies was
entrusted to Jan Roettier of the English mint. The denominations
were the same as those of the previous coinage, but the forty penny piece
or sixteenth-dollar was added, and a difference was made in the reverse
die, the marks of value being omitted. The bust of the king was also
turned the other way, i.e. to the left. The reverse of the forty penny
piece varied from that of the other silver pieces. The four merk piece
is better known as the dollar, the two merk piece as the half-dollar, &c.
The copper coins consisted of the turner and bodle, each current at
2d., and of the bawbee at Gd, On account of certain irregularities the
mint was closed in 1682.
The coinage of this reign was of silver only, and the current pieces JAMES vn.
were the forty and ten shillings. The sixty shillings was only struck
as a pattern, and the dies were not prepared for the twenty shillings
and five shillings which were, however, ordered. The puncheons were
made by Jan Roettier, and the reverse types were varied from those
of the previous reign. Each coin also bore its current value. The
standard of fineness was raised T L but as the weight of the coinage
was to be at 427 35 grs. to the sixty shillings, this made a further
difference in the ratio of the current values between the Scottish and
English coins, which now stood at 13 / s to 1 instead of 12 to 1.* It
remained thus till the Union in 1707, when the 12 to 1 rate was
restored.
All the silver coins ordered by James VII were struck by William WILLIAM
and Mary, and the types generally assimilated with the exception of MAR Y .
Burns, Coinage of Scotland, Vol. II., p. 503.
liv INTKODUCTION.
WILLIAM the five shillings. No alteration was made in the standard of fineness
AkS. and current values. The copper money too was revived, the pieces
struck being the bawbee and bodle, current respectively as under
Charles II.
roF^ENQ 1 After *^ e death of Mary, William continued the coinage in silver
LAND), and copper on the same lines as during their joint reign, but his sixty
shilling piece appears to have been only struck as a pattern. For a
short time, from July 1695 to June 1696, the current values of the
coins were raised ^, i.e. from 40. to 44s., and in consequence it was
proposed that the new values should be stamped on the coins. But as
the Privy Council only looked upon this alteration as a temporary one,
no change was effected in this respect, and in fact within twelve months
a return was made to the former current values.
Of William II there are two interesting pieces in gold, the pistole
and half -pistole, which however from their present scarcity do not
.appear to have been issued in any considerable number. These pieces
were struck from gold supplied by the Darien Company, which had
been established for the purpose of founding a new colony on the
Isthmus of Darien. A charter was granted to this Company which
.gave it a monopoly for thirty-one years of the trade with Asia, Africa,
and America. It was from Africa and the Indies that this gold was
obtained. This was the only gold money that had been issued for
Scotland since the reign of Charles I, and it was the last struck
separately for Scotland. As an encouragement to the Company a
profit of ten per cent, was allowed upon the metal brought to the mint,
so that the intrinsic value of the coins was ten per cent, less than the
current value. A special request was made by the Company that a
suitable mark should be placed on these coins to distinguish them
from other coins, and this was allowed.
ANNE. Anne's Scottish money is of silver only, and of two periods, that
before and that after the Union. The first consisted of the ten
and five shillings only, which were of the same standard as before.
In the Act of Union it was specially stipulated that from and after
the Union the coinage of the United Kingdom should be of the
same standard and value, and that a mint should be continued in
Scotland under the same rules as the English mint. Arrangements
were at once made to carry out this order. The English money was
first called in, and then the Scottish and foreign money, and the new
coinage was substituted. The pieces issued were the crown, half-
crown, shilling, and sixpence, which varied only from the English
money in having an E, or an E with a star, under the bust (see
Nos. 230-233, pp. 211-12). Two years later the Scottish mint, for
some unascertained reason, ceased operations, and since that time
English money only has been issued for Great Britain.
The series of the Scottish coins is brought to a close with the
description of a crown of "James VIII," more generally known as
the Elder Pretender, the dies for which were prepared in Paris (1716)
at the time of his second attempt to regain the throne of England (see
No. 234, p. 212). A mention is also made of other pieces struck at
INTRODUCTION.
Iv
IRISH
COINAGE.
that time and in 1708, but they must be relegated to the class of ANKK
patterns, as they were never required for currency.
The coinage of Ireland presents a remarkable contrast to the coinages
of England and Scotland ; more especially to the former. In England,
as a general rule, great care was taken to preserve the integrity of the
coinage and to furnish it in sufficient abundance. Its exportation was
prohibited and the importation of foreign money forbidden. In Ireland
the case was very different. Ill supplied at any time, Ireland became
the refuge for the base moneys of all countries, not even excepting
those of England ; its own coins were often of so low a standard that
they were refused as media of exchange, and they suffered heavily when
placed alongside those of finer metal. The entire absence, too, of a
native gold coinage added a still further difficulty ; and at no time was
it even proposed that such a coinage should be issued. No country in
Europe for its size and importance can show such a poor record as
regards its money as Ireland. In referring to the temporary debase-
ment of the English coinage under Henry VIII and Edward VI it has
been shown how much the nation at large suffered from this unwise
act ; how the price of every commodity was increased ; how commerce
was affected generally ; and how, after a time, the necessity to institute
reforms was acknowledged. England suffered in this manner only for
a short time, but Ireland had to bear the burden through centuries,
as the records of the coinage amply prove.
The nature of the early coinage of Ireland is somewhat doubtful.
The few hoards of Roman money found there point to a very limited
circulation of that class of coins, and the rings in gold, silver, and
copper, of which at times considerable quantities have been unearthed,
scarcely warrant the presumption that these formed any important
currency, though from an examination of such hoards it has been
ascertained that many of these rings graduate according to their weight
in multiples of the half pennyweight or twelve grains.*
The earliest money which we know with certainty to have been
current in Ireland is the Anglo-Saxon penny. This was not imported
by the Irish themselves, but by the Danish invaders, who already in
the 8th century had formed settlements in the country. Finds of such
coins have not been numerous, but they prove that this importation
of English money began at an early date. A find at Delgany in co.
Wicklow was a very remarkable one, and comprised some of the oldest
coins of Mercia and Kent. The burial of the hoard cannot be ascribed
to a date much later than A.D. 835, and it has been conjectured that
the money was conveyed there by a party of Danes, who shortly before
had made a raid on the Isle of Sheppey.f
Lindsay J has attempted to assign to the Danish invaders who
founded kingdoms in Dublin and Waterford a series of uncertain coins
copied from English pennies, but his arguments will not bear the test
of a critical examination. Dr. Aquilla Smith, on the other hand, has
EARLY
COINAGES.
Lindsay, Coinage of Ireland, p. 3. f Num. Chron., 1882, p. 61.
J Coinage of Ireland, p. 6.
Ivi INTRODUCTION.
EAKLY produced conclusive evidence which shows that the first money issued
COINAGES. ^ i re i an( } was tnat s t ruc k by the Danish ruler Sihtric III (989-1029),
who was a contemporary of Aethelred II of Wessex, and the types of
whose coins he closely followed.* It is some of the degraded forms
of these coins that Lindsay unsuccessfully ascribed to earlier and
even to later Danish rulers. From this time until the dominion of
England was established in Ireland under Henry II (A.D. 1172) there
are no coins which can be assigned to any ruler, whether native or
Danish. Ireland was however not wholly without a currency, for
imitations, not only of Sihtric's coins, but also of those of Aethelred II,
Cnut, and Edward the Confessor, and even of the early Norman kings,
were extensively fabricated, and must have provided a considerable
coinage. Besides these there are some curious pieces called bracteates,
which could not have been struck before the beginning of the 12th
century, and which added to the supply. A very large hoard of these
pieces was found at Fermoy in 1837, the prototypes of many of which
were coins of Harold I, William I, and Henry I.
In 1172 Henry II of England crossed over to Ireland, landed at
Waterford, and took possession of his new dominion. Within a few
days of his arrival he was proclaimed king at Dublin, and shortly after-
wards received the homage of most of the native princes. At first
English rule was limited to the counties of Dublin and Meath, and
the tract included between the city of Waterford and Dungarvan.
This district was afterwards known as the Pale. Such was the
beginning of the English rule in Ireland.
JOHN. Henry did not strike any money ,for Ireland in his own name ; but
when, in 1177, he appointed his son John, Lord of Ireland, he granted
to him the right of coinage. The Irish coins of that prince are of two
series, those struck during his lordship and those after his accession
to the English throne. The first series consists of halfpennies and
farthings issued at Dublin and Waterford ; the second of pennies,
halfpennies, and farthings struck at the same mints and at Limerick.
The types of each series vary, and they also differ considerably from
the English money. This money appears to have been of the same
standard of fineness as that of England, and it was in order to dis-
tinguish the two series that the type was varied. Simon f says that
the arms of Ireland, the harp, were derived from the triangle on the
obverse enclosing the king's bust ; but he does not offer any suggestion
about the reverse devices, a flaming star and a crescent, or a cross and
a crescent. So far as we are aware no explanation of these has ever
been given. Besides these semi-regal and regal coins there are some
farthings known as " St. Patricks," which were struck by John de
Curcy, Earl of Ulster, who was Governor of Ireland from 1185 to
1189. Some of them bear his own name, but others have only the
name of St. Patrick. They are of Carrickfergus and Downpatrick,
both places situated in Ulster.
* Num. Chron., 1892, p. 308.
f Essay on Irish Coins, p. 13.
INTKODUCTION. Ivii
Of Henry III there are pennies and halfpennies, and of Edward I-III HENRY m-
the same denominations and also farthings. The coins of all these EDWARDIIL
reigns follow the English types except that the head of the king on
the obverse is within a triangle instead of being within a circle. The
dies were made in London and then sent to Ireland. As yet no
satisfactory classification of the coins of Edward I-III has been
proposed (see p. 216). The same difficulty has till lately existed with
the English coins of these monarchs which were issued before the
introduction of the groat. It is known from proclamations and orders
that several issues in Ireland took place under Edward I and III, and
it may reasonably be presumed that Edward II also qontributed to the
Irish money. There are no Irish coins of Edward III of a later date
than 1339 ; but in 1354 the new English gold money was ordered to be
current in Ireland, and shortly afterwards a similar order was extended
to the silver money.
During the reigns of Richard II and Henry IV and V there are RICHARD li-
no Irish coins, although the first of these monarchs twice visited the HENRT v<
country in circumstances of great pomp. Groats formerly attributed
to Henry V have of recent years been transferred to Henry VII.
Under Henry VI the mint of Dublin was twice revived, in 1425 and HENRY VL
1460 ; and this king also struck money during his short restoration in
1470-71. Of the first issue only the penny is known, which is of the
English type; but as only very few specimens have been met with,
there may be some uncertainty about this attribution though their
weight is in favour of it. Of the second issue (1460) we have the
t and penny in silver, and the half-farthing or Patrick in copper.
ther silver pieces, called "Irelandes d'Argent," were ordered and
eir type prescribed ; but no specimens are at present known, and
they were probably never struck. The type of the groat and penny
this issue is of a very distinctive character. It consists on the
ibverse of a large crown, and on the reverse of a cross with pellets and
the name of the mint. The type was prescribed by the order, and
in this instance there can be no doubt of the correctness of the
classification, especially too as it is the same as on the earliest pieces
of Edward IV. The small copper coins, like the money of John de
Curcy already mentioned, received their name from their type. The
groats and pennies which we have given to the period of Henry VI's
short restoration have been classed by Dr. Aquilla Smith to Henry
VII.* On this point we have ventured to differ from that able
numismatist : and for the following reasons. First of all, they are
similar in type to the then current coins of Edward IV (see No. 31,
p. 221) ; secondly, as on the English coins of that time, the letter R is
represented by B ; and thirdly, because the obverse legend reads
" Dominus Hybernie " instead of " Rex Anglie." This change of title
was made by Edward IV in 1478, and it is found on all the coins
classed to Henry VII. Moreover, the fabric of these coins is not
* Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy, Vol. XIX., Pt. II., 1840.
Iviii INTKODUCTION.
HENRY vi. that of Henry VII's but of Edward IVs money. There is no
mention of this coinage in the records, so that this attribution rests
entirely on internal evidence.
EDWARD iv. Almost immediately after his accession Edward IV turned his
attention to the coinage of Ireland, and in 1461 he ordered Germyn
Lynch, who was master of the mint at Dublin and Trim, to make the
coinage upon the same terms as in the statute of the 38th year of
Henry VI.* Like Henry's issue it consisted of the groat and
penny. From this time onwards Edward continued to regulate
the Irish money, making such alterations in its standard as the
necessity of circumstances required. These changes of standard were
caused by the varying value of silver. In 1467 silver, on account of
its scarcity, rose to double its usual value. In 1470 it again fell, and
the groat was restored to nearly its former weight; but in 1475
another rise took place, and the English groat was ordered to be
current in Ireland at 5d. It is from this date that the difference in
the ratio between the current values of the English and Irish money
begins, and it continued down to the present century. The changes
in the standard produced frequent alterations in the types : so that in
this respect there were no less than seven distinct issues in this reign.
The earlier issues followed, as we have seen, the type of Henry VI's
coinage. Gradually the type conformed more to the English pattern
with the full-face bust : but when the standard of metal was varied
between the two countries, a distinct type, that of the three crowns,
was adopted for Ireland. In 1467, on account of the rise in the price
of silver, a new coin called the double was issued. It was only a new
coin in name, as it was of precisely the same type as the Irish groat ;
but it was double its weight and current value. It was however of the
same weight as the English groat. There was a large increase in the
number of mints, most of which were in active operation for a con-
siderable time, and at no other period in the history of its coinage was
Ireland so well provided with currency. The copper money consisted
of farthings and half-farthings, which belong to the early part of
Edward's reign.
RICHARD There are no Irish coins known of Edward V, and if he did issue any
they were probably, like his English money, of precisely the same type as
his father's. Under Richard III some attempts were made to improve
the money, which during the last three years, on account of the
dishonesty of Germyn Lynch, had became much debased. Lynch was
removed from his office, and it was ordered that a coinage should be
issued of the same type as the last one of Edward IV : and that it
should be of metal of the same standard as the English money.
Neither of these orders was strictly adhered to. An earlier type of
Edward's was used, and the standard of fineness was lower than
prescribed. Simon says that the difference between the English and
Irish groat of Richard was about sixty per cent.f This however may
Eliding, Vol. I., p. 281. t Essay on Irish Coins, p. 32.
INTRODUCTION. Hx
be a slight exaggeration. Richard's coins are of two denominations RICHAIO
only, the groat and the penny ; and of two types, the second being that
which was prescribed for the first issue but not used, viz. the three
crowns type.
On account of the dearth of any official records relative to the Irish HENRY vn.
coinage of this reign, its classification rests almost entirely on the
internal evidence afforded by the coins themselves. From these it
appears that Henry's first issue resembles in type the last of Edward IV
and Richard III, but it is easily distinguished by the king's name.
His next two issues follow his English coins, which have first the open
crown and then the arched crown. His last issue is however a
return to the old type of the open crown, but in a somewhat crude
form. This last coinage was formerly attributed to Henry V ; but
the weight of the coins and the legends, in which the king is styled
* Rex Anglie," do not admit of this classification. The denominations
struck were the groat, half-groat, and penny. Of the standard of
fineness there is also no record ; but the difference in current value
between the English and Irish money appears to have been about one-
third.*
The continued scarcity of records during the reign of Henry VIII
often places us at a disadvantage, and for the classification of his
earlier money we must once more follow the coins as our guide. The
lack of official information has caused some diversity of opinion
respecting the date of the first Irish coinage of this reign. Arguing
from official documents, Dr. Aquilla Smith considered that none was
ued before 1537.f Simon, on the other hand, who took the coins
his guide, assigned the first issue to about 15304 Imperfect
quaintance with the English series has led both these learned
umismatists astray, as they have both assigned to Katherine Howard
.d Anne of Cleves coins which should have been given to Katherine
Aragon and Anne Boleyn (see p. 227). It may be assumed that,
as we find the same initials, H. K., H. A., &c., on English coins as on
the Irish, they refer to the same personages. Such being the case the
first Irish coinage would be contemporaneous with the second issue of
Henry VIII's English money, and this would give us the period from
1526-1543, to which we assign it. This first issue consisted of groats
and half-groats of a type different from any before used. On the
obverse is the royal shield, and on the reverse the crowned harp. This
is the first instance of this badge on Irish coins, and henceforth it is
the prevailing one. It formed a good distinctive mark between the
coinages of the two nations. Henry's assumption of the title of " king
of Ireland" is commemorated by a special issue of groats in 1541, but
there was no change of type. Both these coinages appear to have
been about ^ fine to alloy, and as they were below the standard of
the English money their importation was prohibited. When Henry
debased his English money in 1544-5, he ordered that a coinage of
* Simon, Essay on Irish Coins, p. 32. f Num. Chron., 1879, p. 163.
J Op. tit., p. 33.
Ix INTEODUCTION.
HENRY a similar standard should be issued for Ireland, and to distinguish it
VIIL from that previously struck he introduced entirely new denominations,
the sixpence, threepence, three halfpence, and three farthings. These
were struck in London under the direction of Sir Martin Bowes, the
master of the mint, and then conveyed to Ireland. It does not appear
that at any time during this reign that Irish coins were struck in
Ireland itself. A further coinage of sixpences took place in 1546-7,
though of this there is no official record. They are of a somewhat
different type to the previous issue, but being dated the 37th and 38th
year of the king's reign, and bearing the monogram of Sir William
Sharington, the master of the Bristol mint, there is no uncertainty as
to their date or place of mintage. Being of a low standard of metal
this may be the brass money referred to by contemporary writers.*
EDWARD VI. The question as to the existence or non-existence of an Irish coinage
during the reign of Edward VI has been discussed ;f but it may here be
remarked that the fact that the records show that at different times
a coinage was ordered is strongly in favour of its existence. The
great difficulty has been to identify any specimens which could be
attributed specifically to this class. It may be presumed that the
order of February 10, 1548, to MartynPiri J to coin groats, half -groats,
pennies, and halfpennies, under certain restrictions and of a certain
standard, was never carried into effect, as no such pieces have been
met with. It probably failed for want of bullion, which was to be
purchased beyond the seas and not in England or in Ireland. If
therefore there was a currency in Ireland at this time it must be
sought for amongst the base money issued in England, the coining of
which appears to have lasted some time after the standard of the
English money was raised.
MAKY. Passing on to the reign of Mary before and after her marriage with
Philip of Spain, it will be seen that no material change took place in the
coinage, which was based on the last issue of Henry VIII. The types
were similar, and there was a sligkt improvement in the standard of
the metal; but from 1554 to 1558 it fell back into a worse condition
than it had been in at any time previously. The metal was fine
to f alloy. The coins consisted of shillings, groats, half-groats, and
pennies. The base money too of Henry VIII and Edward VI, the
circulation of which had been prohibited during this and the previous
reign in England, was passed over to Ireland.
ELIZABETH. When Elizabeth turned her attention to the general state of the
coinage at home, she did not show the same sympathy for Ireland as
for England. The base money, which was withdrawn from circulation
in England, was recoined into shillings and sixpences and sent over to
Ireland, and these were of so low a standard that the intrinsic value
of the shilling was not more than 4d., and later on fell to 2d. In 1561,
when Elizabeth had completed her reform of the English money, she also
made an improvement in the Irish, which was ordered to be at 1 1 oz.
* Simon, op. cit., p. 34. f See p. 229.
i Num. Chron., 1886, p. 152.
INTEODUCTION. Ixi
fine to 1 oz. alloy. The shillings and groats of this issue were however ELIZABETH.
lighter than the English pieces of those denominations, so that the Irish
shilling was equivalent only to ninepence in English money. In 1598,
when the country was in a disorganized state caused by the Tyrone
rebellion, there was such a dearth of money that none could be found to
pay the troops, who were engaged in quelling the rebellion. A new issue
of shillings and sixpences was in consequence ordered, but a return was
made to the former base standard of 3 oz. fine to 9 oz. alloy, and in
1601 a further debasement appears to have occurred (see p. 232). The
types of these coins were varied to distinguish them from previous
issues. This money was coined in London and sent to Ireland. In
1601 a copper currency of pence and halfpence was instituted for
Ireland. These were struck at the rate of 190 pence to the pound
avoirdupois.
When James succeeded to the English throne the Tyrone rebellion JAMES i.
was at an end, and the king was able to take steps to improve the
coinage, which the last issue of Elizabeth had thrown into a great
state of disorganization. Shillings and sixpences were issued of the
standard of 9 oz. fine and 3 oz. alloy, and the base money of the
previous reign was reduced to one-third of its former current value.
Later on the English shilling passed at sixteenpence. The new money
was of a uniform type similar to the English, but with the harp on
the reverse ; and excepting for a change in the king's title, no alteration
was made throughout this reign. The copper farthing tokens current
in England were extended to Ireland.
Charles I issued no special coins for Ireland before the outbreak CHARLES I.
of the Civil War, and the only currency before that date consisted
of farthing tokens similar to those which had been struck by
James. During the rebellion however there are several interesting
series of " money of necessity " similar in character to the coinages of
the local mints in England (see p. 234). Some of this money was
struck by the " rebels," but the greater part was issued by order of the
Council or under the direct warrant of the king. Their types somewhat
resemble those of the English siege pieces, and are of the simplest
description; one important group, the Inchiquin money, bearing for
the most part only the marks of the weight stamped on an irregularly
shaped piece of silver.* Others, like the Ormonde money, have the
royal crown and initials on the obverse, and the marks of value on
the reverse. The copper pieces too are of the rudest kind. It is to
this series that the crown and half-crown struck in the name of
Charles II belong (see Nos. 101-102, p. 239).
From this time onwards until the middle of the reign of George III COMMON-
the Irish coinage consisted of copper, pewter, or some mixed metal.
Only copper, however, was used for the official money.
Under the Commonwealth the only coins struck in Ireland were the
tradesmen's penny, halfpenny, and farthing tokens in copper. At the
* It is in this group that we have the only gold coin in the whole Irish series,
namely, the pistole, which was current for 20s. (see p. 235).
Ixii INTEODUCTION.
COMMON- restoration of Charles II the issue of farthings somewhat similar to those
V KORGE H fv f James I and Charles I was resumed ; but these gave way at a later
period to a coinage of halfpence and farthings, which was founded on
a much sounder basis, and resembled closely the English copper money
of that time. These continued to be issued without any appreciable
change till the reign of George III, their weight only varying from
time to time according to the market price of the metal.
During this time, however, there were several coinages which have
a certain amount of interest attached to them. They were not strictly
official. These are the St. Patrick money of the reign of Charles II
(see Nos. 104105, p. 240) ; the date of issue of which has now been
fairly ascertained ; the gun money and pewter money, &c., issued by
James II during his attempt to recover the throne of England (see
Nos. 108-115, pp. 241-243), and the " Voce Populi" pieces of the
reign of George II (see No. 124, p. 246). As full particulars of these
coinages have been given with their descriptions they need not be
repeated here.
In the meanwhile Ireland had been supplied with money in gold and
silver from various sources. A certain amount had been imported
from England, but the bulk came from France, Spain, and Portugal.
As no attempt was made to stop this importation of foreign money,
its current value was from time to time prescribed by the govern-
ment. This was necessary on account of changes in standard and
weight. The importation of English money does not appear at any
time to have been very general, and no mention is made of its
relative value during the whole of the reign of Charles II. James II
however, during the rebellion rated the shilling at its usual current
value. In 1695 the guinea was rated at 26s., the crown in silver at
5s. 10cZ., and the other pieces in proportion. Later on in 1701 the
guinea was reduced to 23s. and the crown to 5s. 5d., and in 1737 the
guinea was rated at 1 2s. 9d. and the silver money, most of it
English, was not worth melting, the shilling being hardly worth
ninepence or tenpence and the sixpence not worth a groat.* From this
time we have no data except that, in spite of its worn condition, the
guinea was ordered to pass at its former current value <! 2s. 9d. : and
the silver coinage was reduced to such a wretched state that twenty-one
shillings were not intrinsically worth more than nine shillings, and
worn pieces not more than live shillings. This was the state of the
coinage when in 1804 the Bank of Ireland received permission to issue
silver tokens of various denominations to relieve present necessities.
When the great recoinage of gold and silver in England took place in
1817, it was ordered that it should be current on equal terms throughout
Great Britain and Ireland. Thus for the first time in the history
of Ireland was its coinage placed on a true and equitable basis.
It should be mentioned that in 1805 a new copper coinage after the
English pattern, consisting of the penny, halfpenny, and farthing, was
* Simon, Essay on Irish Coins, p. 76.
INTBODUCTION.
Ixiii
instituted. This was renewed by George IV in 1822, but since 1823 COMMON-
no separate money has been struck for Ireland.
The study of the coinages of England, Scotland, and Ireland has
during the present century been so closely pursued that little of
importance remains to be discovered. Consequently much and
frequent use has been made of the standard works in each section,
and the opportunity is now taken to express the compiler's indebtedness
for the information which he has obtained from them. The chief
works consulted have been in the English section, Ruding, Annals
of the Coinage of Great Britain ; Kenyon, Gold Coinage of England ;
Hawkins, Silver Coinage of England ; Thorburn, Guide to British Coins ;
and The Numismatic Chronicle ; in the Scottish section, Cochran-
Patrick, Records of the Scottish Coinage ; Burns, Coinage of Scotland ;
and Robertson, Handbook to the Coinage of Scotland; and in the
Irish section, Simon, Essay on Irish Coins; Lindsay, A View of the
Coinage of Ireland; and the numerous and valuable articles of Dr.
Aquilla Smith.
In the preparation of this Handbook the compiler has been under
great obligations to Sir John Evans, K.C.B., who has read the proof
sheets of the Introduction ; to Mr. L. A. Lawrence for reading in
proof the portion relating to the English coins ; to his colleague,
Mr. Warwick Wroth, for valuable suggestions ; and especially to
Mr. Barclay V. Head, Keeper of Coins and Medals, for the patience
and care he has bestowed on the whole work in proof.
HERBERT A. GRUEBER.
ERRATUM.
P. 29 n., omit the words, " which however may be Danish."
HANDBOOK
OF THE
COINS OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND.
ANGLO-SAXON COINS.
SCEATTAS.
CIRC. A.D. 600-750.
THE earliest coins of the Anglo-Saxon series are small pieces in gold
and silver known as Sceattas ; the word sceat signifying treasure.
They are mostly without inscriptions ; a few, however, have legends in
Roman or Runic characters. Some apparently bear the name of
London (see No. 5), but the locality of issue of the majority has not
been determined. The early types are derived from Roman and
Frankish coins, but the later ones appear to be of native origin. The
average weight of the gold piece is about 20 grains, being equivalent
to the Roman triens or tremissis, whilst that of silver varies from 15
to 20 grains.
1. Obv. [Blundered legend.] Bust to r., diademed. Rev. Two busts, facing, with Plate i.
traces of hands supporting an orb between them; above, head and two COLD.
wings ; on either side of head, three dots. AJ -5.* Wt. 20' 2.
This type is imitated from the solidus of Valentinian I, which
shows on the reverse the emperor and his colleague seated, holding an
orb between them, and behind a Victory with outstretched wings.
The solidus of Magnus Maximus struck in London is also of this type.
2. Obv. [Blundered legend formed into a pattern.] Bust to r., diademed. Jicv.
II^XIT; lltMS. [BEA(R)TIGO?] Cross on three steps. AT -5. Wt.
20 * o.
This type is taken from Merovingian gold coins. The Runic legend
on the reverse has been read feartigo for " forty," = 40 copper stycas ;
but this reading is very doubtful.
* Throughout the sizes are given in inches and tenths, and the weights in
grains troy.
B
2 ANGLO-SAXON COINS.
Plate i 3. Obv. Wolf to r., and twins. Eev. A bird between two stalks of corn? m '5.
S.LVKK. Wt. 16-0.
The obverse type of this coin is copied from the reverse of the
copper piece of Constantine the Great, representing the wolf and twins
with the legend VRBS ROMA. The type of the reverse is of native
design, i.e., Anglo-Saxon.
4. Obv. Bust to r., holding cross. Eev. Animal (wolf ?) curved round to r., with
short fore-legs and long hind-legs. M '45. Wt. 16-8.
The obverse type is Saxon in form, and the reverse is probably a
degradation of the obverse of the preceding coin.
5. Obv. VMOONIA+ [LVNDONIA]. Bust to r., head dressed in Saxon form.
Rev. Figure seated to r. in chair, holding bird and long cross. M '5.
Wt. 15-3.
The blundered legend appears to be intended for LVNDONIA ; as on
some of the coins of this class it is correctly written. The reverse type
is copied from coins of Gratian, Arc., representing Roma seated.
6. Obv. Radiate bust to r. ; behind, TTA ; in front, ^3M (=EPA). Eev. Square
compartment enclosing O ; below, cross ; on either side of compartment,
TAT. 2R -45. Wt. 17-7.
This coin is imitated from the small copper coins of Constantine II,
struck ' in London, with the emperor's bust on the obverse, and a
standard inscribed xx between two captives on the reverse.
Epa has been identified with the brother of that name of the Mercian
king, Peada, who was slain in the battle of Maserfield in 642, or
with Eba, who is mentioned after the death of Peada as " Dux Mer-
ciorum " (see No. 7).
The types of the sceattas are very varied. Besides the above, on
the dbv. are facing heads, figures of birds, dragons, fantastic animals,
&c., and on the rev. human figures, animals, crosses, and ornaments of
varied forms. These are mostly without legends.
ANGLO-SAXON KINGDOMS.*
MERCIA.
The coinage of Mercia consists of two denominations, the Sceat, as
already described, in gold and silver, and the Penny in silver only.
The sceat must have extended over a period of about a century, from
A.D. 665-760; but coins of this class are known only of two kings,
Peada and possibly of -ZEthelred. The penny was first issued during
the reign of OfFa, circ. 760, and forms a continuous series in Mercia,
to about 874, when Ceolwulf II, the then reigning monarch, was
expelled by the Danes.
* The coin-striking kingdoms of the so-called Heptarchy were Mercia, Kent,
East Anglia, Northumbria, and Wessex.
MEBCIA. 3
Sceat Series.
7. PEADA, A.D. 655-657? Obv. OTI OIZNOP Helmeted bust to r. Bee. Plate i.
Traces of inscription in Roman letters AcoTT around a standard
inscribed CFMp [ = PA DA]. AI -45. Wt. 20-3.
Peada, son of Penda of Mercia, governed South Mercia during his
father's lifetime, and introduced Christianity into Mercia. At his
father's death in 655 he succeeded to the whole kingdom.
He also struck sceattas in gold of similar type, but with his . name
in a circle of dots on the reverse. Others, silver, have a cross on the
reverse.
8. ^ETHELRED, A.D. 675-704. Obv. Degraded form of head to r. Bev.
[>p>ILIR/D] in two lines bomtrophedon ; triple border. JR -5. Wt. 19-2.
^Ethelred was the brother of Peada and Wulfhere, and succeeded
the latter in 675. This is the only type known of his coinage.
Possibly, however, it may be East Saxon.
Penny Series.*
9. OFFA, A.D. 757-796. Obv. .-. + OFFA RX + .-. Bust to r., hair
elaborately arranged. Rev. fiLHTUNO in spaces left by an elaborate
pattern ; viz., an ornamental and a plain cross formed into a star of eight
rays. JR '65. Wt. 19-1.
Offa was the ninth king of Mercia in succession from Wybba, the
father of Peada (see No. 7). He introduced into England the Penny,
tiirc. A.D. 760, the form of which, but not the type, was derived from
the Carlovingiaii denier. Offa's coins are of two series, those with the
bust and those without. They are remarkable for their artistic-
excellence both in design and execution, and in this respect far
surpass succeeding issues. The types are numerous and varied ; the
following being but a small selection. The bust on the obverse is
original in character, and shows undoubted attempts at portraiture,
and the reverse designs are distinctly ornamental, and comprise for
the most part elaborately formed crosses or floral patterns. Offa is
said to have employed foreign artists. Though no mint-names occur, it
is very probable that after the conquest of Kent in 774, the greater
part, if not all, of Offa's money was struck at Canterbury.
10. OFFA. Obv. + OFFA REX + Bust to r., draped, hair much curled.
Bev. + ClOLHRRd. A serpent coiled, dividing legend. jR-7. Wt. 17-7.
11. OFFA. Obv. + OFFR REX + Bust to r., bare, diademed; in front, branch.
Bev. + DW.Q in spaces formed by a cruciform pattern, in centre of which
quatrefoil with trefoils between the leaves. JR '65. Pierced.
With the exception of the Styca series struck by the Anglian kings of
Northumbria and the Archbishops of York, that of the penny now extends
throughout the whole of the Anglo-Saxon period. It is very uniform in weight
and size, and although of infinite variety the general types are : (1) Obv. A
profile bust ; rev. some form of cross or ornament ; or obv. and rev. some form of
ornament or cross or other religious symbol (see Cat. Eng. Coins, Brit. Mus.,
p. xxii.). The exceptions are numerous. The name of the sovereign is on the
obverse, and on the reverse that of the inoiieyer, accompanied at a later period by
the place of issue or mint.
B 2
4 ANGLO-SAXON COINS.
Plate i. 12. OFFA. Obv. + OFFA REX MERCIORUM. Bust to r., draped and
diademed; in front, cross. Rev. + DUD between leaves of large quatre-
f oil ; trefoils within and between leaves. Ai'l. Wt. 16-3.
13. OFFA. Obv. + OFFA REX MERCIOR . Bust to r., draped, hair plaited.
Rev. + EfiDHVN. Lozenge with incurved sides containing cross sur-
rounded by dots ; each cusp of lozenge ends in cross and divides legend.
n -7. Wt. 17-2.
14. OFFA. Obv. '. OFFA '. Bust to r., draped, hair plaited. Rev.
+ EAdHVUN. Similar to the preceding, JK -65. Wt. 18'2.
15. OFFA. Obv. OFFA REX TEREIORU. Bust to r., draped, hair simply
plaited. Rev. + E/KUTU-NO. Lozenge-shaped compartment dividing
legend, with floral ornament in centre, JR '7. Wt. 15 -8.
16. OFFA. Obv. '. GALRAeD. Bust to r., draped, diademed. Rev. -E R T
( = 0ffa Bex Merciorum) within limbs of cruciform pattern with cross in
centre and floral ornaments between limbs. JK 65. Wt. 18 0.
The occurrence of the inoneyer's name on the obverse, and that of
the king on the reverse, is exceptional (see also next coin and that of
Cynethryth, No. 28).
17. OFFA. Obv. I BBS. Bust to r., in armour, diademed; cross behind and
another above the head. Rev. O JE R T. Lozenge with incurved sides
containing cross with dot in each angle ; each cusp of lozenge floriated
and dividing legend. JR -65. Wt. 20-7.
18. OFFA. Obv. + FFA REX + Bust to r., bare, diademed. Rev.
+ LULLA divided by four bosses; in centre, quatrefoil with trefoils
between leaves. j& -65. Wt. 16-5.
19. OFFA. Obv. OFF/K RX on two bands divided above by a serpent, coiled.
Bust to r., draped, hair plaited. Rev. + REND RED in two lines, divided
by oblong compartment, within which two serpents intertwined. At '65.
Wt. 16-7.
20. OFFA. Obv. OFFA REX. Bust to r., draped, hair curled. Rev. O _E R T
within limbs of cruciform pattern with cross in centre and floral ornaments
between the limbs. JK -65. _Wt. 17 -8.
21. OFFA. Obv. + OFFA REX T. In centre, circle enclosing rosette of pellets.
Rev. BABBA between two lines; above, OHTO ; below, scroll and pellet
ornaments, .at '75. Wt. 19 '5.
22. OFFA. Obv. + OFFA - REX : T .' in three lines and divided by two
dotted lines. Rev. + BEAINEARD in two lunettes; traces of a double
cross between them, zj '75. Wt. 19-7.
23. OFFA. Obv. / ^^ '.. ." a i . Lozenge-shaped compartment dividing in-
scription ; in centre, circle enclosing quatrefoil with trefoils between the
leaves. Rev. EffiD. : BERH T T in three lines and divided by two
dotted lines. JR -65. Wt. 18-3.
24. OFFA. Obv. OFFA on standard surmounted by cross between ornaments of
dots ; below, R T. Rev. g ^ in angles of cross pomm6e voided
in centre and having cross of dots within ; limbs ending in broken circles.
JR -7. Wt. 17-8.
This type of obverse may be compared with the reverse of No. 7
(Peada).
25. OFFA. Obv. -f OFFA -.' REX -I T ! in three lines and divided by two
straight lines. Rev. E[>EL NOJ> in two lines divided by oblong
compartment with bi-lobed ends. AI -75. Wt. 21-7.
26. OFFA. Oln\ +:O-F-FAR EX in angles of cross botonnee with quatre-
foil in centre. Rev. HE ft L R in angles of cruciform ornament with floral
design on each limb and ornamental cross in centre. AI -7. Wt. 17 -8.
MERCIA.
27. OFFA. Obv. + OF FA REX between limbs of cross botonnee, over which is Plate i.
a small cross of same kind. Rev. SM D between limbs of cross
botonnee, voided in centre. M '65. Wt. 18 '8.
28. CYNETHRYTH, widow of Off a, A.D. 796. Obv. '. GOBfi ' Bust to r., draped,
hair in long curls. Rev. CYNEfcRYfc RE6IN7X. In centre within circle
of dots, T. js -65. Wt. 15-9.
The name of Cynethryth, as Queen of Mercia, appears on charters
with that of her husband from A.D. 780-788. She also signs charters
with her son Ecgferth in 796. The coins with her name appear to have
been struck after Offa's death. Not only are the style and work, and
even the types of her coins similar to those of Offa, but her only
moneyer " Eoba " also worked for Offa (see No. 24). Of Ecgferth
no coins are known. He only reigned 141 days ; so it is possible
that his mother arrogated his sovereign rights. Some of Cynethryth's
coins have the Mercian T on the obverse instead of her bust. On
these the queen's name is on the obverse, and that of the moneyer on
the reverse.
29. COENWULF, A.D. 796-822. Obv. + COENVVLF REX T. Bust to r. Rev.
DERLLR MONETfi. Circle from which proceed three crosses dividing
legend; within circle, cross crosslet, pellet in each angle. & '8.
Wt. 21-8.
Coenwulf was of another branch of the descent of Wybba. He
succeeded Ecgferth. The reverse types of his coins are very varied.
They are similar to those of Offa's, but much more conventional in
design, and of much less artistic beauty. Some are without the
king's bust on the dbv. (see No. 34).
30. COENWULF. OUtv. + COENVVLF REX T. Bust to r., diademed. Rev.
OBR TONETK. Same type as the preceding ; but within circle, eightfoil.
m -85. Wt. 22-3.
31. COENWULF. Obv. ^ COENVVLF REX T. Bust to r., diademed. Rev.
+ 5VVEFHEPD MOHETA. Cross fourchee with dots in angles. JR -85.
Wt. 22-3.
32. COENWULF. Obv. * COENVVLF REX T. Bust to r., diademed. Rev.
VERhERRDI TONETR. Cross pomniee over cross pattee. 2R '75.
Wt. 21-0.
Werheard was also a moneyer of Cuthred of Kent.
33. COENWULF. Obv. * COENVVLF REX T. Bust to r., diademed. Rev.
>%* f>ERhERRDI TONETR. Cross fleury of peculiar form with dot in
centre, ja -8. Wt. 21-2.
34. COENWULF. Obv. * COENVVLF REX. In centre T. Rev. EpELMOD.
Tribrach moline, voided, dividing legend. M '75. Wt. 21 '0.
The tribrach is supposed to represent the archiepiscopal pall. This
strengthens the opinion that not only were the coins of Coenwulf
struck at Canterbury (see No. 37), but also many of those of Offa.
The same moneyers' names occur also on the Kentish coins (see
No. 53).
35. CEOLWULF I, A.D. 822-824? Obv. * CIOLVVLF REX T. Bust to r.,
diademed. Rev. <fr DVNN TONETfi. In centre v $ -.' 2R '8.
Wt. 21-5.
Ceolwulf was the brother of Coenwulf, and appears to have been the
last of the old royal house of Wybba. His mints were at Canterbury
() ANGLO-SAXON COINS.
Plate i. (see No. 37), and probably at Rochester, as some bear on the reverse
SILVEK. the cross of St. Andrew, the patron saint of the church of that city.
The above reverse type probably consists of the first and last letters
of the Greek alphabet. The letter A alone, which also occurs as a
reverse type, may be the initial of East Anglia, which had been
conquered by Off a in 793.
36. CEOLWULF I. Obv. + CEOLVVLF REX T. Bust to r., diademed. Eev.
HER
+ 393 divided by two lines, each end of which terminates in a crook.
JR -8. Wt. 21-0.
37. CEOLWULF I. Canterbury. Obv. + CIOLVVLF REX MERCI. Long cross,
at tbe sides CR V (Merciorum). Rev. * $ICE$TEF DOROBERNIfi.
Cross crosslet. JB, -85. Wt. 21-7.
This coin was formerly attributed to Ceolwulf II ; it is now however
given to the earlier king of that name. This attribution has been con-
firmed by a recent find of coins (see Num. Chron., 1894, p. 29). Sigestef
was also a moneyer of Coenwulf and Baldred of Kent and struck
" Sede Vacante " coins as No. 58. The cross-crosslet reverse type does
not occur on contemporary coins of Ceolwulf II, but is found on coins
of Coenwulf and the successors of Ceolwulf I. The above is the only
known type without the king's bust. Others with the bust have on
the reverse a cross or the moneyer's name divided by cross and
ornaments.
38. BEORNWULF, A.D. 824-825. 06?;. + BEORNPVLF RE v Bust to r.,
diademed. Rev. J EADNOf> TO NET. Cross crosslet. JR '85. Wt. 19-2.
Beornwulf, the successor of Ceolwulf I, was defeated at Ellandune
by Ecgbeorht, king of Wessex, in 825, and in the same year was
slain in battle against the East Anglians. This led to the downfall
of Mercia, which became tributary to "Wessex. His mints were at
Canterbury and Rochester ? (see No. 35).
39. BEORNWULF. Obv. * BEORNPVLF REX. Bust to r. Eev. PER BALD
TONE in three lines. JR -75. Wt. 22-2.
All Beornwulf's coins have his bust, and except one, with three
St. Andrew's crosses on the reverse, the above are his only types.
40. LUDICAN, A.D. 825. Obv. ^ LVDIERR + HE. Bust to r. Eev.
* EADNOp> TOHET. Cross crosslet. M '8. Wt. 22-7.
Ludican, the successor of Beornwulf, whose death he sought to
avenge, was himself slain by the East Anglians after a reign of a few
months. His coins are of similar types as his predecessor's, and bear
the same moneyers' names. They are very rare.
41. WIGLAF, A.D. 825-839. Obv. * VVILLfiF R.E.X : T. Cross with
. . D
pellet in each angle. Eev. I REDTA (Redmond). The letters D and
h .
h are enclosed in two lunettes of dots, xi -8. Wt. 25- 7.
Wiglaf was deposed by Ecgbeorht in 829, but was restored the
next year and held his kingdom as tributary to Wessex. His coins
belong to the early part of his reign, and he does not appear to have
MERCIA. 7
exercised the right of issuilig money after his restoration. His mint Plate i.
was probably in London as Ecgbeorht had asserted his authority over SH.VKR.
Kent in 825. Other coins of this reign have the bust of the king on
the obverse and a cross crosslet on the reverse.
42. BERHTWULP, A.D. 839-853. Obv. BERfi~VLF REX. Bust to r., diademed.
Rev. * BRID TOHETA. Cross crosslet. JB, "8. Wt. 17-3.
Berhtwulf succeeded Wiglaf in 839, and the right of coinage was
restored to Mercia early in his reign by Aethelwulf of Wessex. His
coins have for the most part his bust on the obverse and some form of
cross on the reverse. There are a few exceptions (seeNos. 43 and 44).
His mint was in London.
43. BERHTWULF. Obv. BERHTVLF REX. Bust to r., diademed. Rev. Plate ii.
* BVRHVfiLD. In centre $. M '85. Wt. 19-7.
This reverse type, like most of -the types of this reign, is of a
religious character, and is a combination of the Greek letters A and U).
It also occurs on coins of Ceolwulf I (see No. 35), Ecgbeorht, &c. It
is in no way connected with his claim to sovereignty over East An.gJia
as suggested by Hawkins (Silver Coinage, 3rd ed., p. 50).
44. BERHTWULF. Obv. + BERHTVVLF REX T. Cross potent over plain
cross. Rev. + TfiTEL MONETA. Cross potent. JR '8. Wt. 22-3.
A variety without the bust has the Christian monogram on the
obverse and a Saxon Y on the reverse.
45. BURGRED, A.D. 853-874. Obv. BVRDRED REX + Bust to r., diademed.
Rev. BEfiGZTXf '. HMON v ETA . in three lines, the upper and lower
ones enclosed in lunettes, & -75. Wt. 20*8.
With the defeat and deposition of Burgred by the Danes in 874,
the independent kingdom of Mercia came to an end. It was held by
the Danes for a few years, and at the peace of Wedmore in 878 it was
divided between Aelfred and Guthorm (^Ethelstan II).
Burgred's coins are all of the above type but slightly varied.
They are very numerous and his moneyers' names supply a long list.
He is generally styled REX M (Merciorum) ; but one specimen reads
REX A (Angliae?), which may refer to some authority in East
Anglia.
46. CEOLWULF II, A.D. 874. Obv. CIOLVVLF REX. Bust to r., diademed. Rev.
LIOFVALD MO. Lozenge with cross at each angle, one limh extending
to edge of coin and dividing legend ; small cross in centre of lozenge.
M "8. Wt. 21-2.
On the defeat of Burgred the Danes set up Ceolwulf II on the
throne of Mercia, but deposed him either in the same year, 874, or
shortly afterwards. He was the last king of Mercia.
The above coin is unique. The type is also found on coins of Aelfred
(see No. 145). Another unique coin of this reign has on the reverse
two figures seated with a Victory between them : similar to pieces of
Halfdan (No. 94 olv.) and Aelfred (No. 146, note). These are the
only known types of this reign.
8 ANGLO-SAXON COINS.
KENT.
riatc ii. The coinage of Kent consists of silver pennies only and is of two
SILVEE. classes, regal and ecclesiastical. The regal series extends from about
A.D. 765 to A.D. 825 (Ecgberht to Baldred), in which last year Kent
became an appanage of Wessex. The ecclesiastical series, struck by the
Archbishops of Canterbury, commences about the same date as the
regal series ; but continues down to the beginning of the 10th cent.
The coinage of the archbishops appears to have come to an end shortly
after Aelf red's death in 901. All the Kentish coins were struck at
Canterbury.
47. ECGBERHT, A.D. 765-791. Obv. + E6CBERHT. In centre, R. Rev.
V D D : between two dotted lines ; above and below, cross within floral
ornament, a -65. Wt. 17-3.
Ecgberht, king of Kent, is mentioned in charters only. His reign
appears to have lasted about twenty-six years. He was formerly
supposed to be the son of Offa, and this idea was strengthened by the
fact that his only two moneyers' names, Udd (Dud) and JBabba, are
found on Ofia's coins. The only other type of this reign has the same
obverse as the above : but on the reverse a lozenge from three angles
of which issues a plain cross dividing legend. Both are similar to
Offa's types.
EflD
48. EADBERHT II, PRJEN, A.D. 796-798. Obv. BEKRHT divided by two plain
REX
lines. Rev, B ER HT ^^ v ^ e ^ by two plain lines ; below, ornaments [+]
M'75. Wt. 22-3.
Eadberht was taken prisoner by Coenwulf, king of Mercia, in 798,
and carried into Mercia. He struck coins of the above type only.
Jaenberht is the name of the moneyer and not of the Archbishop of
Canterbury of the same name, who died in 790 (see No. 55).
49. CUTHRED, A.D. 798-807. Obv. + CV-DRED REX CANT. Bust to r., dia-
demed. Rev. * SIGEBERH"! MONETA. Cross pommee over cross
pattee. st. -75. Wt. 18-1.
On the deposition of Eadberht Cuthred was made king by Coenwulf ;
but Kent remained under the supremacy of Mercia, and contemporary
coins of the Archbishops of Canterbury bear the name of the Mercian
king as overlord (see No. 56). The coins of Cuthred are of two series,
with and without the bust ; the former are of remarkably good work.
The reverse types are some form of cross or a tribrach. These are also
the types of the obverse without a bust. Cuthred styles himself
" King of Kent."
50. CUTHRED. Obv. CV-DRED REX. Tribrach voided in centre and dividing
legend ; in centre, smaller tribrach with wedges in angles. Rev. D V D A
divided by cross moline with circle in centre containing pellet. M '75.
Wt. 21-1.
51. CUTHRED. Obv. CV-DRED REX. Tribrach voided in centre and dividing
legend, annulet at end of each limb ; in centre, small tribrach with dots
in angles. Rev. SIGEBERFT. Tribrach moline with wedges in angles,
.ai -8. Wt. 21-5.
Sigeberht and Duda also struck coins for the overlord Coenwulf.
KENT. 9
52. BALDRED, A.D. 807-825. Canterbury. Obv. * BflLDRED REX CfiNT. Plate iu
Head _to r., diademed. Rev. ^ DIORTOD TONETfi. In centre, SILVER.
DR VR
>7_e (Dorovernia Civitas). 2R '85. Wt. 20 '7.
i_ITo
After a reign of nearly twenty years Baldred, who had succeeded
Cuthred under the supremacy of Mercia, was expelled by Ecgbeorht of
Wessex in 825. Kent then became an appanage of Wessex and was
generally ruled by the heir to that throne. Like Cuthred Baldred
styles himself " King of Kent."
The above is probably the earliest known coin bearing the name of
the Canterbury mint, and is also the first occurrence of a mint-name
on Anglo-Saxon pennies.
53. BALDRED. Obv. BALDRED REX II v Bust to r., diademed. Rev.
b EDELTOD TOI/ETfi. Star of six rays pattes, issuing from a circle.
x, '&. Wt. 20-7.
The coins of Baldred are of three varieties (1) those with the bust
and mint-name ; (2) those with the bust and no mint-name ; and (3)
those without the bust or mint-name. The usual type of the reverse
and of the obverse without a bust is some form of cross. The above is
the only exception known.
54. BALDRED. Obv. <%> BELDRED RX CfiKT. Cross patte~e with pellet in each
angle. Rev. >J O B K divided by four limbs of cross moline with
voided centre, within which cross pattee with pellet in each angle. JR -8.
Wt. 22-0.
Archbishops of Canterbury.
55. JAENBERHT, A.D. 766-790. Obv. * IffENBERHT fiREP. Star of eight
points. Rev. FFft within ornamental compartment ; inscription divided
REX
by dotted line. M -65. Wt. 18-2.
Jaenberht is the first Archbishop of Canterbury of whom coins are
known. During his episcopate Offa, King of Mercia, conquered Kent,
and as Jaenberht's coins were struck under his supremacy, they always
bear that ruler's name on the reverse. The obverse types are a star, a
cross potent or pomrnee, or the name of the archbishop in three lines
only. The reverse is always the same with one exception, viz., with
OfFa's name at the end of a cruciform object.
56. AETHELHEARD, A.D. 793-805. Obv. fiEDILHEARD fi-R. In centre
EP (Archiepiscopus). Rev. COENVLF REX-!- divided by a tribrach
V rp
voided. JR -75. Wt. 21-9.
Aethelheard was elected archbishop in 791, but did not receive the
pallium till 793. During this interval he appears to have struck coins
with the title of Pontifex instead of Archiepiscopus. His early coins
bear the name of Offa ; but those struck after 796 that of Coenwulf.
Those with the name of Offa have for obv. and rev. types a star, a cross,
the Christian monogram, &c. There is only one other variety with
10 ANGLO-SAXON COINS.
Plate ii. Coenwulf's name. It has the Mercian T instead of a tribrach on the
SILVER, reverse.
57. WULFRED, A.D. 805-832. Canterbury. Obv. <%* VVLFRED : ARCHIE PL
Bust facing, head tonsured. Rev. ^ $AEBERHT MONETfi. In centre,
monogram <^X^? ( = Dorobernia Civi.). & -Q. \Vt. 20-9.
Wulfred, who was engaged in disputes with Mercia, first espoused
the cause of Baldred of Kent and then allied himself to Ecgbeorht of
Wessex. This may account for the omission of the king's name on the
reverse. On some of the coins his bust is in profile and the reverse
types consist of the mint-name in letters or in monogram of a more or
less abbreviated form.
58. "SEDE VACANTE" COINS, Canterbury, A.D. 832-833? Obv. ^ LVNING
MONETA. Bust facing, head tonsured. Eev. * DOROBERNIA
C I VITA 5 in four lines across the field, si '8. Chipped.
The coins of this type, which do not bear an archbishop's name,
were probably struck in the interval between the death of Wulfred
and the consecration of Ceolnoth, his successor. They are of the same
type as coins of Wulfred (Cat. Eng. Coins, B.M., vol. i., pi. xii. 6) and
were struck by his moneyers. Similar pieces, but with a bust in profile,
were coined at the same time by the late king Baldred's moneyers.
59. CEOLNOTH, A.D. 833-870. Canterbury. Obv. * CEOLNOO ARCHIEPI.
Bust facing, head tonsured. Rev. + DOROVERNIA-:- In centre,
C I VITAS arranged in angles of plain cross. M P 8. Wt. 17"'2.
With one exception, when it is in profile, the bust of this archbishop
is always facing. The reverse types are varied and are similar to
those of contemporary kings of Wessex and Mercia (1) mint-name
in monogram (Ecgbeorht) ; (2) money er's name on limbs and in angles
of cross (Aethelwulf and Aethelbearht) ; (3) Christian monogram
(Aethelwulf) ; (4) moneyer's name in three lines (Burgred).
CO. CEOLNOTH. Obv. ^ EEOLNOO ARCHIEP". Bust facing, head tonsured.
Rev. >%* HEBE ! CZf MONETZf upon limbs and between angles of outlined
cross. JR -8. Wt. 19-5.
61. ^THEKED, A.D. 870-889. Obv. & E>ERED ARCHIEPT. Bust to r.,
diademed. Rev. EOERED MONETfi witbin and without leaves of quatre-
foil, over which cross patte'e with circle in centre and wedges in angles.
21 -8. Wt. 31-1.
Of this archbishop only two coins are known although he occupied
the see for nearly twenty years. The above type is similar to a coin
of Aelfred (Cat. Eng. Coins, B.M., vol. ii., pi. vi. 6). The other piece
is like the ordinary type of Plegmund's coins, and has on the obverse
a small cross and on the reverse the moneyer's name in two lines (see
next coin).
62. PLEGMUND, A.D. 890-914. Canterbury. Obv. * PLEEMVND 7XRCHIEP.
In centre, ^"^ (Dorobernia). Rev. ^jj^ divided by three crosses
pattees and two dots, arranged crosswise, m '8. Wt. 27'1.
Plegmund was the last Archbishop of Canterbury during the Anglo-
Saxon period to strike coins. The series appears to have come to an
EAST ANGLTA. 11
end soon after the death of Aelfrecl, from which time the coins of Plate ii.
Canterbury are all of the regal class. The above is the usual type SH.VEK.
of Plegmund's coins. The reverse is only varied in the position of the
crosses ; but on the obverse instead of the mint-name is a cross, a
pastoral staff, or x. D. F. (Christus Defensor ?). On some the name of
Aelfred precedes that of the archbishop. Many of the coins are of
barbarous work. These are probably Danish imitations.
EAST ANGLIA.
Of East Anglia there are also two series of coins, regal and quasi-
ecclesiastical, similar in character to those of Kent. The regal series,
which consists of sceattas and pennies and halfpennies in silver, extends
from the reign of Beonna (circ. 760) to that of the Danish king,
^Ethelstan II (Guthorm), who by the treaty of Wedmore in 878
received East Anglia as part of his dominions. ^Ethelstan II dying
in 890 East Anglia merged into Wessex. So few are the records of
East Anglia, that of eight kings, of which we have coins, only three
are known to history. The quasi-ecclesiastical series, pennies and
halfpennies, is that which bears the name of the martyred " St.
Eadmund." These belong to the end of the 9th cent., and though
some appear to have been minted at York, their chief circulation
was in East Anglia. The types of the coins are not very varied.
A few only have the bust of the king. The letter A for " Anglia "
and a cross on the reverse is the most general one.
Sceat Series.
63. BEONNA (BEOBN?), circ. A.D. 760. Obv. + EOHF REX [BEONNA
REX]. Cross in centre. Rev. -f- EFE in angles formed by cross with
open lozenge in centre, enclosing X ; before and after each letter . JK '6.
Wt. 16-3.
Probably the same as Beorna, who is mentioned by Florence of
Worcester and Alured of Beverley. His date, circ. 760, would suit that
of the coin.
The above is the only type of Beonna's coins. His name also occurs
in Roman characters only. The use of Runic letters on the East
Anglian coinage survived to a somewhat late date.
64. JETHELBERHT, d. A.D. 794. Obv. + EfclhBERKT mt> [=LVL]. Bustto
r., diademed. Rev. REX above dotted compartment within which are the
wolf and twins; below, cross and pellets, at '65. Wt. 16*8.
JEthelberht was the son of JEthelred, the successor of Beonna. He
was murdered by Offa. This is the only known coin of this king.
The type of the reverse is derived from copper coins of Constantine
the Great. " Lul " on the obverse is probably the money er.
Penny Series.
65. EADWALD, circ. A.D. 819-825. Obv. EADVZfTD REX in three lines divided
by two dotted lines. Rev. EfiD MOO within compartments of quatrefoil.
. -7. Wt. 21-0.
Eadwald and the following kings, ^Ethelstan I and JEthelweard, are
unknown to history and their dates therefore are only conjectural.
12 ANGLO-SAXON COINS.
Plate ii. Only one other type of Eadwald's coins is known. It has on the
SILVER, reverse the moneyer's name arranged between the limbs of an ornamental
cross. The obverse is the same as the above coin.
66. ^ETHELSTAN I, circ. A.D. 825-837. Obv. <% E>ELZAH REX. Bust to r.
Eev. *fr COOH OOOHETA in three lines. M -75. Wt. 18-8.
From the evidence of a recent find ^Ethelstan was probably a
contemporary of Ecgbeorht of Wessex, and he may be the East Anglian
king who sought the protection of Wessex against the Mercians. The
coinage of ^Ethelstan I is the most extensive of any East Anglian ruler.
The types, however, are few and are almost limited to those here
described. They occur with and without the bust. On the earlier
pieces traces of Runic letters are found.
67. JETHELSTAN I. Obv. ^ Ef>ELc0TANI. Cross pattee. Rev. * EKDHOp
NNOH. Cross pattee. AI -8. Wt. 21-5.
68. ^ETHELSTAN I. Obv. * EpELcoTAN. In centre, ft. Eev. & REX
A A I C (Rex Anglise). In centre, X- & '8. Wt. 21-0.
"the reverse type is the Greek CO, making a sacred symbol in con-
nection with the s (for Anglia) on the obverse. It is not the letter
HP, the symbol of Mercia, as has been conjectured.
Plate iii. 69. ^THELWEARD, circ. A.D. 837-850. Obv. >%* ED-EL f> . RRD REX. In
centre, ZK. Eev. 4* DVDDR OOOflE. In centre, cross pattee with pellet in
each angle. at -8. Wt. 20-3.
Varieties of JEthelweard's coins have on the obverse (1) a cross
with a crescent in each angle ; (2) a cross springing from CO ; and
(3) a cross crosslet. None have the bust. The reverses only vary in
having wedges or pellets in the angles of the cross.
70. BEOBHTBIC, circ. A.D. 852. Obv. + BEORHTRIC REX. In centre, Zf.
Eev. ! . ErCHRRD. In centre, cross pattee, with pellet in each angle.
JR -75. Wt. 18-1.
The name of Beorhtric as filius regis occurs as a witness on charters
from 840 to 845 of Berhtwulf , king of Mercia. A variety of the above
coin has three pellets in each angle of the cross on the reverse : and
another has the Greek CO on the reverse. These are the only known
types of Beorhtric's coins.
71. EADMUND (ST. EADMUND), A.D. 857?-870. Obv. * EfiDMVN D REX
fiN. In centre, ^ (A transformed). Eev. B6ORNFE v R> - WO.
Cross pattee with pellet in each angle. JR -8. Wt. 21-0.
Eadmund succeeded about 857, and was slain by the Danes
when in East Anglia in 870. His martyrdom is commemorated by
the St. Eadmund coinage (see Nos. 73-74). His coins show very
little variety of type. They all have on the reverse the cross with
pellets or wedges in the angles, and on the obverse the letter A
variously formed, a cross with crescents in angles, or a cross issuing
from two united annulets.
72. JETHELSTAN II (GuTHORM), A.D. 878-890. Obv. ^ ED EL I7X RE. Small
cross pattee. Eev. ^p^ (me fecit) across the field; in centre, pellet.
jR-8. Wt.21-0.
Guthorm, the Danish leader, having been defeated by Aelfred at
EAST ANGLIA.
13
Ethandune, made peace in 878 and received East Anglia and a part of
Mercia for his dominions. He was at the same time baptised under
the name of JEthelstan. His coins are therefore subsequent to this
event. They are of the above type only, which is copied from coins of
Aelfred (see No. 146) ; and of his eleven known moneyers, seven
worked also for Aelfred. The coins of Guthorm, twenty-four in
number, were all found at Cuerdale.
73. ST. EADMUND. Memorial Coinage. Obv. %* SC EfiDMVND R. In centre,
IK. Rev. SC E7XDMVND RE. Cross pattee. zt -75. Wt. 23-6.
These coins were issued as a memorial of Eadmund, king of East
Anglia, who was murdered by the Danes in 870 (see No. 71).
Though some bear the name of York (Ebriace Civ.) it is probable that
they were mostly struck in East Anglia. Their issue appears to have
begun before the death of Guthorm and to have ceased before 905, the
probable date of the burial of the Cuerdale hoard, in which such a large
number of specimens occurred. Varieties have the name of the
money er on the reverse (see No. 74), and, as stated above, the name of
York ; but the types on all are the same.
74. ST. EADMUND. Memorial Coinage.
Zf. Eev. & GILENART MONE.
Halfpenny.
Obv. * SC. EADMVNDE. In centre,
Small cross pattee. 211 -55. Wt. 9-0.
75. ST. MARTIN OF LINCOLN, circ. A.D. 925-940.
SCIM
Obo. ART I divided by sword to c,
Rev. + LIUCOIA CIVIT. Small cross within limbs of large cross voided.
M -75. Wt. 17-5.
This coin is of Danish origin, and from its type is closely connected
with those pieces which bear the name of St. Peter (see Nos. 120122).
As Lincoln was taken from the Danes by Eadmund, king of Wessex,
in 943, it must have been struck before that date, but probably
subsequent to the burial of the Cuerdale hoard in which no specimen
occurred. The name of St. Martin also occurs on the reverse of the
St. Eadmund coins.
Plate in.
SILVER.
NORTHUMBRIA.
The coinage of Northumbria may be divided into two classes, that
struck by the Anglian kings and archbishops of York (A.D. 670-867),
and that issued during the Danish occupation (A.D. 875-954). The
coins of the first class are of base silver or copper, and are known as
stycas (i.e. piece, Germ, stiick.) Those of the second class are of silver,
pennies and halfpennies. The Danish coins, like the Anglian, are of
two series, regal and ecclesiastical or quasi-ecclesiastical. The latter,
struck at York, bear the name of St. Peter, and are analogous to
the archiepiscopal coinage of the styca series. They are similar in
character to the East Anglian coins of St. Eadmund.
The types of the early coins of the Anglian series are at first some-
what of the character of the early sceattas ; but those of the later pieces
14 ANGLO-SAXON COINS.
are very conventional, being simply a cross, an annulet, fcc. The
types of the Dano-Norse coins are varied, and many are of considerable
interest. Besides the Carlovingian monogram we meet with repre-
sentations of the raven, the Danish flag, the Divine Hand, the bow and
arrow, the hammer of Thor, and the sword. (See Cat. Eng. Coins,
vol. i., p. Ixxx.)
Anglian Kings.
Styca Series.
LV
COPPBK. 76. ECGFRITH, A.D. G70-685. Obv. + ECGFRID REX. Cross. Rev. ^^. Cross
with rays. JE '5. Wt. 19-0.
Ecgfrith is the first Anglian king of Northumbria of whom coins are
known. He was sixth in succession to Ida, the founder of the Bernician
House. He is styled by Symeon of Durham " rex piissimus et Deo
dilectissimus," which may in some way account for the reverse legend
of the above coin. This is the only type known.
SIMM 77. ALDFRITH, A.D. 685-705. Obv. + MLOERIdU.3 (Aldefridus). Circle of dots
enclosing pellet. Rev. Fantastic animal walking to 1. & ' 45. Wt. 19 3.
Aldfrith was the elder, but illegitimate brother of Ecgfrith. He
married Cyneburg, dau. of Penda, king of Mercia. This is the
only known type of his coins. Of his successors, Eadwulf, Osred I,
Coenred, Osric and Coelwulf, no coins up to the present have been
identified.
78. EADBERHT, A.D. 737-758. Obv. EDTBEREhTVr. Cross within circle of
dots. Rev. ECGBERhT A. Mitred figure to r., holding two long crosses.
* -5. Wt. 17-7.
Eadberht succeeded his cousin Coelwulf. He took the tonsure in
758 and died two years later. His brother, Ecgberht, who strikes
coins with him, was Archbishop of York, 734-766 (see No. 89).
79. EADBERHT. Obv. EdTBEREhTVr. Cross pattee. Rev. Animal to r.,
horned and with barbed tail ; in field, four circles, each enclosing a pellet.
20. '5. Wt. 19-2.
These are the only known types of Eadberht's coins. The animal on
the reverse shows some variety of form.
Of Eadberht's successor Oswulf (758-760) no coins are known ; but
of JEthelwald (called Moll) who reigned from 760-766 two pieces
ln-ar his name, but struck by Ecgberht, Abp. of York. They have on
both sides a small cross and read ATHBALDIV, &c.,on the obverse and
EGBERhT AR on the reverse.
80. ALCHRED, A.D. 76G-774. Obv. + ALCHRED. Cross. Rev. Animal walking
to r., horned and with barbed tail; below, cross. M '5. Wt. 17 '0.
Alchred, who succeeded Moll JEthelwald, was of direct descent from
Ida. No other type of Alchred's coins has been met with ; nor are
there any which can !>< attributed with certainty to his successor
^Ethelred I (774-778 and 790-796).
NORTHUMBBIA. 15
81. ^ELFWALD I, circ. A.D. 778-788 ? Obv. EbVAhQVS. Cross. Eev. Fantastic Plate Hi.
animal as on the previous coin ; above, circle enclosing pellet ; below, SILVER
cross, zi -5. Wt. 15-0.
JElfwald succeeded on the expulsion of ^Ethelred I in 778 and was
slain by one Sicga or Sicgan (a quodam viro Sigan) in 788 or 789.
On the few coins which are attributed to JElfwald, all of the above
type, his name is misspelt. Of Osred II, son of Alchred (789-790), and
Oswald (796), who succeeded ^Ethelred I, no coins are known.
82. EARDWULF, A.D. 796-808? Obv. HEARDALF. Cross pattee. Eev. COPPER.
XHERRE-D. Cross pattee. ^-5. Wt. 16-0.
Eardwulf was expelled in 806, but was restored two years later
through the intervention of Charlemagne and Pope Leo III. He died
in 808 or 810. Other specimens of his coins have for obverse type a
circle of pellets, and for reverse a cross pommee, a single pellet, &c.
His name is frequently written retrograde. Coins are known of
^Ifwald II, who reigned during Eardwulf's expulsion. They are
similar to Eardwulf's.
83. EANRED, A.D. 808?-841. Obv. + ESN RED REX. Circle enclosing pellet,
Eev. CYI/IVVLF. Pellet in centre. *: -5. Wt. 19'0.
Of Eanred's reign of over thirty years there is a large series of
stycas, some of which are of base silver. Varieties have a cross, a
cross of pellets, an annulet or a circle of pellets on the obv. and rev.
Some of the earlier pieces have Runic letters in the legends. In the
hoard of stycas found at Hexham in 1833 over 2000 coins of Eanred
were present. His money ers are numerous.
II, A.D. 841-849? Obv. REDILRED R. Cross in centre. Eev.
ALSHERE. Cross as on obverse. M -5. Wt. 18' 7.
II, son of Eanred, was expelled in 844 ; but restored the
le year after the death of Redwulf (see No. 87). Ordinary varieties.
of his stycas have a cross of pellets, or a circle sometimes of dots enclosing
pellet on obv. or rev. Like Eanred's his moneyers are numerous.
JETHELRED II. Obv. + EDILRED REX. Cross pattee within circle of
pellets. Eev. LEOFDESN in three lines divided by an animal prancing
to r., head turned to 1. ^E -5. Wt. 18-7.
This money er struck a large series of coins, and, unlike other
meyers, introduced a variety of designs for his types. These
consisted mainly of various forms of ornamental crosses (see also next
coin).
86. ^ETHELRED II. Obv. + EDELRED REX. Within circle, four annulets
arranged in form of cross. Eev. LEOFDESh TO MET. Cross voided,.
pellet in centre and on each limb. M '5. Wt. 18 '7.
87. REDWULF, A.D. 844. Obv. + REDVVLF REX. Cross in centre. Eev.
+ HVAETNOD (retrograde). Cross in centre, m -5. Wt. 18-5.
Redwulf succeeded on the expulsion of ^Ethelred II in 844, but was
slain in the same year by the Danes. There are numerous small
varieties of types 011 his coins, consisting of crosses with one or more
1(3 ANGLO-SAXON COINS.
Plate Hi. pellets in the angles, pellet within circle of dots on obv. and rev., and
0'iTKK. sometimes on the rev. one to five pellets only.
88. OSBERHT, A.D. 849 ?-867. Obv. * OcoBERII . . (retrograde). Circle of dots
enclosing pellet. Rev. ^ EAAVVLF. Cross in centre. ^-5. Wt. 14-7.
This is the general design of Osberht's coins. Sometimes the obv.
and rev. types are interchanged, whilst others have an annulet
enclosing a cross, a cross with pellets in angles, a cross of five
pellets, &c.
With the death of Osberht, who was slain by the Danes, the
Anglian dynasty of Northumbria virtually ended. Of his successors,
Ecgberht I (867-872), Ricsig (872-875), and Ecgberht II (875-876),
who were set up by the Danes and who were only kings in name, no
coins are known.
Archbishops of York.
SILVEF. 89. ECGBERHT, A.D. 734-766. Obv. ECGBERhT3. Mitred figure to r., holding
two crosses. Rev. DTBEREVhTEf (Eadberhtus Rex). Cross within
circle of dots, ja '5. Wt. 16-8.
Ecgberht was the brother of Eadberht (see No. 78), in conjunction
with whom, as already noticed, he struck coins. He also issued coins
with the name of ^Ethelwald (see No. 79). These are the only types
known. Of his successors Ethelbert (766-780) and Eanbald I (780-
796) no coins have been discovered.
COIM-KR. 90. EANBALD II, A.D. 796-808. Obv. + EANBALD AREP. Circle of dots
enclosing pellet. Rev. + EADVVLF. Same type as obverse. M -5.
Wt. 16-3.
On account of their similarity of fabric all the coins bearing the
name of Eanbald are attributed to this archbishop. The types
and moneyers are the same as on Eanred's coins. Varieties have a
cross sometimes in a circle on obv. and rev. Some sixty specimens
were found at Hexham (see No. 83). Of Wulfsig, who succeeded
Eanbald II, no coins have been met with.
GOLD. 91. WIGMUND, A.D. 837-854. Gold Solidus. Obv. VISMVND AREP. Tonsured
bust facing. Rec. MVNVS DIVINVM. Cross pattee within wreath.
AT -8. Wt. 68-2.
This remarkable coin has the same reverse type as the solidus of
Louis le Debonnaire, Emperor (A.D. 814-840), on which, however, the
bust on the obverse is in profile. The facing bust is only found at
this period on a few Prankish coins struck in Italy. It may however
have been suggested by the Byzantine solidus. The issue of this piece
is difficult to account for as it could scarcely have been intended for
circulation.
COPPER. 92. WIGMUND. Obv. + VISMVND IRE P. Cross in centre. Rev. + EDIL-
VEARD. Same type as obverse, xz -45. Wt. 16-6.
Others have crosses of pellets, crosses with pellets in angles, and
pellet in circle on obv. and rev. About 800 specimens were in the
Hexham hoard.
NORTHUMBBIA. 17
93. WULFHEEE, A.D. 854-900. Obv. VVLFHERE-PEP (retrograde). Circle Plate iii.
enclosing cross. Rev. VVLFR + ED (retrograde). Four crescents outwards, COPPFR
pellet in centre. JB -5. Wt. 14-6.
Wu If here abandoned his see on the invasion of Nor thumb ria by the
Danes in 867, was expelled with king Ecgberht I in 872, but returned
in 873. His coins were struck before 867. Varieties have a cross on
both sides.
With this archbishop the Styca series of York ceases, Northumbria
being now under the rule of the Danes, by whom the'following coins
(pennies and halfpennies) were issued.
Danish or Norse Kings.
Penny Series.*
94. HALFDAN, A.D. 875 ?-877. London. Obv. VLF DEN xRx+ (transposed and SILVER,
in part retrograde). Within a compartment of three sides, two seated figures
holding a globe ; above, Victory. Rev. Monogram of London
(LONDONI); above, cross; below and on 1., pellets, zi -8. Wt. 21-4.
Halfdan, the Viking leader and first Danish king of Northumbria,
attacked Mercia about 874, deposed Burgred and took possession of
London. The following year he settled with his army in Northumbria,
but was expelled in 877 and went to Ireland. The above coin, which
is unique, was probably struck by Halfdan during his occupation of
London. The obverse type is similar to the reverses of two coins (also
unique) of Coenwulf II of Mercia and Aelfred, struck about the same
time. It is copied from the Roman solidus (see No. 1). The reverse
rpe is similar to that of the London coins of Aelfred, of which it
have been a copy (see No. 140).
HALFDAN. Obv. + ALFDEUE RX. Cross in centre. Rev. RAINOAfD
HPO in two lines, divided by pellets. AI '6. Wt. 9*1. Halfpenny.
This coin is copied from coins of Aelfred, and was probably issued
)ut the same time as the preceding piece. Like the penny it is
unique. Both coins came from the Cuerdale hoard.
90. CNUT (GUTHBED), circ. A.D. 877-894. York. Obv. C N V T arranged at
extremities of limbs of cross pattee; between limbs, REX (dots). Rev.
* EB\- lAK-CECv IVIv (Ebraice Civitas). Cross pattee, pellet in
two angles. 21 -75. Wt. 21'2.
Guthred, who succeeded Halfdan, is said to have been rescued from
slavery by Abbot Eadred, and at his baptism to have taken the name
of Cnut, in which name all his coins were struck. A similar instance
occurred in the case of Guthorm (see JEthelstan II, No. 72). Being
brought by Eadred to the Danish army, he was acknowledged as their
king. The types of this and the next coin are of Carlovingian origin.
They were minted at York, at which place most of the Northumbrian
coins were struck (see Nos. 102, 104 and 120-122). This and the
following are the chief types of Cnut's coins, but of each one there
are slight varieties.
* All the coins of this series are pennies unless otherwise stated.
C
18 ANGLO-SAXON COINS.
puteiii 97 CNUT (GUTHRED). York. Obv. Similar to the preceding, but cross patriarchal,
SIIVKR ' inverted, with pellet in each angle. Eev. * EBRAICE C I VITA. In
D
centre, monogram of KO-S. 2R -75. Wt. 22-5.
98. CNUT (GUTHRED). Obv. Similar to No. 96. Eev. % : CVN '. NET v Tl :
Cross pattee, pellet in two angles. JR -8. Wt. 21-1.
One of Cnut's principal acts was the restoration at Cuncacaestra or
Cuneta-ceastre {Chester le Street) of the Order founded by St. Cuthbert.
Mr. Rashleigh (Num. Chron., N.S., vol. ix. p. 71) connects these coins
with that place. Others have suggested Cuneet (Salop), Cunetio
(Marlborough) and Condseum (Conde), or that it may be another form
for the town of Quentovic (see No. 100). This last suggestion seems
highly improbable.
99. CNUT (GUTHRED). Obv. Similar to No. 97. Eev. & CVN -.' NET : Tl '.
Cross pattee surrounded by dots. JR -6. Wt. 8 - 9. Halfpenny.
100. CNUT (GUTHRED). Quentovic. Obv. C^IR-LENA (CNVT REX?). Cross
pattee, pellet in each angle. Eev. ^ QVENTOVICI. Cross pattee. JR -8.
Wt. 21-5.
On account of similarity of type these coins have also been attributed
to Cnut (Guthred). The legend on the obverse is always blundered.
Quentovic was the well-known sea-port at the mouth of the Canche,
where these coins may have been struck ; perhaps when Cnut was on
some marauding expedition.
101. CNUT AND SIEFRED, circ. A.D. 894. Obv. C N V T at extremities of limbs of
patriarchal) cross, inverted, with pellet in each angle ; between limbs,
REX (dots). Eev. ^ SIEFRED VS. Cross pattee, pellet in two angles.
& -75. Wt. 20-8.
Siefred (Siegfred, SiegferS, or Sievert) was the Viking leader, who
assisted Hasting at Exeter in 892. Compelled by Aelfred to retreat
he went to Northumbria and succeeded Cnut. As Siefred does not
add the title of king to his name, it may be that this coin was struck
before the death of Cnut.
102. SIEFRED, A.D. 894-898? York. Obv. * SIEFREDVS REX. Cross crosslet.
Eev. >% EBIAICE CM. Small cross pattee, triangle of dots at each angle.
The letter C, which sometimes precedes Sief red's name on coins
of this class, may stand for " Comes," i.e. Earl Siefred, king. This
and the following pieces to No. 106 give all the types of Sief red's
coins. Of each type there are also halfpennies.
103. SIEFRED. Obv. %* SIEFREDVS. Cross pattee, pellet in two angles. Eev.
k REX at ends of large cross pattee. JR -8. Wt. 20-3.
104. SIEFRED. York. Obv. RSI EVERT between limbs of cross crosslet, dots ( )
in each angle. Eev. * EB->IAI ; CEC v IVI v Small cross patt6e
in centre. x, -7. Wt. 19-8.
The form Sievert for Siefredus does not occur in any of the
Chronicles. There can however be no doubt that Sievert and Siefredus
are one person.
NOETHUMBBIA.
19
105. SIEFRED. Obv. ^ SIEUERT REX. Patriarchal cross, dots in angles and
at ends. Eev. *%* MIRABILA FECIT. Cross pattee, pellet in two angles.
* -7. Wt. 21-6.
Struck at York (see No. 107). The inscription on the reverse is
from the Cantate, " Cantate Domino canticum novum, quia mirabilia
fecit." It is also found on coins of Cnut (Guthred).
106. SIEFRED. Obv. %* SIEUERT REX. Patriarchal cross, dot in each angle.
Rev. ^D-NS-DS-REX. (Dominus Deus Bex). Cross pattee, pellet
in two angles, si -75. Wt. 22-3.
Also struck at York. The inscription on the reverse may be com-
pared with the passage in the Gloria in excelsis, " Domine Deus, rex
coelestis." It is also found on coins of Cnut (Guthred).
107-108. CNUT OR SIEFRED. York. Obv. p EBRA 1C EC. Patriarchal
cross as on No. 106, but sideways to 1. Eev. J< MIRABILIA FE : Cross
pattee as on No. 106. m '8. Wt. 21-2. 108. Same type but legend on
reverse * D NS DS REX. JR -75. Wt. 21-2.
The issue of these coins from the York mint may have extended
over both reigns, viz. of Cnut and Siefred.
109. CNUT OR SIEFRED. Obv. *k MIRABILA FECIT. Cross pattee, pellet in two
angles. Eev. DNS DS *t* R E X in two lines divided by a cross between
two dots. M -7. Wt. 20-5.
This coin may also be attributed to York. The type is copied from
coins of Aelfred.
Plate iii.
SILVKI;.
110. EARL SIHTRIC, circ. A.D. 895. Shelford ? Obv.
GOMEZ' In field *** Plate iv.
Rev.
below
between QVIIDI BERTV5 in three lines; above
Wt. 19-2.
and
The Earl Sihtric who struck this coin has not been identified. The
statement that he was a son of Ivar seems to be without sufficient
evidence, nor can he be either of the Sihtrics who fell at Ashdown in
871, as the type of the coin is the same as those of Aelfred struck
at Oxford some twenty years later. Nor can it be of Sihtric Gale
(see No. 114) as the only two extant specimens of these coins were in
the Cuerdale hoard, the burial of which could not have been later than
905. " Sceldfor " may possibly be Shelford in Nottinghamshire, called
Sceldford in Domesday.
111. ALWALD, circ. A.D. 901-9_05._0fcw. * AL-VVALDV. Cross pattee, pellet
in two angles. Eev. DNS DS REX in two lines. JR '8. Wt. 23-2.
This coin has been ascribed to Aethelwald, tlie Aetheling, son of
Aethelrecl I and cousin of Eadweard the Elder, who laid claim to the
throne of Wessex on the death of Aelfred. He was afterwards
received by the Northumbrians as king, and later 011 by the Danes in
Essex and East Anglia. Killed 905. The type of reverse connects
this coin with the preceding ones of Cnut and Siefred. It is there-
fore Danish or Norse. Only two specimens are known, and both were
in the Cuerdale hoard.
c 2
20 ANGLO-SAXON COINS.
Plait- iv. 112. BEQNALD I?, A.D. 919-921. York. Obv. * RAIEMALT. Head to r. Rev.
SII ,,,,. *k EARICE CT (Ebraice Civit.). In centre, blundered monogram of
Charles the Bald, COS. ja -75. Wt. 17-3.
L
The attribution of this and the next coin to Regnald I is somewhat
uncertain. They resemble in type some of the St. Peter coins (see note
No. 122), the issue of which may have begun as early as Regnald's time.
He was grandson of Ivar, took York in 919, did homage to Eadweard I
in 921, and died in the same year. A variety with the same reverse
has for obverse type a hand.
113. REGNALD I ? York. Obv. R v fiCIIOIAT. Hammer. Rev. & RABIOCIT
(Ebraice Civit?). Bow stretched, with arrow in it. ^'75. Wt. 19-8.
This obverse type is also found on the St. Peter coins (see No. 121).
The obverse legends on all the coins are blundered. The types here
mentioned are the only ones known.
114. SIHTRIC GALE, A.D. 921-926? Obv. * 8ITRIC - DUNVNC - A. Trefoil
ornament of three bucklers? Rev. I-A-SCOLV MONETR-A.
Triangular pennon, fringed, and bearing cross. M -75. Wt. 15 '9.
Sihtric Gale, grandson of Ivar, driven from Ireland, succeeded
Regnald I, and married in 926 the sister of Aethelstan. Varieties of
his coins have for obverse type a sword, and for reverse, a cross, a
hammer, fec.
115. REGNALD II (GODFRESSON), A.D. 943-944? Obv. & REGN A-LD
CtfNVC. Cross moline. Rev. * - AVRA MONIT RET (Aura
Moneta Regis or Regnaldi?). Small cross pattee in centre, jii -8.
Wt. 20-5.
Regnald II appears to have reigned jointly with Anlaf in
Northumbria, as both were expelled by Eadmund of Wessex in 944.
The word " Aura " is probably the old Norse Aura (Ore) signifying
a thing of value, hence a coin (Cat. Eng. Coins, vol. i., p. 232).
Another type of Regnald's coins is similar to Nos. 114 and 116.
116. ANLAF (QUARAN), A.D. 940-944 and 948-952? Obv. fiNL A F
CVNVNC i Trefoil ornament of three bucklers? Rev. ^ FA R M
ft N -JVIONET A. Triangular pennon, fringed, and bearing cross, jn -8.
Wt. 17*3.
Anlaf, son of Sihtric Gale, driven from Northumbria by Aethelstan
of Wessex in 927, received at York as king in 940, expelled with
Regnald II in 944, restored in 948, but again expelled in 952 ?
Died 981.
117. ANLAF (QUARAN). * ANL7\F CVNVNC v Raven, wings displayed head
tol. Her. * AOELFERD MINETREP pIineter=Monetarius?). Small
cross pattee in centre. JK '8. Wt. 19-8.
The obverse type appears to represent the Viking war standard, the
raven, probably derived from the Roman aquila.
118. ANLAK (QUARAN). Obv. * ANLAF REX -TOD. Small cross pattee.
her. RADVLF. Above legend a straight line, from which springs rose-
branch; below, flower. JR -85. Wt. 20-5.
Tliis type is copied from coins of Eadweard the Elder (see No. 152).
NORTHUMBEIA. 21
TOD is possibly a corruption of TOT. B. (Totius Britanniae), which Plate iv.
occurs on coins of Aethelstan. Varieties have a cross on obv. and rev.,
or the money er's name, <Src., in two lines on the rev., as on coins of
Eadmund and Eadred of Wessex (see Nos. 163 and 166). The king's
name often reads ONLRF.
119. EKIC (BLOTHOX), A.D. 948 and 952-954. Obv. QR^X divided by sword to r. ;
above and below, pellet ornament. Rev. !-A-C-V-L-F-MO-N. Small
cross patt6e in centre. JR -8. Wt. 18 '0.
Eric Blothox, son and successor of Harold Haarfagr of Norway,
appears to have first come to England in 948, and to have been
received as king of Northumbria. Expelled the same year, he
returned in 952, and drove out Aiilaf, but was himself driven out by
Eadred of Wessex in 954. With the expulsion of Eric, the last
Scandinavian kingdom of England came to an end, and the successors
of Eadred assumed the title of "king of all England." The above-
described coin is copied from the St. Peter money, and was probably
issued in 948. The only other known type of Eric's coins has for obv. a
cross, and rev. the moneyer's name in two lines, as on coins of Eadred
of Wessex.
*
120. ST. PETER (A.D. 919-940?). York. Obv. SCI PE Sword to r., between lines
TR MO
of legend. Itev. J EB$R-fi-CEI . Cross pattee, dot in each angle.
jj-8. Wt. 20-5.
It is not possible to fix the precise date of the issue of the quasi-
^lesiastical St. Peter coins struck at York. As no specimens
)urred in. the Cuerdale find, they were in all probability not struck
till after the burial of the hoard (circ. 905). Their latest date would
about 940. The issue must have extended over several years, and
lay have commenced about the time of the accession of the House of
[var in Northumbria (A.D. 919).
Jl. ST. PETER. York? Obv. JQ Sword to 1., between lines of legend,
*
crook at point. Eev. >J LBIOEVITR. Hammer, ja -75. Wt. 19-7.
The legends on these coins are often blundered. That on the
averse of the above may be intended for " Eborace Civ." (see next
)iece). A variety with this obverse type has a mitre or pall.
O O I D CT
ST. PETER. York. Obv. -rDiiui divided by three crosses in pale, pellet on
each side of centre one. Eev. < EBORACE CIV. Cross pattee in centre.
2R -75. Wt. 20-0.
This is the most common type of the St. Peter coins ; the
naments on the obverse are very varied. Others with the same
>verse type have the Carlovingian monogram on the reverse as
on No. 112.
] latf iv.
SILVER.
ANGLO-SAXON COINS.
WESSEX.
The coinage of Wessex, which is of silver, and of the penny class,
is purely regal in character ; for though the Archbishops of Canterbury
continued to strike coins for nearly a century after Kent became
subject to Wessex, their money is Kentish, and has already been
described with the coins of that State. The first king of Wessex to issue
money was Ecgbeorht, but it is possible that his earliest coins were
not struck before A.D. 825, when he drove Baldred from his kingdom,
and Kent became an appanage of Wessex. From this time the money
of Wessex is continuous to the Norman Conquest ; for as that
State gradually absorbed the other kingdoms, so the area of its
coinage extended until it merged into that of the kings of All
England. At first the mint-names are few ; but the increasing
domination of Wessex was accompanied by a corresponding growth
of mint- towns. The last king to strike coins without a mint-name was
Eadgar, the first king of All England, and even his mint-towns extend
from York in the north to Totnes in the south-west. The types are very
varied. The majority however present on the obverse a bust and on
the reverse some religious symbol. It will only be possible in most
cases to give but a few examples of each reign.
123. ECGBEORHT, A.D. 802-838? Canterbury. Obv. * EEZGBEfiRHT REX.
Bust to r., diademed. Eev. *k BOSEL mOHETfi. Monogram
for DOROB. C? (Dorobernia Civitas). xt &. Wt. 22-0.
Ecgbeorht, son of Ealhmund, an under-king of Kent, succeeded
Beorhtric as king of Wessex. He overcame Kent in 825, and Mercia
in 829. These dates are important in connection with his coinage, and
it is very probable that he did not issue any money till after the first
event. The types of many of his coins are copied from those of the
kings of Mercia and Kent. The reverse type of the above piece
consists of the monogram of the city of Canterbury, and is without
doubt adapted from the Karolus-monogram of Charles the Great, at
whose court Ecgbeorht had resided many years. Canterbury and
London (see No. 125) are the only mint-names which occur during
this reign.
124. ECGBEOEHT. Obv. jf EEGBEORHT RE. Head to r., diademed. Rev.
i DYNYN OOOISET. Four crescents, points outwards; in centre,
lozenge. JR -8. Wt. 21-0.
This coin has a prototype in the coins of Coenwulf, king of Mercia
A.D. 796-822.
125. ECGBEORHT. London. Obv. ^ ECLBERHT REX CO. Cross potent
within dotted circle. Rev. * LVN DONIA CIVIT in three lines, divided
by two beaded straight lines. 211 &. Wt. 21-3.
This remarkable and unique coin, on which Ecgbeorht styles himself
king of the Mercians, and which bears the mint-name of London, was
WESSEX. 23
struck between 829 and 830, during which time he had banished Plate iv.
Wiglaf and held Mercia (see No. 41). It is the earliest Anglo-Saxon SILVER.
coin bearing the mint-name of London, and it also commemorates one
of the principal events of Ecgbeorht's reign.
126. ECGBEOBHT. Rochester? Obo. ECGBEORIT RE. Bust to r., diademed.
Bev. %* ILl SNDRE7U- In centre $ (A and U)). M -8. Wt. 20-0.
As St. Andrew was the patron saint of Rochester, this coin may
have been struck in that city. The reverse type is derived from coins
of Ceolwulf I of Mercia (see No. 35). Ecgbeorht also styles himself
on the coins " Rex Saxoniorum." Other types of his coins are (1) cross
potent on both sides ; (2) V and A in monogram and cross potent ; (3)
cross and star ; (4) " Saxon " (mon.) or " Saxoniorum " and cross, &c.
127. AETHELWULF, A.D. 838 ?-858. Canterbury. Olv. & E-DELVVLF REX. In
centre DORIBI irregularly written. Bev. ^ WEAL WEAR D. Incentre,
JR -8. Wt. 19-0.
Aethelwulf, son of Ecgbeorht, succeeded to the West Saxon
dominions ; but gave Kent, Essex, Sussex and Surrey to his eldest son
Aethelstan, at whose death, in 852, they reverted to Aethelwulf. Of
Aethelstan no coins are known. In 856 the kingdom was again
divided between Aethelwulf and his son Aethelbald, the former
retaining Kent only. The above coin may have been struck after
856 if we read it " Aethelwulf Rex Cantiae." Canterbury is the only
mint-name which occurs on the coins of this reign.
L28. AETHELWULF. Obv. ^ E-DELVVLF REX. Bust to r., diademed. Bev.
fr nANNA nONETA. Cross crosslet. JR -8. Wt. 20-5.
AETHELWULF. Obo. >k fi E-DELVVLF REX. Busttor. Bev. & E-DELNOO
MONETft upon limbs and in the angles of cross formed of beaded lines.
M -8. Wt. 19-3.
This is probably the last type struck by Aethelwulf, as it occurs
coins of Aethelbald and Aethelbearht. On other coins Aethelwulf
styled "Rex Saxoniorum" or "Rex Saxoniorum Occidentalium."
ler types of his coins are without bust (1) " Doribi " and letter ft ;
2) CANT (mon.) and cross pattee, with CANT in the angles; (3)
Saxonu " (mon.) and cross pattee ; (4) cross pattee and " Saxoniorum " ;
with bust, rev. cross of various forms, the letter R, Christian
mogram, &c.
Of Aethelbald, second son of Aethelwulf, who reigned in Wessex
>m 856 to 861, only four coins of doubtful authenticity are known.
3y are all of the same type as No. 129.
AETHELBEABHT, A.D. 858-866. Obv. fiE-DELBEfiRR" REX. Bust to r.
Bev. <% DEC-L X RF MONETfi upon limbs and in angles of cross
formed of beaded lines. M -8. Wt. 22 -2.
Aethelbearht succeeded his father, Aethelwulf, in Kent, Essex, Surrey
and Sussex in 858, and his brother Aethelbald in Wessex in 861. He
only strikes coins of two types, as this and the next. The first is like
Aethelwulf 's and is the more general one, They are without mint-name,
24 ANGLO-SAXON COINS.
Plate iv 131. AETHELBEABHT. Obv. p AE-DELBEARF REX. Bust to r., diademed.
Rev. & CENVEALD MONETA. Floriated cross, leaf in each angle.
*-8. Wt.19'0.
132. AETHELBED I, A.D. 863-871. Obv. AE-DELRED REX. Bust to r.,
diademed. Rev. MANN MONETA in three lines, upper and lower in
lunettes, JR -8. Wt. 19-7.
Though Aethelbearht left children, he was succeeded by his brother
Aethelred who had held Wessex since 863. This and the next coin are
similar in type to those of Burgred, the contemporary king of Mercia. The
only other type of this reign has on the obverse the fagade of a Christian
temple, and on the reverse a cross crosslet, or pattee. It is copied from
the "Xristiana Religio" coins of Charlemagne. None have mint-names.
133. AETHELBED I. Obv. % AE-DELRED REX. Bust to r., diademed. Rev.
CVOHELM MONETA : A ! in four lines divided by three straight lines,
upper and lower ones with curved ends. JR '8. \Vt. 20 '0.
134. AELFBED, A.D. 871-901. Offering Penny. Obv. * AELFRED REX $AXO-
NVM in four lines and within two circles; inner one of dots. Rev. ELI
MO in two lines, divided by three dots; all within two circles as on obv.
jRl-S. Wt. 162-4.
Aelfred (the Great) was the youngest son of Aethelwulf and
succeeded to the kingdom of all Wessex on the death of his brother
Aethelred.
The above coin is considered to be an " offering penny," denarius
oblatorius, which the king was wont to offer at mass on certain
festivals. It weighs a little more than seven pennies. It was
struck in the latter part of Aelfred's reign, and from its type and
moneyer's name appears to be not unconnected with the coins issued
at Bath during this and the next reign.
135. AELFBED. Canterbury. Obr. <fr AELFRED REX D O (Doroberniae).
Cross pattee. Rev. jj^lj, 5 in field JR '75. Wt. 18-5.
This type also occurs on coins of Plegmund, Archbishop of Canter-
bury, and of Eadweard the Elder, Aelfred's successor. Aelfred's mints
were Bath, Canterbury, Exeter, Gloucester, Lincoln, London,
Oxford, Roiseng (Castle Rising ?) and Winchester. Specimens of all
are described here except that of Bath, which has a small cross on the
obv. and has the rev. as No. 134 but reading ELI BAD.
I'lau-v. 136. AELFBED. Canterbury. Obv. Similar to the last. Rev. & SC EADMVN RE.
In centred. JR -8. Wt. 19-4.
Copied from the St. Eadmund coinage of East Anglia (see No. 73).
137. AELFBED. Exeter. ( bi: * AELFRED REX $AXONVM in four lines
across the field. Rev. EX A reading downwards ; three pellets on each side,
at -8. Wt. 24-3.
This type belongs to the later issues of Aelfred. It is similar to
that of Winchester (No. 144).
138. AELFBED. Gloucester. Obv. >LFR-.-ED X. Bust to r., diademed.
Rev. GLEAPA/ET (Gleawacaestre). A T shaped ornament with limbs
extended by beaded lines to the edge of the coin and dividing legend.
The obverse type is similar to that of coins of London (see No. 140),
WESSEX. 25
but that of the reverse is unlike any other known. This coin was in Plate v.
the Cuerdale hoard and is unique. SILVER.
139. AELFBED. Lincoln. Obv. HER I BERT. Bust to r., diademed. Rev.
(LINCOLLA or LINCOLIA). ^ -8. Wt. 21-0.
This type is similar to that of London (see No. 140). On account
of the absence of the king's name and the rude work of the coin, it
may be a Viking imitation. Another coin of Lincoln has the king's
name on the obv., and on the rev. that of the same moneyer, but in
monogram and dividing name of mint.
140. AELFBED. London. (>1>v. /ELFRED REX. Bust to r., diademed.
Rev. ^Jj) (LONDONIA); above ^ ; below v at -75. Wt. 25-0.
The reverse type of this coin is like the obverse type of the penny of
Half dan the Viking leader (see No. 94). Some of the London coins of
Aelfred are of very rude work ; they may be Viking imitations.
141. AELFBED. London. Obv. /ELFR '. ^ ED RE. Bust to r., diademed.
Rev. AELF ! ZTAN in two lines, divided by monogram of London as on
the preceding ; small cross to 1. M '75. Wt. 22'0.
Probably of later issue than No. 140.
142. AELFBED. Oxford. Obv. ELFRED ^ ORSHAFORDA in three lines,
name of king in centre ; above and below, '. Rev. BERNVALR NO intwo
lines divided by three crosses. M - 8. Wt. 20-9.
Probably struck towards the end of Aelfred's reign. The obverse
type is similar to the coins of Exeter (No. 137) and Winchester
(No. 144). Bernvald is the only moneyer who strikes coins at Oxford
uring this reign.
143. AELFBED. Roiseiig (Castle Rising?). Obi: /ELFRED REX. Bust to r.
Rev. XEOELVF MO in two lines divided by PtySC (ROIXENCP). a$ '8.
Wt. 22-9.
The attribution of this coin to Castle Rising is somewhat uncertain,
bhers have read the monogram as CROINDEN, and suppose the coin to
lave been struck at Croydon. Its issue was probably contemporary
with No. 141.
L44. AELFBED. Winchester. Obv. ^ KELFRED REX XfiXOMVM in four lines
across the field. Rev. PI N (Winceastre) reading downwards ; ornament of
four pellets on each side. AI &. Wt. 24*6.
The obverse is like the " Offering Penny " (No. 134), and the
sverse is like that of the penny of Exeter (No. 137).
Halfpennies of the above types are known of Bath, Canterbury,
)ndon and Oxford.
145. AELFRED. Obv. ft... ELFRED REX. Bust to r., diademed. Rev.
*J DIARMVND. Lozenge with cross at each angle, one limb extending to
edge of coin and dividing legend; small cross in centre of lozenge. JR '8.
Similar to coins of Ceolwulf II of Mercia (see No. 46), of which it is
)bably a copy. This and the next coin are without a mint-name.
ANGLO-SAXON COINS.
Plate v. HO. AELFRED. Obv. <k ELFRED RE. Cross pattee. Eev. Q divided by
pellet between two crosses. JR -8. Wt. 24-2.
This is the commonest of Aelfred's types. The ornaments between,
above, and below the moneyers' names are varied ; but they always
consist of pellets or crosses. This type was copied by Aethelstan TI
(Guthorm), king of East Anglia (see No. 72).
The above give the principal types of Aelfred's coins. Others with
the bust have for rev. the moneyer's name in three lines, &c. (see
No. 132) ; or the moneyer's name within and without leaves of quatre-
foil, ifcc. (see No. 61) ; or two seated figures with angel between them (see
obv. No. 94) ; without the bust, the king's name on limbs of cross with
ornaments in angles and name of moneyer within leaves of quatrefoil,
or small cross and CNVT at extremities of cross, &c. (as obv. No. 96).
147. EADWEARD THE ELDER, A.D. 901-925. Obv. <k EfiDVVEfiRD REX. Bust to
HERE
1., diademed. Eev. M nr\*A divided by three crosses; above ..: below v
mUUiTl
JR -8. Wt. 24-3.
Eadweard was the son of Aelfred, whom he succeeded, The types of
his earlier coins resemble the late ones of his father. The above is the
most common type. The ornaments on the reverse are varied ; they
are however always pellets and crosses. The only mint is that of
Bath, the type of which coin is similar to Aelfred's of that place (see
No. 135). Eadweard's later coins show a marked improvement in
style ; the bust being carefully modelled and the reverse types
depicting elaborate designs (see Nos. 148-157).
148. EADWEABD THE ELDER. (Jbv. ^ EADWEARD REX. Small cross pattee.
Eev. BRE ! HE %, above and below, star of eight rays pommes.
JR'8. Wt. 24-5.
149-157. These have the same obverse type as the preceding, but the reverses are
varied as follows : 149. ADVLEMO. Above, line, on which floral ornament ;
below, cross, JR -8. Wt. 27 -0. 150. BO 1C, A dividing double floriate
design, each rising from base on two steps. M -85. Wt. 25 '0. 151. BV LA
divided by floriate stem with two branches. M &. Wt. 24'0. 152.
HEREMOD. Above, line terminating in two flowers; from it springs rose
between two branches ; below, flower, ju -85. Wt. 24-0. 153. HVNLAF.
Above and below, floral ornament. JR '9. Wt. 23-0. 154. E ^ ^
divided by building. JR -85. Wt. 25-6. 155. VVLFCAR. Above, line
AL H
on which is a church; below, cross, JR -85. Wt. 24-6. 156. TA N
divided by Hand of Providence with cruciform nimbus. M 55. Wt. 21 8.
157. DE OP divided by Hand of Providence, giving Latin benediction, i.e.
MO DM
third aud fourth fingers closed; below, cross. JR -9. Wt. 24-0.
This series of ornaments and designs is the most remarkable in the
whole coinage of Wessex, and in fact finds no parallel in the Anglo-
Saxon coinage except on that of Offa. It is not improbable that the
building on the reverse of No. 154 may refer to the erection of the
burgs, which began in Eadweard's reign.
WESSEX. 27
Other types (without bust) not given above are, obv. small cross Plate v.
pattee; rev. moneyer's name in two lines, or rose on two saltires, SIJ.VKK.
or moneyer's name in one line, or bird with branch, &c.
158. AETHELSTAN, A.D. 925-941. London. Obv. <%> /E-DELTAN REX. Bust
to r., crowned. Rev. % BIORNERRD MO LOND El. Small cross
pattee. zt -85. Wt. 23-0.
Aethelstan was the son of Eadweard, and his power is evidenced by
the titles which he assumed on his coins as well as in his charters, as
" Rex Saxonum," " Rex Totius Britanniae," or " Rex Britanniae." The
early types of his coins are like those of his father, and there is a
great increase in the number of mints.* Many coins however are
without mint-names.
159. AETHELSTAN. Gloucester. Obv. ^ /E>EL*TfiN REX BR\E (Britanniae).
Small cross pattee. Rev. *? 3P-DEL PO l/MO . GLEfiqRZ (Gleawa-
ceastre). Small cross pattee. .at -9. Wt. 28-8.
This is one of the more common types of this reign. Varieties
have a rosette instead of a cross on both sides, or on one side only.
160. AETHELSTAN. York. Obv. ^ REDEL$TRN REX .-. Cross pattee. liev.
' MON * below a straight line, on which is a church dividing the legend
7XC 7XC- * ' 85 ' Wt> 22 '-
The reverse gives a view of the minster of York. This coin is
of some historical importance as it shows how completely Aethelstan
took possession of Northumbria, when he drove out Anlaf, son of
Sihtric Gale, in 927. Coins of this reign also occur of Exeter, from
rhich place Aethelstan drove out the Welshmen in 935. They are
lilar to No. 158.
31. AETHELSTAN. Obv. X /E)EL$TAN REX. Small cross pattee. liev.
FRE-BMO ^ v ^ e ^ by three crosses; above and below triangle of dots.
AI -9. Wt. 24-6.
This is probably the earliest of Aethelstan types. It occurs also on
father's coinage.
, AETHELSTAN. Obv. /E>EL$TAN REX. Small cross pattee. Eev.
MDN
DELN Divided by three pellets ; above and below, floral ornament. JK -9.
Wt. 24-2.
This is also a survival of a type of Eadweard the Elder's coinage,
ler types are with the bust diademed, crowned or helmeted, and
rev. moneyer's name in two lines, or cross crosslet.
* This increase in the mints is mainly due to an enactment of the Council of
rreatley, A.D. 928, which ordered that there should be one kind of money
throughout the realm ; and that each burg was entitled to one moneyer, but certain
places on account of their importance should have more. The money struck by
the bishops and abbots is of the same types as the regal coins.
_>S ANGLO-SAXON COINS.
HaU . > 103. EADMUSD, A.D. 941-946. dbv. & EfiDMVND REX. Small cross pattee.
SH.NKI ^ ev ' ^?Pr(X divided by a cross between two lis, points inwards; above
A KUm
and below co. zi -9. Wt. 24*6.
Eadmund was the half-brother of Aethelstan. Varieties of the
;il)Dve type have crosses or rosettes dividing the legend on the rev. As
compared with the last reign the mints are few ; but coins of this
type show such variety of style and work that they must have been
issued at a great number of places.
164. EADMUND. Obv. *k EADMVND REX. Small cross pattee. Rev.
>E-DELMOD. Above, line from which springs a floral ornament ; below, a
flower. JK -85. Wt. 24-6.
Copied from a type of Eadweard the Elder (see No. 149). Other-
types are : without the bust, rosette and moneyer's name in two
lines, or small cross and rosette : with the bust, rev. small cross, or
cross crosslet.
165. EADBED, A.D. 946-955. Norwich, (.br. EADRED REX. Bust to r.,
crowned. Rev. * HflMHE HO l/!ORD> .-. X. Small cross pattee.
JR -8. Wt. 22-3.
Eadred was the third son of Eadweard the Elder. The types of
his coins are like those of the previous reign, and the mint-names
are still fewer.
160. EADRED. Obv. ^ EADRED REX. Small cross pattee. Rev.
divided by three crosses; above and below, rosette. M 8. Wt. 22-2.
Varieties of this type have rosettes or pellets between the
moneyer's name. Other types without the bust are : small cross
pattee and rosette ; or rosette and moneyer's name in two lines with
ornaments ; or small cross pattee and floriate stem enclosing moneyer's
name as No. 151.
167. EADWIG, A.D. 955-959. York. Cbv. * EADVVIG RE. Small cross
pattee. Rev. V |_pj^j divided by mint-name O3 *k NO (Eoferwic) ; above
and below, rosette. JR -85. Wt. 22-3.
Eadwig was the son of Eadmund. This coin is historically
interesting as it marks the supremacy of Wessex over Northumbria,
Eric Blothox, the Northumbrian king, having been driven out by
Eadred in A.D. 954 (see No. 119). York from this time was a mint
of the kings of Wessex. A variety of this type has the moneyer's
name only on the reverse, divided by crosses.
168. EADWIG. York? Obv. EADPIC REX. Small cross pattee. Rev. O$P7XLD
divided by mitre-shaped ornament ; below which J. M -8. Wt. 15-0.
This coin is unique ; it may be of York. Other types, without the
bust, have small cross pattee and moneyer's name in one line across
the field ; or small cross pattee on both sides. There is only one type
with the bust, which is crowned ; it has on the rev. a small cross pattee.
KINGDOM OF ENGLAND. 29
KINGDOM OF ENGLAND.
169. EADGAR, A.D. 957-975. Derby, dlv. * EADLAR REX ANLLOX. Bust Plate vi.
to 1., diademed. Itev. ^ OSVLF MO DEORBY. Small cross pattee. SII.VKK.
M -8. Wt. 20-0.
Eadgar, younger son of Eadrnund, became king of all Britain on
Eadwig's death, having already been king of Mercia since 957. In
him were united all the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. His coinage
shows a considerable increase in the number of mint places, and the
coins themselves are of excellent design and work. Their number
too carries out the impression of magnificence and prosperity attributed
by the chroniclers to this reign.
FWR F
170. EADGAK. Obv. 3? EADCAR R . Small cross pattee. Rev. ERJ^MQ
divided by three circles ; above and below, rosette. JJ '9. Wt. 18 '8.
Varieties of this type have crosses, rosettes or pellets, symmetrically
arranged on the rev., and another has the mint-name dividing that of
the moneyer. Other types are : without the bust, cross pattee on both
sides, rosettes on both sides, or cross and mitre-shaped ornament as
No. 168 ; and with the bust to r., rev. small cross pattee or four
crosses. There is a unique halfpenny, similar to No. 164, with
money er's name " Hildulf." Eadgar was the last king to strike coins
without a mint-name ; and from this time they have almost
invariably * for the obverse type, the bust or head of the king, which
is either bare, diademed, crowned or helmeted.
171. EADWEABD II (The Martyr), A.D. 975-979. Stamford. Obv. 4* EADPARD
REX ANIL. Bust to 1., diademed. Rev. >fr E$CMAN M"O $TANF.
Small cross pattee. JR -8. Wt. 21-3.
Eadweard II was the eldest son of Eadgar. He was murdered at
Corfe in Dorsetshire. He struck coins of two types only. The second
type has the king's bust on the obverse and on the reverse the Hand
of Providence between A. U). This coin is unique.
172. AETHELRED II, A.D. 979-1016. Lewes. Obo. * /E-DELR/ED REX TXfSGL. <;ou>.
Bust to 1., in armour and radiate helmet. Rev. >%* LEOFPINE MO
L/EPE v Long cross voided, dividing legend, above quadrilateral
ornament with three pellets at eacb corner. A7 -75. Wt. 51-5.
Aethelred II, son of Eadgar, succeeded to the throne on the death of
his half-brother Eadweard II. He was deposed by Svend of Norway in
1013, but restored the next year. Svend did not strike any coins in his
own name for England. This gold piece is probably a proof of a penny or
a trial -piece. As there was no gold currency at this time, it cannot
be considered as an attempt to introduce it. During this reign the
number of mints was greatly increased and the output of the coinage
was much larger than at any previous time. The heavy tribute paid
to the Yiking invaders was probably the chief cause of this large
* The chief exceptions are the coins of Aethelred II with the " Agnus Dei " (see
No. 176), which however maybe Danish, and the " sovereign " pennies of Edward
the Confessor (No. 189).
3Q ANGLO-SAXON COINS.
Plate vi. coinage. It was nevertheless a sign of the increased wealth of
SII.VKI;. England.
173. AETHELBED II. Bath. Obv. * /EBELR/ED REX ANCLOX. Bust tor.,
diademed ; in front, sceptre. Rev. ^/EOELRIC M O BADAN. Handof
Providence downwards, between A Cx). 2R '8. Wt. 21-1.
This type is copied from coins of Eadweard II (see note No. 171).
174. AETHELBED II. Cambridge. Obv. * /E-DELR/ED REX AIVCLOX. Bust
to 1. ; in front, sceptre. Rev. ^ EDRIC M O CRANT. (Grantebrycge).
Short cross voided ; in the angles, CRVX. A\ -8. Wt. 23-4.
This type, so general in later reigns, occurs for the first time under
Aethelred II. It was adopted early in his reign and is one of the most
common.
175. AETHELRED II. London. Obv. & /E-DELR/ED REX ANIL. Bust to 1.,
of rude form. Ren. ^ LEOFNO-D MO LVND. Long cross voided,
each limb terminating in three crescents. JR '75. Wt. 20'6.
This is a late type and the most common of all Aethelred's coins.
It was copied by the Scandinavian rulers, more especially by the
Norsemen in Ireland, where Aethelred's money constituted a regular
currency.
176. AETHELBED II. Thetford. (ibn. * E-DELRED REX ANC. Bust to 1.,
diademed. Rev. % /ELFPOLD M"O -DEO. Small cross pattee. JR -75.
Wt. 20-0.
Identical with Eadweard's II's type and therefore probably an early
one. The above constitute the chief types of Aethelred II's coinage ;
but of each one there are several small varieties, consisting chiefly in the
bust, whether to r. or 1., or wearing a radiate helmet, or with or without
a sceptre. A very scarce type has the " Agnus Dei " on the obverse
and the Holy Dove on the reverse (see Cat. Eng. Coins, Vol. II,
p. 207).
177. CNUT, A.D. 1016-1035. Bath. Obv. * ENVT REX 7XNDLORVM. Bust to
1., crowned, within a quatref oil. Rev. >fr /E-DESTAN ON BfiOAN. On
quatrefoil, long cross voided, each limb terminating in three crescents.
JB -75. Wt. 22-7.
Cnut was the son of Svend, king of Denmark, who had obtained
part of England and forced Aethelred II to take refuge in Normandy
(see No. 172). He succeeded his father in 1013, but to maintain
his authority in England he was involved in an arduous struggle with
Aethelred and subsequently with the latter's son, Edmund Ironside.
Ultimately in 1016 Cnut obtained possession of the whole kingdom,
which he held till his death in 1035. He does not appear to have struck
:uiy coins before 1016. Of Edmund Ironside no coins are known.
The coinage of Cnut is very similar to that of Aethelred II. The
chief type of reverse is that of a double or voided cross. It was
already common in the previous reign. This type facilitated the
cutting up of the coin into halves and quarters to pass current
tor halfpence and farthings (see No. 195). Cnut's mints are still
more numerous than those of Aethelred II. His coins are in general
fry li.nht, rarely reaching 24 grs. and often descending to 12 grs.
KINGDOM OF ENGLAND. 31
178. CNUT. Bristol. Obv. <% ENV-T RE-E. Bust to 1., diademed, holding Plate vl.
sceptre. Rev, ^ /EDEL PINE ON BRIE. Short cross voided; in SILVER.
centre, circle enclosing pellet. JK -1 . Wt. 17 '7.
This is one of the later issues of Cnut. The type occurs on coins
of Harold I and Harthacnut.
179. CNUT. Chichester. Obv. >fr CNVT REX ANCL. Bust to 1., wearing
pointed helmet; in front, sceptre. Rev. <%* /ECELM ON EIEESTR.
Short cross voided, limbs united in centre by two circles ; in each angle,
annulet enclosing pellet. M '75. Wt. 16-0.
It is in a helmet of this form that Cnut is represented on the
Bayeux tapestry.
180. CNUT. Cambridge. Obv. <fr ENVT : RE EX v Bust to 1., diademed,
holding sceptre. Rev. <fr LODPINE ON GR-AT (Grantebrycge). Quadri-
lateral ornament over short cross voided. JR -7. Wt. 17*7.
This type also occurs on coins of Harold I and Harthacnut ; it is
therefore somewhat late. There are several varieties of each of the
above types. Others have for reverse a small cross pat tee, or a long
cross voided (as No. 175), or a long or a short voided cross with annulet
in each angle, or a long cross voided with PA EX in the angles. The
latest type is as the next piece of Harold I. That with the legend
PA EX is supposed to commemorate the peace of 1016 between Cnut and
Edmund Ironside.
181. HAROLD I, A.D. 1035-1040. Chester. Obv. * HAROLD REX. Bust to 1.,
diademed. Rev. * ELEPINE ON LEICE . (Leigeceastre). Cross
composed of four ovals, bases united by two circles. M '1. Wt. 17*1.
Cnut had three sons, Harthacnut, who ruled over Denmark during
his father's life ; Svend, who succeeded to the kingdom of Norway,
and Harold, who took England.
The above type is copied from the last issue of Cnut's coinage.
182. HAROLD I. Thetford. Obv. * HAROLD REEX A. Bust to 1., diademed,
in armour; in front, shield and sceptre. Rev. >f /ELFPINE ON -DEOD.
Long cross voided, limbs united by circle enclosing pellet ; in each angle,
lis. JR -75. Wt. 18-2.
This type is the Jatest of this reign. It was copied by Harthacnut.
Varieties have the bust to 1. and in the angles of the cross on the rev.
three pellets. Other types have on the rev. PA EX in the angles of a
long cross voided, or a short cross voided with a circle in centre,
or a quadrilateral ornament over a short cross voided ; the bust on the
o/>r. is with or without sceptre.
HARTHACNUT, A.D. 1040-1042. Oxford. Obv. ^ HAR-DCNVT. Bust to 1.,
diademed; sceptre in 1. hand. Rev. ^ /EGELPINE ON OXA. Quadri-
lateral ornament over short cross voided. M '15. Wt. 15*3.
Harold I was succeeded by his younger brother Harthacnut, king
of Denmark, whose reign only lasted two years. His coins are more
Dmmon in Scandinavian countries than in England, which circum-
mce shows how extensive was their export and how heavily England
ras drained to support the Danish army and fleet. Though Hartha-
lut struck coins of nine types more or less varied, only two are repre-
mted in the National Collection (see Cat. Eng. Coins, Brit. Mus.,
Vol. II, pp. 321-324).
'.^2 ANGLO-SAXON COINS.
Plate vi. 184, HARTHACNUT. Winchester. fibv. HAR-DALNVT RE. Bust to r.,
SIIVKI , diademed. Rev. ^ /ELFPINE ON PICE. Cross composed of four ovals ;
bases united by two circles. M "1. Wt. 16-0.
Both these types occur on the coinage of Harthacnut's predecessor.
Other reverse types are small cross pattee ; ERVX or PAEX in angles
of short cross voided ; annulet in each angle of short cross voided ;
short cross voided with angles plain, or a long cross voided with lis
in each angle. The bust of the king is varied, being to r. or 1.,
with or without sceptre, and crowned or wearing a high peaked
or crested helmet.
185. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR, A.D. 1042-1066. Ipswich. Obv. >k EDPE RD
REX : Bust to 1., diademed; in front, sceptre. Rev. 4 LIFIE ONO
GIPESPIIE. Short cross voided, the limbs gradually expanding and
united at bases by two circles. JR -75. Wt. 27 -0.
Son of Aethelred II, an exile at the court of Richard the Fearless,
Duke of Normandy, during the reign of Cnut and his sons ; was raised
to the throne chiefly through the influence of Earl Godwine. His mints
are very numerous, and the types of his coins very varied ; those
described below being however the chief ones. On his later coins
Edward is represented with a beard. There is great diversity in the
weight of the penny ; sometimes it reaches 28 grs., at others it falls to
15 grs.
186. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR. Hastings, (tbv. EADPARD REX. Bust facing,
crowned and bearded. Rev. & DVNNINE ON H/E. Small cross pattee.
X. -65. Wt. 17-4.
The facing bust appears now for the first time on English silver
coins. This type may have been derived from the German coinage. It
ultimately for a time survived all the others.
187. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR. Hereford, dbv. ^ EDPERD RE. Bust to 1.,
diademed. Rev. %* ERNDII ON HERE. Short cross voided. M -6
Wt. 17-4.
'I'h is is one of the earliest types of this reign. The king's name is
spelt in various ways on his coins, "Edwerd, Edward, Eadward, Ead-
weard, or Eadweardus." The first two occur mostly on his early coins,
the others on the later pieces.
188. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR. Hereford, CJbv. ^ EDPRD--D REX. Bust
to r., bearded, wearing pointed helmet; in r. hand, sceptre. Itev.
% PVLFPINEON HER. Cross voided, each limb terminating in three
crescents; in centre, circle with pellet. At -75. Wt. 21*4.
This is the most common type of this reign.
189. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR. Horndon. Obv. EADVVRD RAX ANSORV.
Full-length figure of the king seated front on throne ; long sceptre in r
hand; orb in 1. Rev. * DVDINC ON HORNIDVNE. Short cross
voided, martlet in each angle, ju -75. Wt. 19-9.
Known as the "Sovereign type." The obverse is derived from
Byzantine coins : and the reverse is commonly called the arms of the
Confessor. This type of reverse also occurs with the bust of the king
to r., wearing ;i pointed helmet as on the preceding.
KINGDOM OF ENGLAND. 33
190. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR. Taunton. Obv. >p EDPER--D RE:X : Bust Plate vi.
to L, diademed ; sceptre in front. Eev. >%> BOIA ON TANTVNE. Quad- SILVER.
rilateral ornament over short cross voided. AI "7. Wt. 17 '6.
This type occurs on coins of Harthacnut.
191. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR. Wallingford. Obv. EADPARD R EX. Bust
to r., bearded and crowned; sceptre in front. Rev. % BRAND ON
PALLI. Short cross voided, each limb terminating in an incurved
segment of a circle. M -8. Wt. 20-5.
A new type of this reign ; and one which does not recur. This
reverse is also found with the obverse of No. 189.
192. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR. Wallingford. Obv. EADPARD REX A. Bust
to r., bearded and wearing arched crown. Eev. *P BRIHTM/ER ON PA :
Short cross voided ; at end of each limb, segment of circle outwards ; in
each angle, pyramid springing from inner circle. M "75. Wt. 20-5.
This obverse type was copied by Harold II.
193. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR. Wilton. Obv. 3* EDPERD REX -A. Bust
tor., wearing radiate crown. Rev. 3? LI FIN EC ON PILTVN. Small cross
pattee. JR '65. Wt. 16 -8.
194. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR. Winchester. Obv. EDPERD REX AUG.
Bust to L, diademed; sceptre in front. Eev. ELPINE : ON PINC :
Long cross voided ; each limb terminating in crescent ; in centre, annulet ;
in angles, PACX. JR -75. Wt. 16-4.
This type was first introduced by Cnut and survived to William I
and II.
195. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR. Obv. % EDPAR . . . Similar to the last coin.
Eev. * BRVRNR . . . . Similar to the last coin. M '7. Wt. 8 '7.
Halfpenny.
To supply a smaller currency than the penny, that coin was often
ivided into halves and quarters to pass for halfpence and farthings,
.e coins usually selected for this purpose were those with a voided
on the reverse, as facilitating the division into equal parts. This
tice began in the reign of Aethelred II.
The only other type of this reign which need be mentioned is that
similar to the next coin of Harold II.
HAROLD II, A.D. 1066. Chichester. Obv. * HAROLD REX ANG.
Head to 1., crowned and bearded; sceptre in front. Eev. %* /ELEPINE
ON CICEI. Across the field and between two lines, PAX. & -75.
Wt. 20-3.
Harold, son of Earl Godwine, was chosen king on the death of
Iward the Confessor : but was killed at the battle of Hastings after
short reign of nine months. This is the only reverse type of
irold's coins. Of the obverse there are three varieties (see next
coin).
197. HAROLD II. Southampton. Obv. * HAROLD REX ANGLO. Same as
the last, but no sceptre. Eev. ^ LEOFSTAN ON HA (Hamtume).
Same as the last. M '75. Wt. 21-2.
A variety has the bust of the king to r., without a sceptre.
( 34 )
Plati- vi.
toTBL ENGLISH COINS.
William I.* 1066-1087.
COINAGE. The Conquest of England by the Normans brought about
no change in the monetary system of England, and a coinage, consisting
of silver pennies only, continued to be issued of precisely the same
character as under the later Anglo-Saxon kings. Not only were the
weight and the fineness of the metal retained, but even some of the
types were adopted. The mints too were increased in number. The
average weight of the penny during the reigns of William I and II
is 21 grs. ; and the standard of metal 11 oz. 2 dwts. fine and 18 dwts.
alloy.
A difficulty has always existed in determining the respective coinages
of William I and his son Rufus ; no distinctive marks distinguishing
each issue. Taking the obverse type as a criterion, the coins of the
two kings may, however, be divided as follows :
I. William I. (a) Profile bust to 1. with sceptre ; (b) bust facing
with crown having fillets, Bonnet type ; (c) bust facing under a canopy,
Canopy type ; (d) small bust facing between two sceptres ; (e) similar
bust with star on each side of neck.
II. William I or IT. (a) Bust to r. with sceptre ; rev. cross with
trefoils in angles and also the PfiXS type ; (b) bust facing with sceptre,
PftXS type ; (c) bust facing with sword ; rev. cross with trefoils in angles.
III. William II. (a) Bust to r. with sword ; (b) bust facing with
sword ; (c) bust facing with sceptre, star on r. of crown ; (d) bust
facing without sceptre, sword, or star ; (e) bust facing, a star on each
side.
This third series is marked by a general coarseness of work as
compared with the earlier ones, and the coins are slightly lighter in
weight. The type of reverse throughout consists of a cross, usually
with ornaments or letters in the angles.
198. Obv. }< PILLEMVS REX I. Bust to 1., crowned ; in front, sceptre. Rev.
^ ORDRIC ON LLEPEC (Gloucester). Cross fleury; in centre, circle.
JR -7. Wt. 20-0.
This is considered to be William's first coinage.
199. Obv. >k PILLEMVS REX. Bust facing, wearing large crown, from which
depend fillets on either side. Eev. * 6ODRIC ON LVNDEI (London).
Cross voided, each limb terminating in two crescents; in each angle,
pyramid outwards; in centre, annulet. M -75. Wt. 16 '5.
From the shape of the crown this is known as the " bonnet type."
A variety has the obverse as No. 198.
200. Obv. * PILLEMVS REX. Bust facing, crowned, beneath canopy. Eev.
* /ESELPI ON OXENEFO (Oxford). Lozenge-shaped ornament, each
angle terminating in a trefoil ; in centre, circle, st, -75. Wt. 20-0.
Known as the " canopy type."
* Son of Robert le Diable, Duke of Normandy, claimed the throne as heir
designate of Edward the Confessor, defeated and slew Harold II at Hastings,
A.D. 1066. Succeeded by his sons, William Rufus and Henry I.
WILLIAM I. 35
201. Obv. * PILLEM REX AN6LOR. Bust facing, crowned, between two Plate vi.
sceptres. Eev. ^ MAN ON CANTVLBI (Canterbury). Cross botonnee SILVKK.
over cross floury, annulet in centre. Si. -75. Wt. 20 '0.
202. Obv. ^ PILLEM REX AN3L. Bust facing, crowned, between two stars.
Rev. >fr PVLFPINE ON IEXE (Exeter). Quadrilateral ornament with
pellet at each angle on cross botonnee; in centre, circle. 2R '75.
Wt. 20-4.
The above are the types usually classed to William I. It will be
noticed that on these the name of the king is spelt " Willemus " or
" Willem " ; whilst on all subsequent types it reads " Willelm."
William I or William IT.
203. Obv. i PILLELM REX. Bust to r., crowned; in r. hand, sceptre. Eev.
% CINSTAN ON DOFI (Dover). Cross pattee, circle in centre ; trefoil in
each angle, inwards. & -75. Wt. 21 -0.
204. Obv. i PILLELM REX. Bust facing, crowned ; sceptre on r., held by r.
hand. Eev. 3? PESELMIE ON BA-DN (Bath). Cross pattee; in angles,
PfiXS, each letter within circle. M -75. Wt. 20-0.
A variety has this reverse with the obverse of the preceding. The
reverse type is copied from coins of Cnut, &c. It may be the last
issue of William I, and would mark the generally quiet state of the
country, or else it may be the first of William Rufus and points to his
peaceful succession.
205. Obv. >%* PILLELM REX I. Bust facing, crowned; in r. hand, sword.
Eev. ^ PICHXSCI ON SIFLI (Ilchester). Quadrilateral ornament on
cross pattee, each point of ornament terminating in trefoil. JR '15.
Wt. 21-6.
William II (Rufus). 1087-1100.
COINAGE, see under William I.
Obv. <fc PILLELM REX. Bust to r., crowned; r. hand holding sword.
Eev. ^ LIFSVNE ON M/ELI (Maldon). Cross pattee over cross fleury;
in centre, circle. JR -8. Wt. 21 '6.
Obv. *J PILLELM REX. Bust facing, crowned ; in r. hand, sword. Eev.
3? COLBERN ON PALI (Wallingford). Cross pattee within quatrefoil ;
in centre, circle. JR '8. Wt. 21-4.
This reverse also occurs with the obverse of the preceding. Another
iriety has the reverse similar to No. 205.
Obv. *fc PILLELM Rl. Bust facing, crowned; in r. hand, sceptre; on r.,
star. Eev. J< IELFPINE ON LVN (London). Cross fleury ; in centre,
circle; in each angle, pyramid outwards. M "75. Wt. 21-3.
209. Obv. %< PILLELM REX. Bust facing, crowned; 011 either side, star.
Eev. ^ LIFPIN ON LESTE (Leicester). Cross annuletty over cross
pattee voided; in centre, circle. M -8. Wt. 21-3.
This appears to be the last type of William II. A variety is with-
out the stars at the sides of the head. The above give all the known
types of William I and II.
D 2
36 ENGLISH COINS.
PI;lU vi Henry I. 1100-1135.
Sn.VKi:.
COINAGE. Silver. Penny.
The types of this reign are numerous and varied, and their sequence
is difficult to determine. The different forms and positions of the bust
on the obverse are : (1) Bust facing or to 1., often with sceptre or
sword ; resembling coins of William I and II. (2) Bust three-quarters
to 1. or r., with sceptre ; this appears to form a middle type, but
it may have lasted to the end of the reign. (3) Profile bust to r. or 1.,
with or without sceptre ; similar to coins of Stephen. The reverse
types of the coins generally consist of some form of cross with orna-
ments, several of the earlier ones imitating those of William I and II.
The weight and fineness of the coins should be as of William I and II ;
but they are often lighter, and the metal appears to be debased.
210. Obv. ^ HNRI REX NL. Bust facing, crowned; annulet on either side.
Rev. 4- AL6AR ON LVNDN (London). Cross fleury, annulet in centre;
pyramid inwards in each angle and terminating in three pellets, jj 75.
Wt. 22-0.
This obverse type resembles very closely the later issues of William II.
211. Obv. * HENRI REX. Bust facing, crowned. Eev. ^ ARCIL ON
STNFR (Stamford). Across field and between two lines, PA + ; above and
below, two annulets. JR '1. Wt. 19-2.
The reverse is copied from coins of Harold II.
Plate vii. 212. Obv. ^ hEMRIC REX. Bust facing, crowned ; in r. hand, sceptre ; on r.,
star. Eev. * PVLFGfiR . ON LVNDE : (London). Cross pattee,
voided; in each angle, lis inwards. JR *8. Wt. 18*2.
Adopted from a type of William II.
213. Obv. 3+ hENRICVS RE : Bust facing, crowned ; in r. hand, sceptre ; on r.,
star. Eev. * BLfiChEMfiN : ON LVN (London). Cross composed of
four ovals, within which another cross of pellets ; in each angle lis
inwards. JR -8. Wt. 17-0.
This appears to be an intermediate type between the preceding and
No. 215.
214. Obv. * hENRICVS : Bust to 1., crowned; in r. hand, sceptre. Eev.
^ PINTERLEDE : ON BM)fl (Bath). Quadrilateral ornament, ends
terminating in lis; in centre, star; in each angle, ornament of three
annulets. At -75. Wt. 20-6.
215. Obv. ^ hENRICVS. Bust, crowned, three-quarters to 1., holding sceptre.
Eev. ^ CLERIC : ON PINCE : (Winchester). Quadrilateral ornament,
angles fleured, over cross fleury ; pellet in each angle. M -8. Wt. 21'2.
This is the most common of Henry's types, and appears to be of the
middle period.
216. Obi-. ^ hENRI REX. Bust three quarters to r., crowned ; sceptre in r.
hand, and in front, three globes on which stars. Eev. ^ DERLINC : ON :
PRRR (Wareham). Cross potent over cross annuletty ; in each angle, star.
At '8. Wt. 20*4.
This is one of the rarest types of the reign.
HENRY I. 37
217. Obv. % hENRICVS R. Bust to 1., crowned; before, rosette of pellets. Plate vii.
Rev. %* OSVLF : ON : PALL : (Wallingford). Cross pattee, circle in SILVER.
centre; in each angle, pellet within annulet. JR -65. Wt. 19-4.
Other types of this reign are : bust to 1., with sceptre, rev. cross
fleury ; bust facing, with sceptre, rev. cross within quatrefoil, lis in
angles ; bust facing, with sceptre, rev. quatrefoil ornament enclosing
live annulets crosswise (all early types) ; bust in profile, with sceptre,
rev. legend in two concentric circles ; and bust in profile, rev. cross
moline, the tressures fleury (a common type of Stephen).
Stephen. 1135-1154.
COINAGE. Silver. Penny.
The types are mostly copies or adaptations from Henry I's coins ;
in consequence it is difficult to determine their sequence. On the
obverse the king's buso is either in profile or three-quarters facing
or actually facing. The reverse types as before consist of various
forms of crosses with ornaments, a notable exception being one with
martlets in the angles of the cross, as the " sovereign" pennies of
Edward the Confessor (see No. 189). Though carelessly struck and
seldom in good condition, Stephen's coins are of silver but little
debased, and they are as a rule but slightly under the standard weight
of 22^ grs. The pieces of rude work with legends almost illegible are
said to have been issued by the barons during the civil war. Some of
these coins have the king's bust defaced by a cross or by some other
symbol. During this and the previous reign there is a falling off in
the number of mints.
218. Obv. *fc STEIFNE REX : Bust to r., crowned; in front, sceptre in r.
hand. Eev. ^ PILLEM : ON : CKRDI : (Carlisle). Cross moline,
pierced at ends; the tressures fleury. JR -8. Wt. 21-6.
This is precisely as the last issue of Henry I. On some coins of this
type Stephen is represented holding a standard or a mace, a possible
allusion to the Battle of the Standard (A.D. 1138).
219. Obv. %* STIEFNE. Bust facing; sceptre in r. hand. Rev. 3+ ~KD1\M :
ON : DOVRE (Dover). Short cross voided within circle, fleured internally.
JR -8. Wt. 20-6.
This is also an early type.
220. Obv. 3? STIFENE RE. Bust to 1., crowned; in front, sceptre in r.
hand. Rev. <%* VRLEO : N : C(CX1T (Exeter). Long cross voided on
tressure, the arches fleured. JR "75. Wt. 19' 7.
This is the usual type of the so-called baronial coins.
221. Obv. * SIEFNE. Bust facing, crowned. Rev. %* PILLEM I : ON :
NOR (Norwich). Cross potent within circle, fleured internally. JR '8.
Wt. 18-6.
Though a copy of an earlier coin, it is probable that this issue is a
late one. Other types are : bust facing, with sceptre, rev. cross
voided with mullet in each angle ; bust in profile to r., with sceptre,
38 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate vii. rev. quadrilateral ornament on short voided cross, or cross potent with
SILVER, annulets in angles, or cross pattee over cross fleury (see No. 226) ; and
head to r., with sceptre, rev. short cross voided, martlet in each angle.
The coins, which follow, were struck during the civil war either by
the adherents of the king or by those who supported the cause of
Matilda, the Empress and mother of Henry II.
222. STEPHEN AND MATILDA, his wife, A.D. 1141.
The following coin was formerly attributed to Stephen and Henry
(afterwards Henry II), and was supposed to have been struck on the
occasion of the treaty made between them at Wallingford in 1153.
As however one of the figures appears to be that of a woman, it more
probably represents Stephen and his wife, Matilda, being issued in
1141, when the queen commanded the army, which, by the capture of
Robert of Gloucester, secured the liberation of the king.
Obo. ! STIEFNE R. Two figures standing opposite to each other, and holding
between them a standard or a long sceptre, terminating in a lis. Rev. An
escarbuncle of four plain limbs, each terminating in an annulet, and four
engrailed limbs, each terminating in a lis ; around, border of ornaments in
place of legend. M '85. Cracked.
The coins are of this type only and are very rare.
223. MATILDA, Empress, A.D. 1141 ?
Daughter of Henry I, married, first Henry V, the Emperor, and
secondly Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, by whom she was the
mother of Henry II, and appointed by her father his successor. She
came to England in 1139, defeated Stephen and was acknowledged
queen in 1141. Being herself defeated in 1142 she afterwards
returned to Normandy. Her coins, pennies, bear the title of IMP.
(Imperatrix), and were probably issued in 1141, in which year she
was crowned at Oxford. They were struck at Bristol, London,
Oxford and Warwick.
Olv. [* MA]TILDI : IMP. Bust to r., crowned; in front, sceptre. Rev.
* SVETIN : ON : OX : (Oxford). Cross moline, pierced at ends; the
treasures fleury. M -7. Wt. 15-8.
The coins struck at Bristol, Matilda's stronghold, bear the moneyer's
name, Turchil, who also worked for Henry I, and Roger, Earl of
Warwick. Matilda confirmed the privilege of a mint to Glastonbury ;
but no coins can be identified with that place. Her coins are of the
above type only.
224. HENRY OF BLOIS, Bishop of Winchester, d. A.D. 1171.
Younger brother of Stephen, whose accession he supported. In
L he espoused the cause of Matilda ; but soon restored his allegiance
to Stephen. The following coin was probably struck before 1141.
Obv. * heH[RI]CV3 6PC. Bust to r., crowned; in front, crozier and star.
Rev. 8[TjPhKMV8 RX. Cross raguled on cross fleury. JR "8.
Broken.
The king's name on the reverse shows that this coin was struck at a
time when Henry was supporting his brother.
STEPHEN. 39
225. EUSTACE, elder son of Stephen, d. A.D. 1153. Plate vi ; .
He was appointed governor of York, and appears to have struck SILVER.
coins there by virtue of a licence from his father. Some bear the
name of that city.
(fbc. EVSTRCIV3 Full length figure tor., in pointed helmet; sword in r.
hand; behind, ornaments. Rev. <%< EBORRCI E DOTS (York). Cross
raguled within quatrefoil, with annulet at each cusp and in each spandril.
M -75. Wt. 18-5.
The letters after the name of the mint may be that of the moneyer.
Other pieces of the same type have on the reverse the legend
"Thomas Filius Ulf " (i.e. Thomas FitzUlviet, who in 1131 was
alderman and hereditary lagaman of York).
226. EGBERT, Earl of Gloucester, A.D. 1109-1149.
Illegitimate son of Henry I, created Earl circ. 1131, did homage to
Stephen in 1136, but espoused the cause of Matilda, the Empress, and
had the chief command of her forces from 1139-1147.
Obr. RODB6RTUS D . . 3* Horseman to r., wearing pointed helmet; in r.
hand, sword. Rev. Cross pattee over cross fleury ; around, various
ornaments with the letter D in place of legend. IR *8. Fragment.
The similarity of this coin in type and style to No. 225 leaves no
doubt that both were struck about the same time. The full inscription
on the obverse is somewhat doubtful, as the only few genuine pieces
are so broken as to render it in each case incomplete. A perfect
specimen, not above suspicion, reads J< RODBGRT (XS ST D
(Comes Gloucestriae Dux?). Robert's eoins are of this type only.
11. EUSTACE FITZ-JOHN, d. A.D. 1157.
Son of John Monoculus and Magdalen, aunt of Stephen, was Lord
Knaresborough, commanded in the North against Stephen in 1138,
id assisted David I of Scotland.
)v. eiSTROhIVS : Lion passant to r. ; beneath, two shackle-bolts ; infield,
cross, annulets, etc. Rev. Cross fleury with fleur-de-lis ornaments and
annulets in the angles ; other ornaments, crosses, crescents, etc., in place
of legend. M &. Wt. 18 '7.
Coins of this type were formerly attributed to Eustace, son of
Stephen (see Num. Cliron. 1890, p. 42).
J. ROGER, Earl of Warwick, d. A.D. 1153.
Son of Henry, Earl of Warwick, who died in 1123, joined the
Impress Matilda after the capture of Stephen at Lincoln in 1140. He
struck coins at Bristol, Canterbury, Lincoln, London, and Warwick,
probably by authority of the Empress.
Obv. >%* PERERIC. Bust to r., crowned; in front, sceptre in r. hand. Rev.
*fc (3ODRICVS : ON LV (London). Cross moline, pierced at ends; the
tressures fleury. M '15. Wt. 22-0.
This type is copied from coins of Henry I and Stephen (see No. 218).
All Warwick's coins are of this type. The bust may be intended
either for that of Stephen or Matilda, but more probably for the
latter.
40 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate vii. The only other coins of the above class struck during the reign of
SH.VKI;. Stephen are those which have on the obverse a full face and the legend
LVILLEM DVO or WILLELMVS, and on the reverse a quadrilateral
ornament over a short double cross. These have been attributed to
William, son of Stephen. The mints are Chichester 1 (CRST), Warwick
(WAR), and Wisbeach (WIS). This attribution is however somewhat
doubtful.
Henry II. 1154-1189.
COINAGE. Silver. Penny.
ISSUES, tfec. Two. The first issue, which consisted of coins of an uniform
type (see Nos. 229-230), took place in 1156. Owing, however, to their
being imperfectly struck and the legends often partly illegible, a new
coinage, known from its reverse type as " the short-cross coinage " (see
No. 231) was ordered in 1180. This second issue continued with but
very slight variations in type till the middle of the reign of Henry III
(A.D. 1248). The pennies therefore struck by Richard I and John do
not bear their names, but that of their father. The coins of Richard
and John are, however, to be distinguished from those of Henry II by
slight changes in the portrait of the king, especially in the arrangement
of the hair, and in their being somewhat smaller and neater in design.
(For a full explanation of this classification, see Num. Ckron. 1865,
p. 255.)
The weight and fineness are as the coinage of William I.
ANGLO-GALLIC SERIES. Silver. Denier d' Argent and Half-Denier.
Henry II was the first English monarch to strike money for the
French domains. The issue was apparently limited to the Duchy of
Aquitaine. This coinage must have taken place before 1168, in which
year that province was ceded by Henry to his son, Richard Cceur-de-
Lion. The weight of the denier is about 17 grs., and the standard
of fineness about 3 parts silver to 9 parts alloy.
229. 1st issue. Obv. [^ h]ENR REX fiN(o. Bust nearly full face, crowned;
in r. hand, sceptre. Eev. >%* RENCSRD : ON : BRIS (Bristol). Cross
pattee with small cross pattee in each angle. ^ -8. Wt. 22-0.
This is the only type of Henry's first money. The mints are more
numerous than in the previous reigns.
230. Obv. * hENRI REX 7\N6L. Bust, nearly full face, crowned, as on the
preceding. Rev. * WILLEM : ON : NIVCfi (Newcastle). Crosspattee,
etc., as on the preceding, ji -8. Wt. 22-4.
231. 2nd issue. Obv. hQNRICXVS RQX. Bust facing, crowned; in r. hand,
sceptre. Eev. * IS7\a . ON QV3RWI (York). Short cross voided;
cross botonnee in each angle. A\. -75. Wt. 22-0.
. . . . .
This also is the only type of the second issue. The name of Isaac
of York has been immortalised by Sir Walter Scott in Ivanhoe.
232. ANGLO-GALLIC. Denier of Aquitaine. Obv. *% hENRICVS REX. Cross
pattee. Rev. 0*0 flQVITfiNI 060 arranged in four lines across the
field. jt -7. Wt. 10-6.
Henry succeeded to the dukedom of Aquitaiue by right of his
HENEY II. 41
marriage with Eleanor, daughter of William, 9th Duke of Aquitaine
and Earl of Poitou. The half-denier of Henry II, which is unique,
has on the obv. a cross pattee and around <%* ENRICVS, and on the rev.
REX across the field with ftl above and a cross pattee below.
Eleanor, his wife, also struck deniers for Aquitaine. They are, obv.
3* DVCISIT and two crosses dividing letters M and l\ (Moneta
Alienora?); rev. ^ A6VITANIE, cross pattee. These coins were
probably not struck till after the death of Henry, when Eleanor
assumed the title and exercised the authority of Duchess of Aquitaine.
Richard I. 1189-1199.
COINAGE. Silver. Penny.
As noted above (see coinage of Henry II) the types of the coins
attributed to Richard I are very similar to those of his father, even
to the name on the obverse. The slight difference consists in the
shape of the bust ; the crown having more than five pearls or being
frequently in the form of a beaded line, and the head quite full face
with the number of curls varying from five to one on each side.
ANGLO-GALLIC SERIES. Silver. Denier and Half-Denier or Obole
d' Argent. These were struck for Aquitaine, Rouen (Normandy),
Issoudun (Berri), and Poitou. Richard is also said to have coined
money for Anjou, Le Mans, and Tours. The denier weighed from
17 to 13 grs. and varied in fineness from 8 parts silver and 4 of alloy
to 3 parts silver and 9 of alloy.
233. Obv. hQNRIQVS R9X. Bust facing, wearing crown with pearls in a beaded
line, four curls each side of head ; in r. hand, sceptre. Eev. *k STIVQNS
ON LVN (London). Short cross voided ; cross botonnee in each angle.
M -75. Wt. 21-6.
. ANGLO-GALLIC. Denier of Aquitaine. Obv. RICRRDVS in two lines;
above, *fr ; below, U). Eev. ^ TC6VIT7XNIE. Cross pattee. M "75.
Wt. 16-5.
As the title of Rex is omitted on the Aquitaine coins it is probable
hat they were issued before Richard's accession to the English throne.
Aquitaine was granted to him in 1168. The half -denier of Aquitaine
is of the same type as the denier, and only differs from it in size and
weight.
(5. DENIER OF BERRI. Obv. RICARD' RGX. Cross pattee. Jlev.
<%< 6XOLDVNI (Issoudun). In centre 5U ; above, straight line; below,
annulet. JR '7. Wt. 12 : 1.
Issoudun, in the province of Berri, was ceded to Richard by Philip II
France, and he held it from 1188 to 1195. The reverse type is
opposed to be a degraded form of the Greek omega inverted.
236. DENIER OF POITOU. Obv. %* RICTXRDVS REX. Cross pattee. Eev.
PICT7WIENSIS in three lines across the field, jj '75. Wt. 15-6.
In 1196 Richard ceded the revenues of Aquitaine and Poitou to
Otho, the Emperor. The Poitou coins were therefore struck between
1189 and that date. The half -denier or obole is of the same type as
the denier. . The coins (deniers) struck at Rouen have the same 061;.
us the preceding, and on the rev. { RODCSDVCO ; in centre DVX.
42 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate iii.
sn.vKi; John. 1199-1216.
COINAGE. Silver. Penny and Halfpenny.
Like Richard's coins those of John are the same as his father's (see
coinage of Henry II) and only differ in the bust, which has a long face,
and beard formed by straight lines ; two curls generally on each side
enclosing pellets, and five or seven pearls in the crown. The halfpennies
vary in type from the pennies and have John's own name (see below).
No Anglo-Gallic coins are known of this reign.
237. Penny. Obv. hQNRICVS RQX. Bust facing, crowned, with beard, two
curls on each side of head; in r. hand, sceptre. Rev. hVQ ON QfiNTQ
(Canterbury) ; m. m. cross botonn6e. Short cross voided, cross botonnee in
each angle, jj -75. Wt, 23-0.
The halfpennies have on the obc. the head of the king in profile, and
around, his name lOhANNES; and on the rev. a cross pattee with
Us and pellet in each angle, and around, the moneyer's name and mint
(London or Winchester). Only a few specimens are known.
Henry III. 1216-1272.
COINAGE. Gold. Penny. Silver. Penny.
ISSUES, &c. The gold penny, the first gold coin of ^he English series
since the Conquest, was struck in pursuance of a writ dated at Chester,
16 Aug. 1257. It was of pure gold and was to be current for 20 pence
sterling. The silver coins of this reign, pennies, are of two issues.
The first issue (12161248) was of the short-cross type as Henry II's,
but the coins varied from those of the previous reigns in being smaller
in size, of neater workmanship, and in having the bust placed low down
showing hardly any neck and usually three curls on each side of the head.
The second issue (1248-1272) is known as the long-cross type, having
on the reverse a long double cross extending to the edge of the coin,
dividing the legend, and with three pellets in each angle. These coins
have for the most part the numerals III or TQRCU after the king's
name, showing that they were struck by the third king of that name.
They present three small varieties of type (see descriptions). The
weight and fineness are as the coinage of William I. The number of
mints was much reduced during this reign.
No Anglo-Gallic coins were issued by Henry III.
GOLD. 238. Penny. Obv. hGNRICC RQX l-l-l. Full-length figure of the king, crowned,
seated facing on throne ; in r. hand, sceptre ; in 1., orb. Rer. WILL0M :
ON LVNDQ : (London). Long cross voided, rose with three pellets in
each angle. AT -85. Wt. 45-2.
In 1265 the current value of this coin was raised to 24 pence
sterling ; but on account of its meeting with little public favour it was
withdrawn from circulation circ. 1270. No further issue of gold took
place till 1344. Only a few specimens are known of the gold penny.
Varieties read LVND or LVNDSN.
HENRY III. 43
239. Short-cross Penny. Obv. hSftRlflVS R6(X. Bust facing, crowned; three Plate viL
curls on each side, the lowest one small ; in r. hand, sceptre. Rev. SILVKK.
J< PIQR6(S ON DVR (Durham). Short cross voided ; cross botonnee in
each angle, xt -65. Wt. 23-0.
240. Long-cross Penny. 1st type. Obv. hQNRIQVS R8X III. Bust facing, Plate viii.
crowned; r. hand holding sceptre. Rev. RRNDVLF ON S'QD (St.
Edmundshury). Long cross voided, dividing legend ; in each angle, three
pellets. M -7. Wt. 23-4.
This reverse type of a cross with three pellets in each angle
continued on all the silver coins almost without variation till the
middle of the reign of Henry VII, and was not abandoned on the
smaller ones till that of James I.
241. Long-cross Penny. 2nd type. Obv. fc hQNRICCVS RQX TSROCI. Bust
facing, crowned ; no sceptre. Rev. NICOLS ON LVND (London). Long
cross voided, &c., as on the preceding piece. M '75. Wt. 23-0.
Pennies of the second type differ from those of the first in reading
III or TflROCI, in having a mullet before the king's name as mint-
mark, and in there being no sceptre. The third type varies from the
second in reading hQNRIQVS RQX RNG, in omitting the numerals or
TQRCU after the king's name, and in having a crescent under the
mullet. On some of the last type, however, the reverse legend
continues that on the obverse, as LI6( TQRCU QftN., LVN., &c.
Edward I. 1272-1307.
COINAGE. Silver. Groat ?, Penny, Halfpenny, and Farthing.
The attribution of the groat (No. 242) to Edward I is somewhat
doubtful. Some look upon this coin as a pattern, whilst others would
assign it to Edward III. The penny, halfpenny and farthing are of
uniform type having on the obv. the crowned head facing, and on the
rev. a long cross pattee with three pellets in each angle. This type
remains unchanged till after the first coinage of Henry VII. With
one exception, " Robert de Hadley " (see No. 243 note), the money ers'
names no longer occur, and that of the mint is usually preceded
by CIVITAS or VILLA. The earlier pennies weigh 22^- grs., but in
Edward's 28th year the standard was reduced to 22 grs. and remained
so till the end of the reign, of Edward II. No change took place
in the fineness of the coins.
Considerable difficulty has hitherto existed in separating the pence,
halfpence and farthings of Edward I, II, and III. The general
principle of assigning the pennies with the clothed bust to Edward I
and II, and those with the so-called unclothed bust to Edward III,
and again those reading " Edw " to Edward I and " Edwardus " to
Edward III, and the intermediate forms to Edward II, is now hardly
altogether tenable in the light of recent discoveries. The clues are to
be found in the shape of the bust, the style of lettering, which in the
earlier pieces is larger, and also in the spelling of the king's name.
The pennies reading ' ' Edw " and without stops after the words may be
assigned to Edward I ; those reading " Edwa, Ed war and Edward,"
44 ENGLISH COINS.
i. also without stops after the words, to Edward II, and those with
MI.VKI:. Edw, Edwa, Edward and Edwardus" usually with stops, annulets or
saltires, to Edward III. These general rules do not apply to halfpence
and farthings. (For a full discussion of this question see Num. Citron.,
1898, pp. 8-72.)
ANGLO-GALLIC SERIES. Base Silver or Billon. Gros, Denier d' Argent,
Lion, and Demi-Lion. These were struck for Gascony, Aquitaine
(Bordeaux, Guessin, i.e. Guiche, and Limoges), and Ponthieu. The
lion and demi-lion, attributed to Gascony, were struck before Edward's
accession to the English throne. The fineness varies from 7 parts
silver to 5 of alloy, and 4 parts silver to 8 of alloy.
242. Groat. Obv. * 6DWKRDVS : D'l : SRE' : R6X : HR6L'. Bust facing,
crowned and clothed, within quatrefoil ; mullet on breast and at each side of
head; trefoil in each spandril of quatrefoil. Rev. : DN'S hIBITG DVX
7XQVT LORDOrilft Gl VI (in two concentric circles). Long cross fleury,
three pellets in each angle. 2R 1-15. Wt. 87 '4.
These groats vary in weight from 138 grs. to 80 grs. ; which is a
strong argument in favour of their being patterns. The mullet on the
king's breast would indicate a late issue, if this piece is of Edward I
(see No. 244).
243. Penny. Obv. DW R AN6L DNS hYB. Bust facing, crowned and
clothed. Rev. * CIVITftS DVR6M6 (Durham). Long cross pattee
with three pellets in each angle. M &. Wt. 21-4.
The cross moline is the badge of Anthony Beck, Bishop of Durham
(12831311), by whom this coin was struck. The number of mints
during this reign was much reduced, and pennies were only struck at
Berwick, Bristol, Canterbury, Chester, Durham, Exeter, Kingston
(Hull), Lincoln, London, Newcastle, St. Edmundsbury, and York,
and by Robert de Hadley who resided at St. Edmundsbury. Those
of Berwick have a bear's head in one of the angles of the cross on
the reverse.
244. Penny. Obc. 3? DW R ANGL DNS hYB. Bust facing, as on the last.
Rev. CIVITRS LONDON. Long cross pattee with pellets in angles.
JR -75. Wt. 22-0.
The pennies may be divided into three classes from their obverse
type ; (i) with large letters and large m. m. a cross ; (ii) with smaller
letters, smaller m. in., and the coin itself smaller ; (iii) similar to the last,
but mullet or star on king's breast. The last were probably not struck
till after 1300. (Hawkins, 3rd ed., p. 200.)
245. Penny. Obv. DW R - 7XN6L - DNS - hYB. Bust facing, crowned and
clothed, within a triangle; below, pellet. Rev. CUVITAS CANTOR
(Canterbury). Long cross pattee with pellets in angles. JR -75. Wt. 21-2.
This is the usual obverse type of the Irish coins ; similar pieces
also occur of London. Irish pennies also have the English obverse type.
As the dies for the Irish coins were made in London, these pieces are
probably only so-called " mules." This coin may be of Edward II.
EDWARD I. 45
24G. Halfpenny. Obv. * DW R ANGL DNS hYB. Bust facing, &c., as on Plate viii.
No. 243. Rev. C I VITAS LONDON. Long cross pattee with pellets in SILVER
angles. 2B -6. Wt. 11 -0.
Others read eDWARDVS RX, 6DWARDVS R6X A_AN ANGL or
ANSLI. Halfpennies were also struck at Berwick (with a bear's head
in two or one angle of the cross on the rev.), Bristol, Lincoln, New-
castle, and York.
247. Farthing. Obv. * 6DWHRDVS : R6X. Bust facing, &c., as on No. 243.
Eev. LONDONI6NSIS. Long cross pattee with pellets in angles. ^-5
Wt. 5-5.
The general reverse legend of the London farthing is Cl VITAS
LONDON. Others read on obverse DWARDVS RGX A. or AN. Those
reading 6. R. AN6LI, or . R. ANGL. D. H. and without inner circle
are doubtful Edward I or II. The other mints are Berwick (with a
bear's head in two angles of the cross), Bristol, Lincoln, and York.
248. ANGLO-GALLIC. Lion of Gascony. Obv. ^ GDVVARD' : FILI'. Lion BILLON
passant, guardant, to 1. Eev. J h : R66IS ; ANSLI6. Cross pattee.
Bil. -75. Wt. 13-0.
Lions and demi-lions of this type are classed to Gascony, as Henry
III resigned that province to Edward in 1252, and in 1254 on
Edward's marriage to Eleanor of Castile his rights were confirmed by
Alphonso XII. This coin was struck in Henry Ill's lifetime.
249. Gros of Aquitaine. Obv. EDOVARDVS REX_J< BftDICTTV : SIT :
n,OM : DR I : riRI : DGI : (in two concentric circles). Cross patt6e,
dividing inner legend only. Rev. *% DVX AQITAftlE. Lion rampant,
guardant, to 1. ; around, ornamental border of arches enclosing trefoils
Bil. 1-05. Wt. 47-6.
It is somewhat uncertain by which Edward this coin and No. 251
were struck. If by Edward I, the issue probably did not take place
till after 1302, when his possessions in France were confirmed by
Philip IY. The gros is very similar in type to the coins of that
denomination of Philip IY (1285-1314).
:. Lion of Aquitaine. Obv. J DVVARDVS RX. Lion passant, guardant
tol. Eev. * DVX A^VlTANie. Cross pattee. Bil. --7. Wt. 13-6.
Che demi-lion is of similar type.
]
251. Gros of Bordeaux. Similar to No. 249, but the legend on the rev. reads
i* MOnETA & BVRD (Bordeaux). Bil. 1-0. Wt. 40-0.
252. Lion of Guessin. Obv. ^ GDVARDVS RGX. Lion passant, guardant, to 1. ;
above, 6 (Guessin) ; below . Eev. 3? DVX AQITAniG. Cross pattee.
Bil. -7. Wt. 16-0.
Guessin or Guiche was a castle near Bayonne. The lions of
Bordeaux are of similar type, but have AQT. under the lion on the obv.
and the name of the mint, BVRD. in the rev. legend. The deniers of
Ponthieu have a cross with the king's name on the obv. and MONETA
PONTI, in two lines, with ornaments on the rev.
46 ENGLISH COINS.
Platevil1 Edward II. 1307-1327.
COINAGE. Silver. Penny, Halfpenny, and Farthing.
These are of the same weight, fineness and type as the later coinage
of Edward I ; but the letters of the legends are generally smaller and
the workmanship neater. No star occurs on the king's breast and his
name reads " Edwa, Edwar, or Edward " (see under Edward I). There
are no Anglo-Gallic coins which can be attributed to Edward II.
SILVER 253. Penny. Obv. %> SDWARD R AN6L DNS hYB. Bust facing, crowned
and clothed. Rev. tflVITAS DVRSMQ (Durham). Long cross pattee
with three pellets in each angle. & "1. Wt. 21-3.
This coin was struck by the king's moneyer. Those issued by the
bishops of Durham have for mint-mark a cross moline (Bp. Beck), one
limb of cross in form of crozier (Bp. Kellow), and a lion rampant (Bp.
Beaumont). The mint name of Durham also reads DVR9MIQ, DVNQLM,
or DVNQLMI. Pennies were also struck at Berwick, Bristol, Canter-
bury, London, Newcastle, St. Edmundsbury, and York.
254. Penny. Obv. * 8DWAR R AftSL DftS hYB. Bust as on the
last. Rev. CUVITAS etBORACIl (York). Long cross pattee with quatre-
foil in centre and three pellets in each angle ; three dots outside the pellets
in the second quarter. M -7. Wt. 20-6.
On some of the coins of this mint there is no quatrefoil in the centre
of the cross on the reverse. This coin may be of the early issue of
Edward Til.
255. Halfpenny. Obv. ^ QDWAR R AN6L DNS hYB. Bust facing,
&c., as on No. 253. Rev. CO VITAS LONDON. Long cross pattee, &c., as
on No. 253. JK -6. Wt. 10-5.
The only other mint, to which halfpennies of this reign have been
attributed, is Berwick. They read QDWA R ANGL DNS hi and
VILLA BQRQWia.
The farthings of this reign cannot be distinguished from those of
Edward I or III.
Edward III. 1327-1377.
COINAGE. Gold. Florin, Half-Florin, Quarter-Florin, Noble, Half-
Noble, and Quarter-Noble. Silver. Groat, Half-Groat, Penny, Half-
penny, and Farthing.
ISSUES.* Gold. Four: 1st issue (1343), Florin, Half-Florin, and
Quarter-Florin. 2nd issue (1 344), Noble and Quarter-Noble. 3rd issue
(1346), Noble, Half-Noble, and Quarter-Noble. 4th issue (1351-1377),
Noble, Half-Noble, and Quarter-Noble. (For sub-divisions of this last
issue see note No. 260). Silver. Two : 1st issue (1327-1351), Penny,
Halfpenny, and Farthing. 2nd issue (1351-1377), Groat, Half-Groat,
* For particulars relating to the changes in the types, &c., see the descriptions
of the coins. When numerous changes occur in the issues this order will,
\vlinrf> pnn v^rnnnf. V\n orlrvrtf.ci/1 i*- +V*r> fn+n..,.
wi. MM WUAVi rVUOJU UlUUOJtVUD Ullitlit'tiS
where convenient, he adopted in the future.
EDWARD III. ' 47
Penny, Halfpenny, and Farthing. (For sub-divisions of this issue see
note No. 263.)
WEIGHT. Gold. Florin 108 grs. ; Noble (1344) 138^ grs.; (1346)
128} grs. ; (1351-1377) 120 grs. Silver. Penny (1327-1344) 22| grs. ;
(1344-1346) 20grs. ; (1346-1351) 20 grs. ; (1351-1377) 18 grs. The
weights of the other denominations in gold and silver are in proportion.
FINENESS. Gold.* 23 carats 3 grs. pure gold to J gr. alloy. This
is known as the " old standard." Silver. 11 oz. 2 dwts. fine silver to
1 8 dwts. alloy ; as William I's coinage.
The current value of the Florin was 6s. and that of the Noble 6s. 8d. ;
the other denominations in proportion. The gold coins are all of the
Tower mint ; the mints of the silver are noted with the descriptions.
ANGLO-GALLIC SERIES. Gold. Noble, Half -Noble, Guiennois, Leopard,
Ecu or Chaise, Mouton, and Florin. Silver. Double-Hardi, Hardi,
Double, Gros, Demi-Gros, Denier, and Demi-Denier. Billon. Gros, Demi-
Gros, Double Tournois, and Denier Tournois. MINTS. Abbeville (?),
Aquitaine (Acquen, Agen (Dax), Bergerac, Bordeaux, Guessin or
Guiche, La Rochelle, Lectoure, Limoges, and Poitiers), Bayonne and
Calais. The types were for the most part copied from contemporary
French coins, but those struck at Calais are similar to the
English coins. The gold coins are 23^ carats pure to ^ alloy ; and the
silver coins were ordered to be of the same fineness as the English money.
256. Florin. Obv. 9DWR' D' 6R7V RSX AH6L' 5 FRAflCC DUS MB'
(stops, annulets). King crowned and robed, seated facing, under a canopy ;
in r. hand, sceptre ; in I., orb ; on either side of throne, leopard ; field sem6
with lis. Eev. * IhCX : TRAaSlQRS : PQR : ttlSDIVm : ILLORVM :
I BAT : (stops, saltires). Floriated cross with crown at end of each limb,
within quatrefoil foliated at angles ; outside each angle, a lion or leopard.
A71-3. Wt. 106-3.
This new money marks the introduction of a permanent currency in
gold in this country. It was ordered to be current by proclamation,
27th January, 1343 (o.s.), but on account of the high value at which it
was rated in proportion to the silver it was not generally accepted,
and was withdrawn from currency in the following August. Only two
specimens each are known of the florin and the half-florin.
257. Half-Florin. Obv. *fr SDWAR' D' (3R7V R6(X AR6L' 5
JDFIS hIB (stops, annulets). Leopard to 1., crowned and guardant,
with banner of arms of France and England fastened to his neck and
flowing back on his shoulder. Rev. $* : DOtfliriS : US : 1ft : FVRORS :
TVO : ARGVAS : SRQ. : (stops, annulets). Quatrefoiled cross with three
trefoils at end of each limb, within quatrefoil with lis at each angle : outside
each angle, a lion. AT -95. Wt. 53-4.
. Quarter-Florin. Obv. 9DWR' : R' : AftGL' : 5 : FRAftC(' : D' : hIB' :
(stops, annulets). Lion, crowned and guardant, standing to 1. on a cap of
maintenance on helmet ; field seme with lis. Rev. >^ : SXALTABITVR :
IP. : GLORIA : (stops, annulets). Floriated cross with quatrefoil in
centre. A7 '7. Wt. 27-0.
Several specimens are known of this piece.
* The fineness of gold is computed upon an ideal pound, the " carat pound,"
which is divided into 24 parts, called carats, and the carat into quarters, caDed
grains. Thus pure gold is gold of 24 carats.
|^ ENGLISH COINS.
i-iatt- viii 259. Noble, 2nd i*ue (1344). Obv. QDWER' : D' : 6Rff' : RQX
s 5 : FRftftCC : DftS : hYB' (stops, saltires). King crowned, standing,
facing in ship, holding sword and shield ; three ropes from stern and two
from prow of vessel. Rev. * lhC( : TRffftSIQftS : PQR : mQDIVM :
ILLORVJTl : IBZTT : (stops, saltires). Within a tressure of eight arches
having a trefoil in each spandril, a floriated cross with lis at end of each
limb, and L (London) within an ornamented compartment in the centre ;
in each angle of cross, a lion passant, guardant, with crown above.
A^l-35. Wt. 135-0.
After the withdrawal of the florin a new coinage consisting of the
noble, its half and quarter, was ordered to be struck. The noble was
to be coined at 39 to the Tower pound, and to be current for 6s. 8d.
Its type is supposed to refer to the victory over the French fleet off
Sluys in 1340. Of the origin of its name no satisfactory explanation
has been suggested. Ruding thought that it was derived " from the
noble nature of the metal of which the coins were composed."
No half-noble of the second issue is known. For the quarter-noble
see No. 262. The noble of the third issue is precisely the same as that
of the second except that it has the letter Q for Edwardus instead
of L in the centre of the cross on the reverse. This is also one of the
distinguishing marks of the later coins. The weight also is a criterion.
Plate ix. 260. Noble, 4tfi issue (1360-1369). Obv. o QDWfiRD : DQI : 6Rfi
fill<3L : DHS : hYB : 5 7\QT (stops, saltires). King crowned,
standing in ship, &c., as on the preceding. Rev. +jp lhC( ? 7WTQSTI :
TRfiftSIQftS : PSR : JTIQDIV : ILLORVm : IBfiT (stops, saltires).
Floriated cross within eight arched tressure as oil the preceding; but
in centre of cross, the letter Q for " Edwardus." K 1'35. Wt. 118 '5.
The gold coins of the fourth issue may be separated into three
periods according to the titles of the king on the obverse, namely
(1) from 1351-1360, when he is styled King of France, but not Lord
of Aquitaine ; (2) from 1360-1369, when the title of France is omitted
in accordance with the treaty of Bretigny and that of Aquitaine
substituted ; and (3) from 1369-1377, when, the treaty of Bretigny
having been broken, both titles are assumed. This rule does not apply
in all cases to the half and quarter-nobles. There are also many other
small differences in the type and in the forms of letters and stops. On
the earlier pieces the letter N is generally Roman, and the stops are
MI mulcts, but on the later ones we get the English ft and saltires
eta stops. The above coin bearing the Aquitaine title belongs therefore
to the second period. A flag at the stern of the vessel occurs on the
nnl.lcs and half-nobles of the last issue, but the more common type is
without the flag. (For gold coins of Calais see No. 272.)
261. Half-Noble, '4M issue (1360-1369). Obv. QDW7XRD : DQI : 6 : RQX :
fift<3L : D : hYB 5 AQT (stops, saltires). King crowned, standing
in ship, &c., as on No. 259. Rev. DOJftlftQ - ftQ Ift FVRORQ
TVO fiRGVTXS 5UQ (stops, saltires). Floriated cross within eight-
arched tressure, etc., as on the preceding. A r l-05. Wt. 60-4.
The half-noble of the third issue is similar in style and work to the
noble of the same period. That struck between 1369-1377 omits
tin- Aquitaine title, and may be distinguished from the 1351-1360
I ii -cos by the flag at the stern.
EDWAED III. 49
262. Quarter-Noble, 2nd issue (1344). Obv. * QDW7XR' R6(X : fiftGL' : 5 : P i a te ix.
FRfiftCC D' hYB'. Royal shield within six arched treasure, having a
trefoil in each spandril. Rev. ^ : etXTXLTfiBITVR : in. : SLORIfi :
(stops, saltires). Within eight arched tressure floriated cross with lis at
end of each limb, and L (London) in centre ; in each angle, lion passant,
guardant. A7 -8. Wt. 33-5.
The quarter-nobles of the third issue, like the nobles, have an 6( in
the centre of the cross on the reverse ; but those of the fourth issue have
always an ornament annulet, pellet, quatrefoil, lis, &c. On quarter-
nobles struck between 13511360 the name of France always appears
in the legend : but on those issued subsequently (1360-1369 and 1369-
1377) both the titles of France and Aquitaine are omitted.
263. Groat, London (1360-1369). Obv. * QDWfiRD : D6(l : 6 : R6(X : SILVER.
firi6L : DftS : hYB 5 fiQT (stops, annulets). Bust facing, crowned,
within tressure of arches with trefoil at each angle. Rev. !< POSVI : DCXV5TI :
fiDIVTORGUTl : m6V_C(IVITfiS LOI/1DOH (in two concentric circles;
stops, saltires). Long cross patt6e dividing legends ; in each angle, three
pellets. JBl-05. Wt. 70-5.
The groats and half -groats, first issued in 1351, may also be divided
into three periods on the same principles as the gold coins of the
fourth issue (see No. 260). They show similar differences in the
king's titles. They also correspond in the forms of the letters and
the stops between the words, as well as in the workmanship. On the
half -groats struck after 1369 the title of Aquitaine does not appear, and
generally the groats of that date have only that of France. The type
of these coins remained unchanged till the reign of Henry VII.
During the present reign they were struck only at London and York.
(For a full account of the classification of the silver coins of Edward
III, see Num. Chron. 1898, pp. 8-72.)
264. Half-Groat, London (1351-1360). Obv. ^ 6DW7XRDVS R6X
5 FRfil/lC(l (stops, annulets). Bust facing, crowned, &c., as on the last.
Eev. * POSVI DV fiDIVTORlv1_CIVITfiS LO M DO H (in two circles).
Long cross pattee, &c., as on the last. JR '95. Wt. 34-3.
This half -groat with open G'S and Roman M'S belongs to the earliest
issue of 1351-1360. There are corresponding nobles, groats, and pennies.
265. Penny, London (1360-1369). Obv. * QDWTXRD : ARSL : R : DttS : hYB
(stops, annulets). Bust facing, crowned. Rev. CXI VITAS LO ft DO ft (stop,
saltire). Long cross patte, dividing legend ; in each angle, three pellets.
M -7. Wt. 15-5.
Struck also at Canterbury, Durham, Reading, and York. The
pennies issued before 1351 can only be distinguished from those of
previous reigns by slight differences in the bust, in the shape of the crown,
which in most cases has a large lis in the centre, in the lettering, which
is small, and in having stops generally between the words on the obv.
The king's name is usually spelt "Edw"or " Edwa." The later pieces
from 1351 have "Edward " or " Edwardus." (See p. 43.)
266. Halfpenny, London (1351-1360). Similar to the Penny, but reading on obv.
SDWfiRDVS RSX fift (stops, annulets). M -6. Wt. 10-3.
Struck also at Berwick, Canterbury, Reading, and York. The
penny and halfpenny of Reading have an escallop in one angle of the
E
50 ENGLISH COINS.
plate i.\. cross instead of pellets. Others read " Edwardus Rex " or " Rex
SII.VKH. A," and " Londoniensis " for " Civitas London." The halfpence and
farthings, on account of their small size and few varieties, do not
admit of such minute classification as the larger pieces.
267. Farthing. London. Obv. J SDWARDVS R6(X. Bust facing as on the
Penny. Rev. ai VITAS LONDON. Long cross pattee and pellets as on the
Penny. JR -5. Wt. 4-6.
Struck also at York. The farthings show the same varieties of
legends as the halfpence.
<;<>u.. 268. ANGLO-GALLIC. Guiennois. Obv. 9D DSI : 6RA : RSX
DftS : AQVITAftia F (stops, annulets). King in armour standing to r.,
beneath portico; in r. hand, sword; in 1., shield; at his feet, two leopards
couchant, guardant. Ren. ^ 6LIA : in : QXa0LC(IS : DSO : ST :
in,:T6(RRA : PAX : hO I BV (stops, annulets). Within tressure of arches,
floriated cross ; in alternate angles, lis and leopard, tj !!. Wt. 59*2.
Edward III was the first English king to strike gold coins for France.
The letter F in the obverse legend may be for " Francie." As Edward
did not assume the title of ''Lord of Aquitaine" till 1360, these
coins were probably struck after that date. Some have in the field on
the obverse the mint-letter ; as B (Bordeaux), L (Limoges), P (Poitiers)
and R (Rochelle). This is the only gold coin with the mint-letters.
269. Leopard. Obv. * QDWARDVS : DQI : 6RA : ANSLia
R6(X : (stops, quatrefoils). Within tressure of arches a leopard to
1., passant, guardant and crowned; quatrefoil in each spandril. Rev.
* XPa : VinaiT : XPa : RaSNAT : XPa : IMPaRAT (stops, quatre-
foils). Within ornamented quatrefoil floriated cross with leopard passant,
guardant in each angle ; small quatrefoil in each spandril of large quatrefoil.
jjl-15. Wt. 36-6.
Struck about 1344.
270. Ecu or Chaise. Obv. ^ aDVVARDVS : D6(l 6RA A6L :
R6(X (single stops, quatrefoils). Within tressure of arches, king seated facing
on throne ; in r. hand, sword ; in 1., shield with arms of France. Rev.
^f xpa : yinaiT : xpa = RSSNTXT : xpa . IMPSRAT. within
quatrefoil foliated at each angle, trefoiled cross with quatrefoil in centre and
at end of each limb ; in each spandril, trefoil. M 1*2. Wt. 69-4.
This coin was probably struck soon after 1337, as the king is styled King
of France. The type was first used by Philip VI on his coins in 1336.
271. Mouton. Obv. * A6fl : D9I : QVI : TOLL' KWA : MVDI : MISQRS :
NOB (stops, annulets). Within tressure of arches, the Agnus Dei to 1. ;
below, QD YARD. Rev. * XPC( : VINCUT : XPa : R6K3NAT : XPa :
I M P9RAT (stops, trefoils). Within ornamented quatrefoil with lis in each
spandril, floriated cross with rose in centre and lis in each angle. AT 1-2.
Wt. 71-0.
This type first occurs on coins of Philip III of France (1270-1285).
272. Florin of Aquitaine. Obv. & S lOHANNSS B (crown before and after
legend). St. John the Baptist standing, facing, r. hand raised ; staff in 1.
Rev. * DVX : AQITARie(. Large fleur de lis. AT '85. Wt. 53-0.
This is a direct copy of the fiorino d'oro first coined at Florence in
1252. This and the mouton were probably struck before 1337 as they
do not bear the French title.
EDWAED III. 51
The noble and half -noble were struck at Calais and are of the Plate ix.
same type and legends as the English coins of those denominations, but
they have the letter C( for Calais instead of 9 in the centre of the
cross on the reverse. They are of the fourth issue, 1360-1369 and
1369-1377. Quarter-nobles, if any were struck, cannot be distinguished
from the English pieces.
273. Denier of Aquitaine. Obv. * QDWARD' R9X AftSL'. Bust three- SILVER.
quarters to 1., crowned ; below and in line of inscription, leopard passant to 1.
Rev. ^ DVX AQVITAftieC. Cross pattee with quatrefoil at end of each
limb, dividing legend ; in each angle, open crown, s. -75. Wt. 21-4.
On account of their weight this and the next coin were probably
the earliest Anglo-Gallic pieces of this reign. As such they would
correspond to the English pennies of the first issue.
274. Demi-Denier of Aquitaine. Obv. ^ SOWAR D' x R9X AftSLI. Bust
three-quarters to 1., as on the last. Rev. DVX AQVITARieC. Cross pattee,
as on the last. JB -6. Wt. 8'7.
275. Double-Hardi of Bordeaux. Obv. ^ SDWARD DQI SRA R6(X
A n,6 L I . Within tressure of arches, half-length figure of king to r. ; sword in
r. hand; thel. raised. Rev. SLA Ifl flXSL DO - 6(T IN - T : RA
PAX DftS AQVITAfliet (in two concentric circles). Long cross pattee
dividing legends; in each angle, three pellets. M 1-05. Wt. 34 -4.
Sometimes called a gros (see similar piece of Edward the Black
Prince, No. 290). A variety has the bust on the obv. facing.
276. Hardi of Bordeaux. Obv. * QDWAR DGC SRA - R6(X AftSLIfl
(stops, annulets). Half-length figure of king to r., as on the preceding, but no
tressure. Rev. DftS AQITAftlS B (Bordeaux). Cross pattee dividing
legend ; in each angle, three pellets. & -1. Wt. 15 '6.
277. Double of Bordeaux. Obv. * ai VITAS BVRD6(SALG(. Bust to L,
crowned ; on either side, crown. Rev. SD' [R6X AITJSLI0;. Cross pattee
dividing legend; crown and three pellets in alternate angles, st -85.
Wt. 37-5.
Supposed to be unique. The denier or sterling of Bordeaux has a
crowned head facing, and on the rev. a cross cantoned with pellets (in
two quarters), a lis and a crown ; legends as on the double.
278. Gros of Calais. Obv. * QDWARD : DQI : S : R9X : AHSL : DttS :
hYB 5 AQT (stops, annulets). Bust facing, crowned, within tressure
of arches, each terminating in a trefoil, except the lowest one which has an
annulet. Rev. * POSVI DQVm : ADIVTORQm : 5Tie(V_VILLA -
QALe(SlS (in two concentric circles; stops, saltires). Long cross pattae
dividing legends ; in each angle, three pellets, s.1'05. Wt. 72-3.
The silver coins and also the gold of Calais (see note No. 272), have
always the same types as the English money. Those of silver were
struck during 13601369, as they are similar to the English pieces with
the Aquitaine title.
279. Demi-Gros of Calais. Obv. %* 9DWARDVS : RQX : ARXoL : DflS :
hYB (stops, annulets). Bust facing, &c., as on the last. Rev. Similar to
the Gros, but reading A D I VTO R6(. x. 85. Wt. 33-2.
E 2
52 ENGLISH COINS.
i-iiuix 280 Denier of Calais. Obv. ^ 8DW7XRD : AftGL : R : DRS : hYB (stops,
annulets). Bust facing, crowned. Rev. VILLA cmLSSIQ. Long cross
patt6e with three pellets in each angle. JR 7. Wt. 17 2.
The demi-denier and the quart d'argent, i.e., halfpenny and farthing,
do not appear to have been struck at Calais during this reign.
281. Gros Tournois of Aquitaine. Obv. * BnDICTTV : SIT : ftOma : DRI :
n,R| : D _ J QD : R9X : A # n,6LI6( (in two concentric circles). Cross
pattee in centre. Eev. DVX : AQITfi * ftlQ. Representation of a
building, a triangular figure between two towers, &c. ; outside, ornamented
border. jBl'l. Wt. 62-0.
The gros and the demi-gros of this type occur in very base metal.
282. Demi-Gros Tournois of Aquitaine. Similar to the Gros in type and legends,
but in two angles of the cross pattee on the obverse is a lis. M '9.
Wt. 38-7.
BILLON. 283. Double Tournois of Aquitaine. Obv. * EDVVAR[DVS REX]. A large
crown in centre. Rev. [i JTlOftETjft DVPLEX. A cross calvary fleured.
Bil. -8. Wt. 22-7.
Of this coin there are several types. For these and other Anglo-
Gallic silver and billon coins of this reign, see Lt.-Gen. Ainslie, Anglo-
French Coinage, pis. iii-iv, nos. 20-37, and pi. vii, nos. 9295, and
Poey d'Avant, Monnaies Feodales de France, vol. ii, pp. 87-103.
Henry Duke of Lancaster, d. 1361.
Henry Earl of Lancaster was the great-grandson of Henry III, and
grandfather of Henry IV; created Earl of Derby 1338, and Duke of
Lancaster 1352. For his successes in Guienne, Edward III granted
to him and his heirs in 1345 the town of Bergerac, with the privilege
of striking coins. These are in silver, the Denier, and in billon, the Gros,
Demi-Gros and Denier. They all bear the mint-name of Bergerac.
284. Gros of Bergerac. Obv. * BftD. [SIT.] Rpmet. DRI. [BSRQDI]C(I_
^* 9n : DftS : B Rfi6 1 1 9 (in two concentric circles). Cross calvary, limbs
pattes. Rev. Leopard couchant to 1., guardant; above, LftRQfilieC : DVX
in two lines ; outside, border of arches and trefoils. Bil. 1 0. Wt. 27 0.
All the coins bear the mint-name of Bergerac and the early pieces give
the title of " Comes." The types are copied from coins of Edward III.
Others are similar to the denier of Bordeaux (No. 277 note), and to
the gros and demi-gros tournois of Aquitaine (Nos. 281-2).
Edward the Black Prince. 1330-1376.
COINAGE. ANGLO-GALLIC. Gold. Noble, Guiennois, Leopard, Chaise,
Demi-Chaise, Hardi d'Or, and Royal d'Or. Silver. Gros, Demi-Gros,
Hardi d' Argent, and Denier. Billon. Double and Denier.
Edward the Black Prince was granted by his father, Edward III,
the Duchy of Aquitaine in 1362, which was erected into a principality.
His coins are all subsequent to that date. His mints are Agen,
Bordeaux, Fontenoy or Figeac, La Rochelle or La Reole, Limoges or
EDWAED THE BLACK PRINCE. 53
Lectoure, Poitiers, and Tarbes ; the initials of which places generally
occur on the coins. The gold is 23J carats fine to carat alloy, and
the silver 9 parts fine to 3 parts alloy.
285. Guiennois of Bordeaux. Obv. QD' P' 6ftS' RG((3IS RftGLIS P'in,C(PS Plate x.
RQITAftlQ. Full length figure of the Prince in armour, standing to r., GOLD.
under a Gothic canopy ; in r. hand, sword ; in 1., shield ; beneath, two leopards,
couchant. Rev. * QUA : 111 SXOetLSIS : DSO : 6(T !ft : TRA : PAX :
hO5UI ni BVS (stops, quatrefoils). Within tressure of arches, floriated cross ;
in centre, B (Bordeaux) ; lis and leopard in alternate angles. A; 1 '2. Wt. 56 '3.
The Guiennois appears to have been struck only at Bordeaux.
The types of the Black Prince's coins are copied either from those of
his father or from French contemporary money.
The noble, of which only one specimen is known, is of the same type
as the English coin of that denomination, but it has on the obv. the
legend as on the Guiennois above.
286. Leopard. Obv. ^ SD' : PmO' : SflS : RQSIS :
RQITKftlS (stops, quatrefoils). Leopard passant to 1., guardant, crowned,
within tressure of arches ; quatrefoil at each point and in each spandril.
Rev. * XPa : VinaiT :: XPC( : RS6NAT : XPC( : IMPSRST (stops,
quatrefoils). Floriated cross within ornamented quatrefoil, with small
quatrefoil in each spandril ; in centre of cross, compartment with six
roundels; in each angle, leopard passant, guardant. & 1'15. Wt. 53-6.
Like Edward Ill's type. It is uncertain at which mint this coin
was struck.
287. Chaise of Bordeaux. Obv. * 3D' - 6flS R6K3IS filKoLIQ PrtS -
fiQITRftiet . (stops, roses). The Prince in armour, robed and crowned
with roses ; seated facing on throne ; in r. hand, sceptre. Rev. %* DSVS
IVpe(X IVSTVS FORTIS 5 PfiCXianS B (Bordeaux; stops, roses).
Within ornamented quatrefoil with cinquefoil in each spandril, cross
collarino, floriated, centre voided and containing cinquefoil ; lis and leopard
in alternate angles. AI 1-05. Wt. 51-3.
Struck at Bordeaux and Tarbes. The demi-chaise is of similar type
but smaller.
288. Hardi d'Or of Limoges. Obv. * 3D' PO' SRS - R6CSIS
P IT, S flQ V I ' (stop s, rosettes) . Half-length figure of the Prince facing, robed
and wearing bonnet, within tressure of arches ; in r. hand, sword ; 1. raised.
Rev. * : ffVXILIVm mam IK DOminO L : (Limoges; single
stops, roses). Within tressure of arches, cross collarino, quernee, with
quatrefoil in centre ; lis and leopard in alternate angles. A7 1*1. Wt. 61 '8.
Struck also at Bordeaux and La Rochelle or La Reole. A variety
shows the prince wearing a wreath of roses.
289. Royal d'Or of Bordeaux. Obv. SD : PO : SflS : RQG fiftSL : PftC(PS : "A
(stops, roses). The Prince, robed, standing facing, under a Gothic portico ;
in r. hand, sword ; 1. raised ; beneath his feet, two leopards couchant, and
at each side ostrich plume ; on either side of portico, tressure of arches.
, Rev. * DHS : 7XIVTO : 5 : PTSaTO : JTIQ : 5 : IIPO : SP7WI :
QOR : JTIGWSR : B : (Bordeaux ; stops, roses). Within ornamented quatre-
foil with trefoil in each spandril, cross collarino, querne'e, centre voided
and containing cinquefoil; lis and leopard in alternate angles. AT' 1*25.
Wt. 83-0.
Struck also at La Rochelle (or La Reole), Limoges, Poitiers, and
Tarbes. This beautiful coin was only issued by Edward the Black
54 ENGLISH COINS.
1'iati- \. Prince. It does not occur before or after in the Anglo-Gallic series.
It is commonly called the pavilion or pavilion ; but the coin of that
denomination in the French series shows the king seated in a tent.
The type is taken from coins of Philip VI of France. The plumes on
the obv. were the badge of the Prince.
SILVER. 290. Gros of Agen. Obv. * GDWfiRDVS : PRI5TIO : 6RS : R6(GIS ft (Agen ;
stops, annulets). Half-length figure of the Prince to r., within tressure of
arches; in r. hand, sword ; 1. raised. Rev. 6LITC : IP, QXQQLSIS DSO :
0CT in TRA : PfiX_PRinae(PS TXQITTmifl (in two concentric circles;
stops, annulets). Long cross pattee dividing legends ; in each angle, three
pellets. JRI'1. Wt. 67-5.
The silver coins were struck at all the mints ; but the billon only
at Bordeaux, Fontenoy or Figeac, and Poitiers. The types are all
taken from Edward Ill's coins.
291. Demi-Gros of Agen. Obv. * : 3D : PO : 6H.S : RS6IS : finSLia : A
(Agen; stops, annulets). Half-length figure of the Prince as on the last.
Rev. 6Llfi : 111 Xaed-CClS DQO : Q in TRfi : Pfi_PRnC(PS fiQITfin :
(in two concentric circles ; stops, annulets). Long cross patt6e as on the
last, ji -95. Wt. 31-6.
292. Denier of Tarbes. Obv. ^ : Q.D : PO : SnS : R6(SIS : T (Tarbes; stops,
annulets). Half-length figure of the Prince, as No. 290, but no tressure of
arches. Rev. PRnQPS AQITRn (stops, annulets). Same as No. 290.
& -75. Wt. 18-4.
293. Hardi d'Argent of Poitiers. Obv. SD PO SSnT RSCI fiSlfl .
Half-length figure of the Prince, facing, beneath canopy, robed and wearing
chaplet; in r. hand, sword; 1. raised. Rev. PRnCXPS AQPITTW. Long
cross patte; leopard and lis in alternate angles, zj -8. Wt. 16-8.
The small p after 7XQ on the reverse is the initial letter of Poitiers.
BILLON. 294. Denier of Bordeaux. Obv. ^ ED 1 PRIJUO : GEniTVS (stops, annulets).
Leopard to 1., couchant, guardant; below B (Bordeaux). Rev. % PRin-
aEPS : AQITfiniE (stops, annulets). Cross pattee. Bil. '75. Wt. 12-4.
A variety of the denier has on the obverse a cross with a lis and a
leopard in the alternate angles (see No. 307). The double has a crown
above TCQITfilQ on the obverse, and a cross calvary fleury on the reverse.
These and the above give all the types of Edward the Black Prince's coins.
Richard II. 1377-1399.
COINAGE. Gold. Noble, Half-Noble, and Quarter-Noble. Silver.
Groat, Half-Groat, Penny, Halfpenny, and Farthing.
The coinage, gold and silver, of Richard II is of precisely the same
denominations, types, weights, and standard of fineness as the last issue
of Edward III ; the only difference being in the name of the monarch.
The gold coins are of the Tower mint only, but the silver were struck
at Durham, London, and York.
ANGLO-GALLIC SERIES. Gold. Hardi d'Or and Demi-Hardi d'Or.
Stiver. Double-Hardi d'Argent and Hardi d'Argent. Billon. Denier.
The only ascertained mint is that of Bordeaux, and there are no coins,
either of gold or silver, struck at Calais of the English type. The gold
is 23J carats fine to j carat alloy, and the silver 9 parts fine to 3
parts alloy, as the coinage of Edward the Black Prince.
RICHAED II.
55
295. Noble. Obv. RIC(ARD' D6U : 6RA' - RSX : AnSL' DnS' hIB' Plate x.
X AQT (stops, saltires). King standing in ship as on No. 259 ; but three COLD.
ropes from stern and one from prow; and at stern, flag. Rev. <^* lhC( :
Avreun : TRAnsisns : PQR : mecoiv : iLLORvm : IBAT (stops,
saltires). Floriated cross within tressure of arches, &c., as on No. 259 ;
but in central compartment of cross, R for RIC(ARDVS. AT 1'35.
Wt. 118-6.
Varieties of the noble as well as of the half -noble (see No. 296), are
without the flag at the stern. Others, struck from old dies of Edward
III, have the letter e( in the centre of the cross on the reverse instead
of R. The only mint-mark on all the coins, gold and silver, of this
reign is the cross pattee.
296. Half-Noble. Obv. RIC(ARD' D : 6 : R(X : 7XR6L' X F : D : hIB'
X AO (stops, saltires). Same as the Noble, but no flag at the stern of the
vessel. Rev. * DOminS : R6( : in : FVRORS : TVO : AR6VAS :
JUS (stops, saltires). Same as the Noble, u 1'05. Wt. 60-1.
297. Quarter-Noble. Obv. * RIC(ARD' D6U : 6RA : R3X : AnSL' (stops,
saltires). Royal shield within arched tressure with trefoils at angles.
Rev. * (JXALTABITVR : in : GLORIA (stops, saltires). Floriated
cross within arched tressure, lis at end of each limb and in centre ; in each
angle, lion passant, guardant. AT '8. Wt. 29-2.
This is the type of the quarter-noble of the third and fourth issues
of Edward III (see No. 262). Of each denomination of the gold coins
there are numerous varieties of readings in the legends.
298. Groat. London. Obv. ^ RIC(ARD' Dl : <3RA : RSX : ~M16L' X SILVKR.
FRANQ' (stops, saltires). Bust of king facing, crowned, within arched
tressure. Rev. * POSVI D6[Vm : ADIVTOR6(m : me(V. 01 VITAS
LOW DOM (in two concentric circles; stops, saltires). Long cross pattee
with pellets. * 1-0. Wt. GO-: 4 .
Groats and half-groats were struck in London only. The legends
on the silver coins, like those on the gold, vary.
299. Half-Groat. London. Same as the preceding ; but the legend on the obv.
reads * RICXARD' Dl : 6RA : RSX : AnSLI6(. JR '9. Wt. 35'7.
300. Penny. York. Obv. >k RICXARDVS : RSX : AnGLiet (stops, saltires).
Bust facing, crowned. Rev. CUVITAS SBORACd. Long cross pattee
with quatrefoil in centre and three pellets in each angle. 2R -1.
Wt. 16-3.
Struck also at Durham and London ; but on these there is no
quatrefoil in the centre of the cross on the reverse.
301. Halfpenny. London. Similar to the Penny ; but no quatrefoil in centre of
cross and reading on the obv. RIC(ARD' RQX l\fl<3 ; and on the
rev. aiVITAS LOnDOn. M -55. Wt. 9'6.
Halfpence and farthings are of London only. On the pence and
halfpence there are many private marks such as a lis, a saltire, a cross,
or a quatrefoil on the breast ; and additional pellets in the angles of the
cross on the reverse. These show various issues and take the place of
the changing mint-marks, which occur in later reigns.
302. Farthing. London. Same as the Halfpenny, but reading on the obv.
f RiaARD' - RQX AnSL. a* -45. Wt. 3'5.
A variety has roses instead of pellets on the reverse.
5(> ENGLISH COINS.
Plate x 303. ANGLO-GALLIC. Hardi d'Or of Bordeaux. Obv. 3* RIC(flRD' : D : SRZf :
GOLD ^ SL ' Q : FRACOQ : D : flQITffft. Within tressure of arches, each
terminating in a roundel, half-length figure of the king facing, robed and
crowned; in r. hand, sword; 1. raised. Rev, ^ ZWXILIVJTl mQVJTl
A DOftiinO B (Bordeaux; stops, roses). Within arched tressure,
each arch terminating in a roundel, a cross collarino, quern6e, with quatrefoil
in centre; lis and leopard in alternate angles. AT I'l. Wt. 57 '7.
The gold coins, of which there are only two denominations, appear to
have been struck at Bordeaux only. The types of Richard's coins are
similar to those of his father, Edward the Black Prince.
304. Demi-Hardi d'Or. Obv. RICXfiRD : RX : 7m6LI6( : FR7YC(I. Similar
to the Hardi d'Or, but bust only showing, no sword or hands. Rev.
* TWXILIVm : me(Vm : A : DOmin. Cross collarino, &c. } as on the
preceding, but no arched tressure. A; 75. Wt. 29 0.
A variety has the letter B at the end of the rev. legend, which
shows that these coins also were struck at Bordeaux.
SILVKR. 305. Double-Hardi d' Argent. Obv. RICXfiRDVS : RQX : TmSLIS. Half-length
figure of the king facing, robed and crowned, beneath canopy ; in r. hand,
sword; 1. raised. Rev. FR7\n,C(ia . DftS TXQVITfimS. Cross pattee
dividing legend, lis and leopard in alternate angles, zi '95. Wt. 30 '0.
This and the next coin are frequently called billon money ; but the
analysis shows that they are to be classed amongst the silver. No
mint-letter or name occurs on them ; but from their type they are pro-
bably of Bordeaux.
306. Hardi d' Argent. Same as the preceding, but reading on obv. RIQfiR R
fiRGLia; and on rev. FRTXaiS DflS 7XQI. JR -75. Wt. 11-7.
BILLON. 307. Denier. Obv. ^ RICXfiRD RX TXnGLIS FR7\ai6(. Cross with lis and
leopard in alternate angles. Rev. J DOJUIRVS fiOITfirUS. Crosspattee.
Bil. '7. Wt. 14-3.
A variety has a cross on the obv. and a leopard passant on the rev. ;
and the legends RICARDVS RX 7m<3L and DVX
Henry IV. 1399-1413.
COINAGE. Gold. Noble, Half-Noble, and Quarter-Noble. Silver.
Groat, Half-Groat, Penny, Halfpenny, and Farthing.
ISSUES, &c. There were two issues of gold and silver money during
this reign. They are known as the heavy and light coinages, and
each consists of all the denominations in both metals. Of the first issue
the noble weighed 120 grs., and the penny 18 grs., as in the previous
reign ; and of the second issue they weighed 108 grs. and 15 grs.
respectively. The fineness in both metals is as Edward Ill's money ;
and the mints as in the previous reign.
ANGLO-GALLIC SERIES. Gold. Hardi d'Or. Silver. Double-Hardi
d'Argent, Hardi d'Argent, and Gros Tournois. Billon. Denier. As
in the reign of Richard II, the only mint which can be identified is
Bordeaux, and there are still no coins which can be classed to
Calais. The gold is of the same standard of fineness as in the last
reign, but the silver is 7 parts fine to 5 parts alloy.
HENEY IV. 57
308. Noble. Heavy coinage. Obv. hQnRICC Dl' - 6R7V RSX : fiNGU - Plate x.
X FRfinCC DftS' , hIB S 7\Q (stops, saltires). King standing in GoLD-
ship as on No. 259 ; but the French arms on the shield are represented by
three lis only ; four ropes from, stern of vessel and one from prow. Rev.
k ma 1 . Twreun : TRTxnsisns : PSR : msoiv : ILLORVJU : IBTXT
(stops, saltires). Floriated cross within tressure of arches, &c., as on
No. 259; but in central compartment of cross h for h(HRIC(VS. A7 1'35.
Wt. 118-8grs.
On other nobles of the heavy coinage there are three ropes and a flag
at the stern of the vessel. The only half-noble of this issue known has
a crown, for mint-mark. This sign also occurs on a noble of the same
period, but not as a mint-mark. Nobles, half -nobles, and quarter-nobles
of the light coinage, besides being distinguishable by their weight, have
generally a trefoil slipped, or an annulet in the field on the obv. or rev.,
i.e., on the ship, or in one angle of the cross. In both series the number
of lis in the French arms varies ; being either three, or more than three,
i.e. seme de lis. On nobles and half-nobles of the light money,
however, only three lis are found.
309. Quarter-Noble. Light coinage. Obv. * hHRiaVS : D : 6RA : R6(X :
7\n,(3L (stops, saltires). Royal shield within arched tressure as on
No. 297; but arms of France sewd de lis. Eev. >%* QXfiLTfiBITVR :
in : GLORIA : (stops, saltires). Floriated cross, &c., as on No. 297.
AI '75. Wt. 18-8.
The quarter-noble of the first issue is of the usual type, but it
has a crescent above the shield which is seme de lis and a pellet
in the centre of the reverse. A variety without crescent and with
three lis has a crown for mint-mark (see the preceding and No. 340,
note). Only a few specimens are known. Others of the light coinage
have three lis in the arms and vary in the legends.
310. Groat. London. Light coinage. Obv. >fr hetRRICC D9I : GR7V - *ILVER.
R6(X : 7Xn,SLie( (stops, saltires). Bust facing, crowned, within arched
tressure ; pellet to 1., and annulet to r. of head. Rev. * POSVI DSVni :
ADIVTORetm : me(V __ ai VITAS LOU DOM (in two circles; stops,
saltires). Long cross pattee with pellets. M 1-05. Wt. 59 -0.
Groats and half-groats of both coinages are of London only. On
those of the second the old English n is sometimes found in the
mint-name. They are also to be distinguished from the earlier pieces
by pellets, annulets, trefoils, *fec., in the field on the obverse. The bust
on the early coinage bears a very strong resemblance to that of
Richard II. Only one specimen of the groat, and two of the half-groat
of the first issue are known.
311. Penny. Durham. Light coinage. Obv. * hSflRiaVS : RSX
(stops, saltires). Bust facing, crowned ; on breast, cross. Rev. QIVITfiS
DVnVia. Cross pattee with pellets in angles. JR -7. Wt. 10'3.
The usual reading of this mint is " Dunolm." The mints of the
smaller coins are : pennies, heavy coinage, London and York ; light
coinage, Durham, London, and York; halfpence and farthings of
both issues, London only. Like the groats, the smaller pieces of the
second issue can be distinguished by the presence of pellets, annulets
or mullets in the obv. field, as well as by their weight. On the
farthings of both issues the king's head only is shown, without
58 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate x. shoulders. One specimen only of each is known. The only mint-
SILVKI: marks during this reign are the cross pattoe and the crown for gold, and
the cross pattee for sih r er.
312. ANGLO-GALLIC. Double-Hardi d'Argent. Obv. QRRIQVS RQX
7\n,SLI6( (stops, roses). Half-length figure facing, crowned, under canopy;
sword in r. hand; 1. raised. Bev. FRTXOdQ DRS fiQITfiRIQ. Long
cross pattee ; leopard and lis in alternate angles. M '95. Wt. 26*5.
The hardi d'or, of which there is no specimen in the National
Collection, is of two types or varieties of types : (1) crowned half-length
figure of king facing, holding sword, between a leopard and a lis ; rev.
floriated cross with lis and leopard in alternate angles, XPC( VI ROUT, &c. ;
(2) similar, but leopard and wild boar on shoulders of figure ; and on the
reverse the legend reads TWXILIVJTl m9Vm A DOttllRO, B (Bordeaux).
The types of the silver coins are similar to those of the preceding
reign.
Plate xi 313. Hardi d'Argent. Same as the preceding, but reading on obv. QRRICX R
7\6LIS; and on ret'. FRfiCUQ DRS 7\QI. JR -75. Chipped.
The gros tournois is of three types or varieties : (1) bust facing
crowned ; rev. castle, within tressure, name and titles of king on both
sides ; (2) cross and legend in two circles, aiT ROmQR, &c., and
SRI R6(X fiR6Lie( ; rev. crowned leopard, DVX AQVITfiRIS; (3) same,
but with rev. leopard on castle. They are generally called " gros
Bordelais."
r.ii.i.i.v 314. Denier. Obv. >%* hQRRIQ RQX AR6LIQ (stops, roses). Cross with
leopard and lis in alternate angles. Bev. ^ FR7\RC(ie( D TXQITfiRIQ
(stops, roses). Cross pattee. Bil. -7. Wt. 18-8.
Varieties have leopard and cross, or cross and leopard, or branch
and cross with leopard and lis in alternate angles, for obv. and rev.
types.
Henry V. 1413-1422.
COINAGE. Gold. Noble, Half-Noble, and Quarter-Noble. Silver.
Groat, Half-Groat, Penny, Halfpenny, and Farthing.
ISSUES, &c. No change took place either in the denominations,
types, weights or fineness of the coins of this reign as compared
with those of the second issue of the previous one. The gold pieces
may however be distinguished by the occurrence of certain marks
or signs, which are generally found in the field of the coin either
on the obverse or reverse, or on both sides. Thus on the noble there
is a mullet, an annulet, or a lis, above or below the sword-arm of
the king, and a quatrefoil in one angle of the cross on the reverse.
The mullet and lis occur above the shield on the half-noble, and
at the side or above the shield on the quarter-noble. Other marks
are the annulet or broken annulet, which is placed on the ship on the
nobles and half-nobles, and at the sides of the shield on the quarter-
nobles. The mint-mark is a plain or pierced cross, and the French
arms are represented by three lis only, never seme de lis. The silver
HENRY V. 59
coins are of three classes, distinguished as follows : (1) those with egg- Plate xi.
shaped swelling on neck ; (2) those with egg-shaped swelling on neck
and mullet on breast or shoulder ; and (3) those without the mullet on
breast, and with annulets between the pellets on the reverse,
and in the legends. Other marks are the broken annulet, cross,
mullet, star, or pellet. These occur on the half-groats and smaller
coins and are placed at the sides of the crown. On the earlier pieces
the mint-mark is a cross pattee, but on the later ones a plain or
pierced cross.
Gold coins still continued to be struck at the Tower mint only ; and
those of silver are of Durham, London and York.
ANGLO-GALLIC SERIES. Gold. Mouton d'Or or Aignel, and Salute.
Silver. Gros, Demi-Gros, Denier, Demi-Denier, and Quart d'Argent.
Billon. Double Tournois and Denier Tournois. The Aquitaine coinage
appears to have ceased with the last reign. The attributed mints of
Henry "V, with their marks, are Rouen (leopard), and St. L6 (lis).
The Calais coins are, as before, after the English pattern. The line-
ness of the gold appears to have been 22 parts fine and 2 parts alloy,
and that of the silver, exclusive of the Calais coins, 7 parts fine and
5 parts alloy.
315. Noble. Obv. haftRICC Dl' 6R7V RSX fiRSL' 5 FRfiRCC GOLD.
DnS : hYB (stops, saltires). King standing in ship as on No. 308; but
the ship has one rope from prow and two from stern, and in front a
broken annulet; mullet near king's sword-band. Eev. # lhC( 7XVT6WTI :
TRfiRSIQllS : P3R : mQDIV ILLORV IB7TT (stops, saltires).
Floriated cross witbin tressure of arcbes as on No. 308, with hi in centre of
cross, and pellet behind lion in first quarter and quatrefoil before lion in
the second one. AT 1-25. Wt. 107-2.
The nobles only vary in the position and nature of the marks
in the field, in the mint-mark, and in the number of ropes at the
stern and prow of the vessel. None are known with the flag at the
stern.
31G. Half-Noble. Obv. hSftRiq' Dl GRfi - R6(X fiftGL' 5 FR' D'
hYB (stops, saltires). King standing in sbip as on the preceding, but
two ropes from prow and tbree from stern ; mullet over sbield. Rev.
^ poming na in, FVRORS TVO ARCV^S ma (stops,
saltires). Floriated cross as on the preceding ; but broken annulet above
lion in second quarter; no other marks. A7 1*0. Wt. 51'0.
The marks are varied as on the nobles : also the number of ropes at
the stern and prow of the vessel.
317. Quarter-Noble. Obv. fc hSriRia' RQX - AH6L' 5 FR7WCX (stops,
saltires). Eoyal shield within arched tressure similar to No. 309, but
annulets at angles, three lis in French arms ; above, lis ; on r., mullet ; on
1., trefoil. Eev. fc QXC(VLTABITVR : IP, : GLORIA (stops, saltires).
Floriated cross with lis in centre, &c., similar to No. 309. Af '75.
Wt. 27-0.
" Excultabitur " is a blunder for " exaltabitur." The marks vary
as on the nobles, but they occur on the obverse only. All the quarter-
nobles of Henry IV-VI have a lis in the centre of the cross on the
reverse.
60 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xi. 318. Groat. London. Early issue. Obv. * hgnRIGC DP <3RA' - RSX :
.SILVEB AflCLIGC 5 : FRAflC( (stops, saltires). Bust facing, crowned, within
arched tressure ; egg-shaped swelling on neck. Ecv. *i* POSVI D6CVITI :
ADIVTOR6C - me(Vm __ a I VITAS LOnDOn : (in two circles; stops,
saltires). Long cross pattee with pellets in angles, si I' 05. Wt. 59*4.
Struck only in London. Pieces of the second issue, as stated above,
have a mullet on the shoulder. Those without a mullet, but with
annulets between the pellets on the reverse, are often classed to
Henry VI, but their issue was begun by Henry V. The York groats,
half-groats, &c., of this class are usually assigned to Henry VI.
319. Half-Groat. London. Second issue. Obv. hQftRia' Dl' 6R7V
RQX AftGLIQ 5 FR (stops, saltires). Bust of king, similar to the last,
but mullet on breast and broken annulet to 1. of crown. Eev. POSVI
DQVm ADIVTORa' CTieC __ C(l VITAS - LOnDOn (in two circles;
stops, saltires). Long cross patt6e as on the last. 2& -85. Wt. 28*0.
Struck only in London. The earlier pieces are like the groats with
the egg-shaped swelling on the neck ; the latest are of the annulet series.
320. Penny. London. Annulet issue. Obv. hQftRIC(VS ": RSX : AR6LIS
(stops, saltires). Bust facing, crowned ; mullet to 1. of crown. Eev. Q I VITAS
LOriDOn. Long cross pattee with pellets in angles ; in two of which they
are joined by an annulet. JR '1. Wt. 14 '8.
Struck also at Durham and York. On the earlier pennies and
halfpence the egg-shaped swelling on the neck is scarcely perceptible ;
but they can easily be distinguished by the broken annulet, mullet or
pellet at the sides of the crown.
321. Halfpenny. London. Annulet issue. Similar to the Penny, but reading on
obv. <& hEnRIGC : RQX : AF16L ; annulet on each side of crown;
and none in pellets on the reverse. & '55. Wt. 7 '6.
Varieties of this issue have the annulets on the reverse or a trefoil
and an annulet at the sides of the crown. The early pieces have
broken annulets at the sides of the crown or head. Halfpence and
farthings are of London only.
322. Farthing. London. Obv. * hSriRICC : RSX - Afl6L (stops, saltires).
Bust facing, crowned. Ecv. (XI VITAS LOnDOFl. Long cross pattee with
pellets. & -35. Wt. 3-3.
The absence of any special marks and their rarity render it
impossible to separate the issues of the farthings.
GOLD. 323. ANGLO-GALLIC. Mouton d'Or. Obv. ^ ASft : DSI : OVI TOLL : PQGA :
mVDI MISS noeiS (stops, annulets). Within tressure of arches,
the Agnus Dei to 1. ; below, h F RX. Rev. ^ XPCX VINCUT XPO -
RS6NAT XPCX IMPSRAT (stops, cinquefoils). Within ornamented
quatrefoil with lis in each spandril, floriated cross with lis and leopard in
alternate angles; in centre, cinquefoil. A; -95. Wt. 39-2.
Only three specimens of this coin are known. There is a variety
which has the staff of the banner ending in a lozenge and three Q's,
and on the reverse a lis in each angle of the cross. The legends are
the same. The salute of Henry V is similar to No. 343, but varies
in having on the obverse one shield instead of two before the Virgin and
61
the Angel. Only three specimens are known, one of which has lately Plate XL
been acquired for the National Collection. On account of the absence
of mint-marks on most of the coins their locality of issue cannot be
identified.
324. Gros of Calais. Obv. $ hQflRia' - Dl' GR7V . R6(X - 7WGLie( . 5 SILVER.
FRAflCC (stops, saltires). Bust of king, facing, crowned, within arched
tressure ; annulet at each side of neck. Rev. & POSVI D6(VJTi :
ADIVTOR6C . mSVm __ VILLA : cmiJSia : (in two circles; stops,
annulet and saltires) . Long cross pattee with pellets ; annulet between
pellets in two quarters. jRl-I. Wt. 59 '6.
As in the reign of Edward III the Calais silver coins are of the same
types, denominations, &c., as the English money. This series corre-
sponds in date to the annulet coinage of the English money. It was
therefore issued somewhat late in the reign. The pieces of the various
denominations only vary in the legends and stops. No gold was struck
at Calais in this reign.
325. Demi-Gros of Calais. Similar to the Gros ; but the legends read, obv.
* hQftRICT Dl' 6R7V RQX firiSLieC 5 F (stops, saltires);
and rev. POSVI DSVIU : ADIVTORS' m -_VILLfi : CXfiLIS' :
(stops, annulet and saltires). M -9. Wt. 25 '5.
326. Denier of Calais. Obv. fc hSflRiaVS : R6(X : 7m6LI6( (stops, saltires).
Bust facing, crowned, annulet at each side of neck. Rev. VILLA :
C(ALIS : (stops, saltires). Long cross pattee with pellets and annulets,
as on No. 324. M "1. Wt. 15-0.
327. Demi-Denier of Calais. Same as the Denier, but the obv. legend reads
hSiiRicr . Recx : TSHSL' M -6. wt. 7-1.
328. Quart d' Argent of Calais. Same as the Demi-Denier; but no annulets
between the pellets on the reverse. 2R "45. Wt. 3'8.
329. Gros d'Argent. Obv. * h j RSX : Kl/IGLIS : 5 j hSRlECS : FRKH-
GI(J. Leopard passant to 1., guardant, crowned ; above, two lis surmounted
by crown; below, lis. Rev. * SIT : n,OSTie(n : DOMim : BQU9-
DiaTVm. Cross fleury ; h in centre. M 1-05. Wt. 42-2.
By an ordinance dated at Gisors 25 Sept. 1419, Henry directed that
all his coins should be distinguished by the letter h in the centre of
the cross on the reverse : and the title of Heres was inserted in con-
formity of the treaty of Troyes in 1420. A variety has on the obv.
three lis surmounted by a crown and with supporters, two leopards r
and on the rev. a cross fleury with crown and leopard in two angles :
legends same. Another variety of the gros with this reverse has for the
obv. three lis surmounted by a crown. These last having no letter
on the cross were struck before 1419.
330. Double Tournois. Obv. * h j R6(X | KI/I6L : hQRQS | FRSHCX. BILLON.
Leopard passant to 1., guardant, and crowned; above, lis. Rev. *fr SIT
flOJTlQ Dni j B9l/I6(DICn~V. Cross pattee; in centre, quatrefoil with
open trefoil at each angle and enclosing h. Bil. '9. Wt. 33'0.
The denier tournois has a leopard passant on obv. and a cross
pattee with TVROFIVS CXI VIS on rev.
62 ENGLISH COINS.
Henry VI. 1422-1461 ; restored 1470-1471.
pi.-it i- xi. COINAGE. Gold. Noble, Half-Noble, Quarter-Noble, Angel, and Half-
Angel. Silver. Groat, Half-Groat, Penny, Halfpenny, and Farthing.
ISSUES, &c. The coinage of Henry VI is of two periods, namely,
that struck before his deposition in 1461, and that during his short
restoration in 1470-71. The former is known as the " heavy money " :
the latter as the " light money."
Period I. (1422-1461). The gold coins are of four series or issues,
distinguished by certain marks or series of marks which are usually
found between the words of the legends. Their order is : annulet (noble,
half, and quarter-noble) ; rosette or rosette and mascle (noble, half, and
quarter-noble) ; pine-cone or pine-cone and mascle (noble) ; and trefoil
(noble, half, and quarter-noble). The silver coins may be similarly
arranged into six series, alike distinguished by similar marks in the
legends, &c. Their order is : annulet, rosette and mascle, pine-cone and
mascle, pine-cone and trefoil, pine-cone and pellet, and cross and
pellet. These marks appear on all the denominations except the
farthing. The weight, fineness, and mints of both gold and silver are
as during the last reign.
Period II. (1470-1471). The denominations of this period are in
Gold, the angel and half-angel; and in Silver, the groat, half-groat,
penny, and halfpenny. The weight of the angel was 80 grs., and
that of the penny 12 grs. as Edward IV's money (see descriptions).
ANGLO-GALLIC SERIES. Gold. Noble, Half-Noble, Salute, Angelot,
and Franc a Cheval. Silver. Gros, Demi-Gros, Denier, Demi-Denier,
and Quart d'Argent (Calais) ; Grand-Blanc, and Petit or Demi-Blanc.
Billon. Denier Parisis, Denier Tournois, Obole, Double, and Triple. The
attributed mints of Henry VI, with their marks are : Amiens (Agnus
Dei), Auxerre (mill-rind or/er demoulin), Chalons-sur-Marne (crescent),
Dijon (St. Veronica), Le Mans (root), Nevers (star), Paris (crown),
Rouen (leopard), St. Lo (lis), St. Quentin (mullet), and Troyes (rose).
The Calais coins in gold and silver remained of the same type,
weight, &c., as the English money. The fineness of the gold was 23J
pure to ^ alloy, and that of the silver 7 parts pure to 5 parts alloy.
The Anglo-Gallic series belongs to the first period.
Heavy Money (1422-1461).
GOLD. 331. Noble. Trefoil coinage. Obv. heCRRICT Dl' <3RA' R8X - 7m6L'
5 FRARCC DftS' hYB' (stops, lis and trefoils). King standing in
ship as on No. 308 ; but the ship has one rope from prow and two from
stern ; annulet at king's wrist ; lis above stern of vessel. Rev. I hCX
TWT TRTmsians PGR metpivm ILLORV IBKT (stops,
mullet and annulets) ; m. m. lis. Floriated cross within tressure of arches,
as on No. 308 ; but in spandril of one arch, annulet. A7 1*35. Wt. 107 -4.
The nobles and the half and quarter-nobles of the various series or
issues only differ in the marks as given above, annulets, rosettes, &c.
Varieties of the noble have a flag at the stern of the vessel. The gold
coins correspond to the first four series of the silver coins. The mint-
marks are on the 1st issue a pierced cross, on the 2nd a plain cross or
lis, and on the 3rd and 4th, a lis only.
HENRY VI. 63
332. Half-Noble. Trefoil coinage. Same as the Noble but the legend on the obv. pj a te xi.
ends at FRAHCf; and that on the rev, reads DOflllftet net Ift -
FVROR6C - TVO - AR6VAS MS (stops, mullet and annulets) ; w.m.lis.
Afl-05. Wt. 53-3.
The flag also occurs on the half -nobles.
333. Quarter-Noble. Trefoil coinage. Obv. hSnRICC Dl' 6RA' R9X -
AftGL' (stops, lis and trefoils); m. m. lis. Royal shield within arched
tressure similar to No. 317, but trefoils at angles, lis above shield, and no
marks at sides. Rev. 8XALTABITVR in 6 LOR I A (stops, mullet and
annulet) ; w. m. lis. Floriated cross with lis in centre, &c., similar to
No. 317. AT -75. Wt. 26-7.
334. Groat. London. Bosette-mascle coinage. Obv. $ h6(HRIC( Dl 6RA R6(X SILVER.
AlKoU 5 FRAftd (stops, mascle and rosettes). Bust of king facing,
crowned, within arched tressure. Rev. + POSVI DSViTl : ADIVTOR6C
JneCVJTC QIVITAS LORDOn (in two circles; stops, rosettes, mascles
and saltires). Long cross pattee with pellets. JR 1'05. Wt. 57-0.
Groats and half-groats were struck at London and York only ; those
of the latter place are of the annulet or first issue only and have a
lis on each side of the king's neck on the obverse. For the succession
of the marks on the silver coins, see above. The mint-marks are on the
earlier issues the cross pierced or plain cross, and on the later ones the
cross patonce.
335. Half-Groat. London. Pine-cone and mascle coinage. Obv.
Dl - (3RA R9X Aft6L 5 F (stops, pine-cones, mascles and
saltires) ; m. m. cross patonce. Bust facing as on the Groat. Rev.
+ POSVI Dsvm : ADiVTORet : mecvm_c(i VITAS . Lonoori
(in two circles ; stops, mascle and pine-cones). Long cross pattee as on the
Groat. JR -85. Wt. 27 -5.
336. Penny. London. Cross and pellet coinage. Obv. hSnxRICC R9X
A US LI (stops, trefoil and mascles); m. m. cross patonce. Bust of king
facing, crowned ; cross on breast and pellet at each side of crown. Rev.
C(l VITAS LOftDOn, : (stops, saltires). Long cross pattee with [pellets ;
a fourth pellet occurs in two angles. M '15. Wt. 13 -5.
Struck also at Durham and York. Pennies exist of all the issues
at each mint. The Durham coins bear the special marks of the
bishops : thus, mullet for Langley, interlaced rings for Neville, and B
for Booth. Those of York with a quatrefoil in the centre of the cross
the reverse probably belong to the mint of the archbishops.
. Halfpenny. London. Rosette-mascle coinage. Similar to the Penny, but
reading AftSL, and stops between legends on both sides, rosettes and
mascles; no extra pellets on reverse. M '55. Wt. 8'0.
Halfpence and farthings are of London and York only. Half-
pence of York are only known of the annulet and the pine-cone and
pellet coinages. Those of London are of all six series.
338. Farthing. London. Obv. + hQRRId RQX AftSL. Bust of king, facing,
crowned. Rev. Q I VITAS LO ft DO ft. Long cross pattee with pellets.
m -45. Wt. 6-4.
As this coin has no peculiar marks it belongs to one of the earlier
issues. Others of London are of the pine-cone mascle, pine-cone pellet,
and cross and pellet coinages.
64 ENGLISH COINS.
Light Money (1470-1471).
Plate xi. 339. Angel. Obv. hQHRiaVS Dl GRfi . RQX 7W6L X
(stops, trefoils). The Archangel, St. Michael, standing, facing, on the dragon,
which he pierces with his spear. Rev. * P6(R . aRVS6( TVfi SfiLVfi
flOS XPCX RQDQT (stops, trefoils). Ship to r., with mast in form
of cross surmounted by top-castle ; in front of mast, shield with arms ; at
sides of mast, h and lis. A? 1-15. Wt. 79*3.
During his short restoration, 1470-1471, Henry struck gold and
silver coins of the same denominations and standard, as were then
current. The angel, which appears to have been first issued by
Edward IV about 1470 (see No. 357) was current for 6s. and Sd. and
weighed 80 grs. Those of Henry VI were struck at London and
Bristol, the latter being distinguished by having the letter B on the ship.
340. Half-Angel. Obv. h^RICC DQI GRfi RSX AnSL X FR
(stops, trefoils). The Archangel, St. Michael, &c., as on the Angel. Rev.
O CRVX 7WQ SP6(S V .-. RlCm : (stops, trefoils); m. m. lis. Ship
to r., similar to the Angel. tJ '85. Wt. 36-1.
Struck at London only. The only gold coins of this period are the
angel and half-angel.
The quarter-noble with the mint-mark, a crown, which is given to
this period of Henry's reign, is a very doubtful attribution (see Kenyon,
Gold Coins of England, p. 54). If Henry had struck any other gold coins
than the angel and half-angel, he would have adopted the types and
standard then in use. It probably belongs to the first issue of Henry IV.
SILVKK. 341. Groat. London. Obv. $ hSnBiqV Dl GBfi BQX TyftGL' . X
FBTXftG (stops, saltires). Bust of king, facing, crowned, within arched
tressure. Rev. * POSVI DSVfll 7\DIVTOBe(' JTie(Vm_aiVIT7XS
LOnDOn (in two circles ; lis after DSVJTl). Long cross pattee with pellets.
jKl-0. Wt. 42-5.
A peculiarity very marked of the silver coins of the restoration is
that the letter R is often written as B. This is found occasionally on
the gold pieces. Groats were struck at London, Bristol, and York ;
half-groats and pennies at London and York ; and halfpence at London
only. The groats of Bristol and York have a B or an Q on the king's
breast.
342. Half-Groat. London. Same as the Groat, hut reading FR for FBAHC( : the
letter R is correctly written throughout. , j* -75. Wt. 23 -7.
The York half-groat has a lis for mint-mark and the letter Q on the
king's breast. The York penny has the letter 6 (for Abp. George
Neville) and a key at the sides of the neck. Both the penny
and halfpenny have generally B's for R's in the legends.
Plate xii. 343. ANGLO-GALLIC. Salute of St. L6. Obv. h6(l/1RIC(VS : DQI : 6RE :
<;UM.. FRSaORV : 5 : K6LIS : RQX ; m. m. lis. An angel saluting the
Virgin, type of the Annunciation ; between them on scroll KVQ ; in front,
two shields, one with arms of France, the other with those of England Rev
xpcr-vinaiT xpa RQSMST XPCC . impaRKT (stops, muiiets) ;
m. m. lis. Cross calvary within arched tressure ; at sides, leopard and lis ;
below, h. vl-l. Wt. 53-0.
The names of the salute and angelot are derived from their types.
It is said that Henry V adopted this type so that his coinage should
HENRY VI. G5
have a distinct difference from that of the French monarch. The
mint-marks as given above are all found on the salute, except those of GOLD -
Chalons, Nevers, and St. Quentin. These however occur on silver coins.
314. Angelot of Paris. Obv. hQNRiaVS : FRKNCCORy : 6(T : KNSLIQ :
RQX ; m. m. crown. Angel facing, holding shields of France and
England. Rev. XPC( : VINaiT : XPC( : RQ6NST : XPC( : IHlPe(RKT ;
m. m. crown. Cross calvary between lis and leopard. *J '9. Wt. 35 '8.
The aiigelot appears to have been first struck in 1427. The mint-
marks are varied as 011 the salute, but the series is not so complete.
The " Franc a cheval " has on the obv. the king on horseback holding
sword ; around, his name ; and on the rev. a floriated cross within a
ijuatrefoil ; around, XPCX : VlftCUT, &c. This coin is only known from
illustrations ; no specimen having been met with in recent years. It is
aid to have been issued in 1423.
345. Gros of Calais. Rosette-mascle coinage. Obv. hGCRRICC Dl' (3RA SILVER.
R6(X AH6L' X FR7\riC( (stops, mascle and rosettes); m. m. cross
patonce. Bust of king facing, crowned, within arched tressure. Rev.
+ POSVI - Dewn : ADIVTORGC . mavm VIL-LA : a^Lisis
(in two circles; stops, mascles, rosettes and saltires). Long cross patt6e
with pellets, zil'05. Wt. 58-5.
The Calais money in gold and silver is, as before, of the same types,
denominations and standard as the English money. The nobles and
half-nobles are distinguished by having the letter (X instead of h in
the centre of the cross on the reverse. They are with and without the
flag at the stern of the ship. There are no quarter-nobles. The silver
coins bear the same distinguishing marks as the English ones; but
they belong only to the annulet (or annulet-trefoil and annulet-
rosette), rosette-mascle, and pine-cone-mascle series. The marks of the
Later issues do not occur, so that the Calais silver coinage must have
)me to an end about the middle of Henry's reign. The nobles and
lalf-nobles are of the trefoil coinage only. Their issue therefore did
lot commence till after that of the silver had ceased.
16. Demi-Gros of Calais. Rosette-mascle coinage. Same as the Gros, but
reading F for FRAftC(; stops, same. M '85. Wt. 27-6.
17. Denier of Calais. Rosette-mascle coinage. Obv. h9n,RIC(VS RQX
AflSLIfl (stops, rosette and mascle); m. m. cross patonce. Bust of king
facing, crowned. Rev. VILLA : QALIS' (stops, saltires and rosette). Long
cross pattee with pellets. JR -7. Wt. 14-4.
M8. Demi-Denier of Calais. Rosette-mascle coinage. Similar to the Penny ; but
the obv. legend reads + h6(n,RIC(' R9X AftGL (stops, rosette and
mascle). 2R -55. Wt. 8-0.
319. Quart d' Argent of Calais. Rosette-mascle coinage. Same type and legends as
the Demi-Denier, .at -4. Wt. 3-6.
The quart d'argent appears to be only known of this issue.
350. Grand Blanc of Bouen. Obv. FREMCXORVm : GO" j l/IGLie( : RQX ;
m. m. leopard. Above shields of France and England, h&RIQVS. Rev.
SIT ; HOme(H ; Dill : Bed/lSDiarV; m. m. leopard. Cross calvary
between lis and leopard, and above h6(RIC(VS. JR !!. Wt. 48-3.
The grand blanc and petit blanc were current for ten and five
deniers respectively. The grand blanc was first ordered to be struck
F
66 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xii. at Paris in 1422, and they are sometimes of such base metal that they
SILVER, are classed with the billon series.
351. Petit Blanc of Paris. Obv. hQNRICCVS RSX ; m. m. crown. Shields of
France and England, side by side. Rev. SIT : FlOCTiet : DHI :
BQNQDIQTV; m. m. crown. Cross calvary between h R. M '9.
Wt. 23-1.
The petit blanc was not issued till 1423. These and the gros blanc.s
appear to have been struck at all the mints.
BILLON. 352. Denier Parisis. Obv. FRECXORV -Z K6L' RQX. Crown above
hfiRI. Rev. PKRISIVS CdVIS (stop, rosette); m. m. crown. Cross
pattee, ends fleured. Bil. -85. Wt. 14-0.
A variety has a lis and a lion under the king's name.
353. Denier Tournois of Auxerre. Obv. hQNRICXVS o RQX ; m. m. millrind.
Fleur de lis before leopard passant. Rev. TVRONVS o FRKNGIg; m. in.
millrind. Cross pattee. Bil. -75. Wt. 14-7.
The mint-mark shows that this piece was struck at Auxerre.
The obole or denier has on the obv. a cross pattee above a leopard,
and on the rev. a cross pattee above a lis, and the legend OBOLVS CUVIS-
The triple has for type two shields surmounted by a crown and on
the rev. a cross between a lis and a leopard, TVRONVS TRIPLEX FRKNQ :
and the double, a lis, and on the rev. a cross fleury, TVRONVS DVPLQX.
With the exception of a few groats struck by Henry VIII (see
Nos. 439-440), the Anglo-Gallic series virtually came to an end during
this reign.
Edward IV. 1461-1483.
COINAGE. Gold. Noble, Hose Noble or Ryal, Half-Rose Noble,
Quarter-Rose Noble, Angel, and Half-Angel. Silver. Groat, Half-
Groat, Penny, Halfpenny, and Farthing.
ISSUES, &c. Gold. Three: 1st issue (1464?), Noble. 2nd issue
(1465-1470), Rose Noble or Ryal, Half-Rose Noble, Quarter-Rose
Noble, and Angel. 3rd issue (1471-1483), Angel and Half-Angel.
Silver. Two: 1st issue (1461-1464), Groat, Half -Groat, Penny, Half-
penny, and Farthing; heavy coinage. 2nd issue (1464-1483), same
denominations ; light coinage.
The weight of the noble was 108 grs. as during the previous
reign ; that of the rose noble 120 grs. ; and that of the angel
80 grs. In the silver coinage the penny of the first issue was 15 grs.
and that of the second issue 12 grs. The other denominations in gold
and silver were in proportion. No change took place in the fineness of
the metals ; the gold being at 23 carats 3^ grs. fine to \ gr. alloy, and
the silver 11 oz. 2 dwts. fine to 18 dwts. alloy. For the mints see the
descriptions.
'I'-i-i-. 354. Rose Noble. Obv. EDWARD' Dl . (3R7V RQX 7\n6L' X
FRfirta' DRS' -IB' - (stops, lis and trefoils); m. m. lis. King standing,
facing in ship, holding sword and shield, as on the Noble ; one rope from prow
and three from stern ; full-blown rose on side of ship, and at stern flag with
letter Q. licv. IhCT - 7WT - TRTWSISnS : P6(R mSDIVm :
ILLORVHl . I BAT (stops, trefoils) ; m. m. sun. Within arched tressure
EDWABD IV. 67
with trefoil in each spandril, floriated cross with rose on sun in centre and Plate xii.
lion surmounted by crown in each angle. A7 1'4. Wt. 119-4. GOLD.
The -rose noble, first struck in 1465, is so-called on account of the
rose, which is stamped on both sides. There is a considerable variation
in the mint-marks, which show the different issues (see note, No. 359
and Appendix A), and from which it would appear that no rose nobles,
half-rose nobles, or quarter-rose nobles were struck after 1470. The
rose and sun were the badges of Edward IV.
Hitherto gold coins had been struck at the Tower only. Edward
extended their issue to several of the local mints. These coins are
distinguished by the initial letters of the towns which are placed
under the ship; thus, B (Bristol), (X (Coventry), Q (York = Eboracum),
and n. (Norwich). These letters are found on rose nobles and half -rose
nobles, but not on quarter-rose nobles. The weight of the rose noble
being 120 grs., its current value, in accordance with the reduced standard
of the silver money of 1 464, was 1 Os. This coin was much imitated in the
Low Countries. These copies can be easily distinguished by their coarse
style of work.
The noble of the first issue was of precisely the same type as that
previously struck ; but as its current value was fixed at 8s. 4d., instead
of 6s. $d. as formerly, it was probably not issued before 1464, when the
change occurred in the weight of the silver money. No half-nobles or
quarter-nobles of this issue are known, and of the nobles only two
specimens have been identified. These have a lis mint-mark and on the
reverse the letter 9 in the centre of the cross is struck over h showing
that an old die of Henry VI had been used.
355. Half -Rose Noble* Obv. eCDWARD' . Dl 6RK RQX . 7\n,SL' X
FRfiftQ (stops, trefoils). King in ship, &c., as on the Rose Noble. Rev.
oomiria : us in. FVRORQ TVO : KRGVAS met (stops, trefoils);
m. m. crown. Floriated cross within arched tressure, &c., as on the Rose
Noble. A? 1-1. Wt. 59-0.
356. Quarter-Rose Noble. Obv. QDWfiRD . Dl SRft : R6(X 7WGLOR -
(stops, lis and trefoils) ; m. m. rose. Within quatrefoil shield between
sun and rose ; above, Q ; below, lis ; trefoil in each spandril. Rev.
aXTXLTTXBITVR : Ift : 6LORIA 0(11 (stops, trefoils) ; m. m. sun. Within
arched tressure floriated cross with rose on sun in centre ; lion in each
angle. AT -85. Wt. 29 -3.
The earliest issue of this coin varies slightly in having on the obverse
a tressure of eight arches instead of a quatrefoil. The meaning of the
letters an, in the reverse legend of the above piece is uncertain.
They can scarcely refer to Coventry. Similar pieces with the lis
mint-mark on both sides are supposed to have been struck at York,
of which mint this is a common mark. As the gold coinage was a very
large one, there are numerous small varieties of each denomination.
357. Angel. Obv. 6(DW7\RD' . D6(l : 6R7V : RQX ARSL X FRTmCX (stops,
saltires) ; m. m. cinquefoil pierced. The Archangel, St. Michael, piercing the
dragon as on No. 339. Rev. PSR (XRVCXemi TV A' -SfiLVfi ftOS -
XPOC ReCDQmPT (stops, saltires); m. m. cinquefoil pierced. Ship to
r. as on No. 339 ; but 6( and rose at sides of mast. A/ I'l. Wt. 79 '7.
The angel, though ordered to be struck in 1465, when the change
took place in the other gold coins, was probably, from its mint-marks,
F 2
68 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xii. not actually issued much before 1470. It weighed 80 grs. and was
GOLD. current for 6s. 8d., the original value of the noble. The above type is
that used from 1471. Those issued before that date vary in having
sun-rays above the mast, which has no top-castle, and at the sides sun
and rose, or rose and sun. On the earlier angels of 1471 a sun instead
of a rose is found at the side of the mast. It is an intermediate type.
The only provincial mint which struck angels was Bristol. Those have
a B under the ship, and are subsequent to 1471.
358. Half-Angel. Obv. O CCRVX . AV3 SPSS Vn.lC(A (stops, trefoils).
The Archangel, St. Michael, &c., as on the preceding. Rev. QDWARD'
Dl 6RA' R8X An,<3L' X FRA Ship to r., as on the preceding.
v -85. Wt. 39-7.
The transposition of the obv. and rev. legends is an unusual variety.
The half-angels all belong to the period from 1471, and none were struck
at the provincial mints.
SILVER. 359. Groat. London. Heavy coiiiage. Obv. QDWARD' Dl 6RA RSX
AM6L' X FRAn,C(' (stops, saltires) ; m. ?n. rose pierced. Bust of king,
facing, crowned, within arched tressure ; crescent on breast ; quatrefoil
on each side of neck. Rev. POSVI D6(Vm : ADIVTORe(' me(Vm_.
QIVITAS LOnDOn (in two circles; stops, saltires); m. m. rose pierced.
Long crosspattee with pellets. JBl'15. Wt. 58 -5.
The types of the silver coins of the heavy and light issues are the
same. They vary chiefly in the weight and mint-marks. Groats of
the first coinage were struck in London only, and those of the second
at Bristol, Coventry, London, Norwich and York. The local issues
have the initial of the mint on the king's breast. The use of the
changing mint-mark, to note the various issues, was first generally
adopted during this reign, and continued down to the time of Charles I.
From these it is possible to ascertain the sequence of the issues both
in gold and silver. This sequence on the groats of Edward IV
appears to have been : heavy coinage, cross (patonce or plain) and rose
pierced ; light coinage, rose pierced, sun, crown, cross fitchee, annulet,
cross pierced, cross and pellets, annulet enclosing pellet, cross pierced
or plain with one pellet, plain cross, and cinquefoil. On the later pieces
a sun or a rose, or both, occur in the legends. Besides these there are
numerous marks in the field of the coins which also connect the issues.
3GO. Half-Groat. London. Heavy coinage. Obv. QDWARD' Dl' <3RA'
R0X AfKoL' X FRA (stops, saltires) ; m. m. plain cross. Bust of king
as on the preceding ; but lis on breast and pellet at each side of crown.
Rev. Similar type and legends as on the Groat ; m. m. plain cross. JR -9.
Wt. 29-0.
Struck at the same mints as the groats and also at Canterbury. The
heavy pieces are of London only. Some struck at Canterbury and York
bear the private marks of the archbishops as on the pennies (see next coin).
361. Penny. London. Light coinage. Obv. 3DWARD' DQI 6RA'
Aft6; in. in. cinquefoil. Bust facing, .crowned. Rev. QIVITAS
LOnDOn. Cross pattee with pellets. at -65. Wt. 12-4.
Pennies of the heavy coinage have been attributed to Durham and
York ; those of the light are of Bristol, Canterbury, Durham, London and
>
EDWARD IV. 69
York. The coins of the ecclesiastical mints often bear the private mark Plate xii.
or initial of the prelate by whom they were struck ; thus, the knot for SILVER.
Abp. Bourchier (Canterbury), B for Booth, and D for Dudley (Durham),
and G for George Neville, B for Booth and T or R for Rotherham
(York).
3G2. Halfpenny. London. Liylt coinage. Same as the Penny, but legend on
obv. QDWARD' - Dl 6R7V R(X ft; quatrefoil at each side of neck,
and m. m. cinquefoil on obv. M '6. Wt. 8'0.
Heavy halfpence were struck in London only, and the light ones at
Bristol, Canterbury, Durham, London and York. The light halfpence
often exceed their legal weight.
363. Farthing. London. Heavy coinage. Same as the Penny, but legend on
obv. SDWfiRD' : RflX : 7Xn6L; m. m. plain cross on obv. zi -4.
Wt. 3-3.
Farthings are of both coinages, but of London only.
Edward V. 1483.
COINAGE. Gold. Angel and Half -Angel. Silver. Groat.
ISSUES, etc. The coins of Edward V, which are limited to three
denominations, two in gold and one in silver, are precisely similar to
those of his father, and can only be identified by their mint-marks, a
rose and a sun united or a boar's head. The former was the well-
known cognisance of Edward IV (see the rose noble), and the boar's
head the badge of the Protector, Richard III. The weight and fine-
were the same as Edward IVs coinage.
Angel. Obv. SDWfiRD' Dl - 6R7V R6(X 7\n.6L' - X FRTmCX :: GOLD
(stops, saltires) ; m. m. boar's head. The Archangel, St. Michael, piercing
the dragon as on No. 357. Rev. P8R (XRVaeUTl TVA SfiLVfi ROS
XPO(' RetDQHlP' : (stops, saltires) ; m. m. rose and sun united. Ship to
r., &c., as on No. 357. AT 1-1. Wt. 78-2.
A variety has the mint-mark, rose and sun united on both sides.
lese coins are very rare.
Half-Angel. Obv. etDWfiRD 1 Dl' 6RA R3X fiflS (stops, saltires);
m. m. rose and sun united. The Archangel, St. Michael, &c., as on the
preceding. Rev. : O : C(RVX : 7W9 : SPSS : VPUC^ : (stops, saltires) ;
TO. m. as on obv. Ship to r. &c., as on the preceding. A? -75. Wt. 38'1.
No half-angels of Edward V are known with the boar's head mint-
mark. All the gold coins were struck at the Tower.
. Groat. London. Obv. 6CDW7XRD' - Dl' <3R7V RSX 7SRSL X SILVER.
FRfiRCC (stops, saltires) ; m. TO. boar's head. Bust of king, facing, crowned,
within arched tressure ; pellet below bust. Rev. POSVI DSVJft :
fiDIVTORet meCVm_aiVITES LOnDOn (in two circles; stops,
saltires) ; m. TO. rose and sun united. Long cross pattee with pellets.
jRl-05. Wt. 42-8.
Struck in London only. Varieties have for mint-marks the rose
and sun united, or the boar's head only on both sides ; and a further
variety of each of these issues has a pellet under the king's bust.
70 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xii.
Richard III. 1483-1485.
COINAGE. Gold. Angel and Half- Angel. Silver. Groat, Half -Groat,
Penny, and Halfpenny.
ISSUES, &c. No change took place in the coinage of this short
reign. The types are the same as those of the two preceding ones,
and the coins are of the same weight and fineness. The denomina-
tions in gold were limited to the angel and half -angel, and in the silver
no farthings have hitherto been recognised. Richard used the same
mint-marks, a rose and a sun united and a boar's head, as his nephew.
They are found on all his coins except the pennies struck at Durham.
The gold coins are of the Tower mint only, but those of silver are of
Durham, London and York.
OOLI)> 367. Angel. Obv. RlflARD Dl <3Rfi R9X TWSL . X - FRTXRd :
(stops, saltires) ; m. m. rose and sun united. The Archangel, St. Michael,
piercing the dragon, &c., as on No. 357. Rev. PflR QRVCCQ TVfi
SALVfi ROS XPC( RSDeUUPT (stops, saltires); m.m. as on obv. Ship to
r., &c., as on No. 357 ; but R and rose at sides of mast. A T 1-1. Wt. 78 '5.
Richard's early angels were struck from altered dies of Edward V.
On some, Edward's name is left, and only the letter 6( changed into R
in the field on the reverse. On others the first three letters "Ric"
have been substituted for " Edw." Varieties have for mint-marks
the united rose and sun and boar's head on opposite sides, or the boar's
head on both sides.
368. Half-Angel. Obv. RIC(fiRD Dl - GR7\ RQX APXoL (stops, saltires);
m. m. boar's head. Same type as the Angel. Rev. O QRVX 7W8
SPSS VniC(fi (stops, sa-ltires);m. m. asonofev. Same type as the Angel.
A: -8. Wt. 38-8.
The half-angel also has the mint-mark, rose and sun united, on both
sides. The two mint-marks, however, are not found on the same piece.
Plate xiii. 369. Groat. London. Obv. RltfARD' Dl' 6R7T - R6[X
SILVER. FR7\n,C( (stops, saltires) ; m. m. boar's head. Bust facing, crowned, within
arched tressure. Rev. POSVI DaV5U : fiDIVTORS' mavm __ (XIVITffS
LOnDOn, (in two circles; stops, saltires); m. m. rose and sun united.
Long cross pattee with pellets. JR 1*05. Wt. 46 '5.
Struck also at York, but with mint-mark rose and sun only. The
mint-marks vary on the London pieces as on the angels. A unique
variety in the National Collection has an arched crown, as in Henry
VII's second issue, and a rose on the king's breast. It is of coarse
work, and not above suspicion.
370. Half-Groat. London. Same as the Groat, but reading FR for FRfiRCX;
no stops after words on either side, and m. m. rose and sun united on
obv. and rev. JR -75. Wt. 16 -5.
Half-groats are only known of London, with the exception of one of
Canterbury, which having blundered legends may be a contemporary
forgery. Some have the mint-mark a boar's head on the obv. only and
none on the rev.
EICHAED III. 71
371. Penny. York. Obv. RIC(fiRD Dl 6RA R9X fiRS; m. m. boar's head. Plate xiii
Bust facing, crowned; T (Thomas Rotherham) and key at sides of neck, siivrr
Rev. QIVITfiS QBORfiCU. Long cross pattee with pellets in angles and
quatrefoil in centre. 2B -65. Wt. 11-5.
Struck also at London and Durham ; that of London being unique.
It has for mint-mark the boar's head. Varieties of the York pennies
have the mint-marks, a rose and sun united or a rose with T and key
at sides of king's neck. The Durham pieces have for mint-mark a lis, S
for Bishop Sherwood on breast, and D in centre of cross on reverse.
372. Halfpenny. London. Obv. RIC(fiRD Dl GRfi ; m. m. rose and sun
united. Bust facing, crowned. Rev. C(IVIT7\S LOMDOn. Long cross
pattee with pellets. JR -5. Wt. 6 -3.
These coins are only known of London and of the above mint-mark.
Henry VII. 1485-1509.
COINAGE. Gold. Ryal or Noble, Sovereign, Angel, and Half -Angel.
Silver. Shilling, Groat, Half-Groat, Penny, Halfpenny, and Farthing.
ISSUES, &c. Gold. Two : 1st issue (1485), Ryal, Angel, and Half-
Angel. 2nd issue (1489), Sovereign or Double Ryal, Angel, and Half-
Angel. Silver. Three : 1st issue (1485), Groat, Half-Groat, Penny,
and Halfpenny with front face and open crown. 2nd issue (1489 ?),
Groat, Half-Groat, Penny, Halfpenny, and Farthing with front face
and arched crown. 3rd issue (1504), Shilling, Groat, Half-Groat, with
profile crowned bust, and Penny, sovereign type.
The gold coins were of the same weight, fineness and current values
as those of the second issue of Edward IV ; but the sovereign, which
weighed 240 grs., was current at 20s. The silver money remained
throughout at 12 grs. to the penny, as fixed in 1464 (see under
Edward IV), and no change occurred in the fineness.
Two new denominations were struck by Henry VII, viz., the
sovereign in gold and the shilling in silver. The gold coins still
continued to be issued from the Tower mint only, and the silver from
Canterbury, Durham, London, and York.
373. Ryal. Obv. hG(n,Ria Dl - 6R2C R6(X JKriSL X FRffnGC GOLD.
DftS IBZfR (stops, trefoils). King wearing arched crown and holding
sword and shield, standing, facing in ship with two ropes from prow and
three from stern ; flag with h at prow and another with dragon at stern t
Rev. mcx avTecm TRansians . PSR msoiv - ILLORV -
I BZTT (stops, trefoils) ; m. m. cross fitchee. Small shield with arms of
France only on double rose and within arched tressure with trefoil at each
arch and in each spandril. AT 1-45. Wt. 118 '4.
Of this coin only three specimens are known. The ryal was
equivalent to half the sovereign so may have been known by that
name, as half-sovereigns are mentioned in late charters of this reign.
All the known specimens bear the mint-mark a cross fitchee, which
72 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xiii. only occurs on silver coins of the first issue, i.e. with the king wearing
GOLD, an open crown. It is therefore probable that none were struck
after 1489.
374. Sovereign. 4th type. Obv. K6NRICVS : DGI : SRACIA RGX -
AN6LI6 : T : FrtANCI : DNS : IBAR (stops, cinquefoils) ; in. m.
dragon. King enthroned, facing, holding sceptre and orb ; the throne
has a high canopy on each side of the king's head, and on arms a greyhound
and a dragon ; the field of the coin is scmt dc Us. Rev. I K6SVS AVT6M -
TRANSI6NS : PR : M6DIVM ILLORVM : IBAT :: (stops, cinque-
foils) ; in. m. dragon. Shield with arms of France and England quarterly
on large double rose within arched treasure ; a lion and a lis alternately
in the arches, v 1 6. Wt. 239-1.
This handsome gold coin was first struck in 1489. It weighed 240
grs., or double that of the ryal or noble, and was current for 20s.
There are four series or distinct varieties of this coin, which can be
identified by changes chiefly in the obv. type as follows : (1) king
seated on throne with concave back ; on rev. large crowned shield on
rose, no tressure ; (2) similar, but back of throne straight and not so>
high, and field chequered and covered with lis ; on rev. small shield, not
crowned, on rose within tressure ; (3) similar to type 2, but canopy of
three arches above throne and field on obv. not chequered ; and
(4) similar, but the throne has no arch over the king's head, the back
is high, and on the arms at the sides are a greyhound and a dragon.
This seems to have been the order of issue.
375. Angel. 1st issue. Obv. x hQRRICX Dl 6RA RSX 7W6L . Z -
FRAftCX DFIS x (stops, trefoils). The Archangel, St. Michael, piercing
the dragon as on No. 339, his left foot only on the beast. Rev. Ihd -
TWTec TRAnsians . PSR mecoiv ILORV . (stops, trefoils), ship
to r., as on No. 339 ; but h and rose at sides of mast, jj I'l. Wt. 79 '9.
The angels and half -angels of the first and second issues differ in the
position of the Archangel ; in the former he has only only one foot on
the dragon, but in the latter both feet. This change probably took
place in 1489. The more common reverse legend is as that on the
next coin, but both legends occur in each series.
376. Angel. 2nd issue. Obv. hERRIcr Dl' 6R7V - RX l\n<3L Z -
FRT^n (stops, rosettes) ; m. m. escallop. Same as the preceding, but the
Archangel has both feet on the dragon and his body is slightly turned away
from it. Rev. PR - (XRVaGM TVfi . SfiLVfi - ROS XP -
RGD6M (stops, rosettes); m. m. as on obv. Same type as the preceding.
A71-05. Wt. 77-7.
The mint-marks on these coins are numerous and appear to fall into
the same order as those on the silver coins (see Appendix A).
377. Half-Angel. 2nd issue. Obv. hetnRICC : Dl' : 6R7T : RSX
Z (stops, saltires) ; m. m. pheon. The Archangel as on the preceding.
Rev. O : CXRVX : TWfl : SPSS : VniC(fi . (stops, saltires); m. in. as on
obv. Same type as the Angel (No. 375). jv -85. Wt. 38 '7.
Only one specimen of the half-angel of the first issue is known. It
is of the same type as the angel, and it has for mint-mark the rose and
sun united on both sides as on coins of Edward V and Richard III.
HENEY VII. 73
378. Groat. London. 1st issue. Obv. hSRRiaVS - Dfll 6RZf RQX - Plate xiii
ftFNoL S FR : (stops, saltires) ; m. m. cross fitchee. Bust facing, SILVER.
wearing open crown, within arched tressure ; cross at each side of neck.
Rev. +POSVI DQVm EDIVTORS me(Vm_aiVITBS LOftDOn (in two
circles). Long cross pattee with pellets. M 1*0. Wt. 38'3.
Groats of this issue are only known of London. Each of the three
issues of the silver money is marked by a change of type. On the first
issue the king's bust is facing and he wears an open crown ; on the
second issue the bust is also facing but the crown is arched ; and on
the third issue the king's bust is in profile, and on the reverse, instead of
the usual cross pattee and pellets, there is a shield on a cross fourchee.
This change of reverse type was gradual, as in the second issue the cross
fourchee was substituted for the cross pattee. An exception occurs in
the obverse type of the pennies, which is known as the "sovereign
type" (see No. 391). For reasons stated below (see No. 385) it is very
probable that this new type had already been partly introduced during
the period of the second issue. The groats and half-groats of the first
and second issues bear many small marks showing differing series, and
throughout the whole coinage the mint-marks are very numerous. For '
their probable sequence see Appendix A.
379. Half-Groat. Canterbury. 1st issue. Obv. hSnRIC( Dl 6Rfi - R6(X
7\nSL X FR7X (stops, trefoils) ; m. m. ton. Same type as the Groat and
with cross at each side of the king's neck. Eev. POSVI D6CVJTI
fiDIVTORS mavm CUVITAS CmnTOR (stop, Eye of Providence).
Same type as the Groat ; but with fll (Abp. Morton) in centre of cross. A\ ' 8.
Wt. 23-8.
Struck also at London and York. Archbishop Morton, who struck
this coin, held the see of Canterbury from 1487-1500. The m. m. ton
is a rebus on the name of Morton.
Penny. Canterbury. 1st issue. Obv. hSRRia [Dl <3R7\] R8X
ATK3L ; m. m. ton. Bust facing, crowned, with cross at each side of neck.
.Bey. CU VITAS GAP-TOR. Long cross pattee with pellets; JTl (Morton)
in centre. JR 6. Broken.
Struck also at Durham, London, and York. The Durham pieces
have an S (for Bp. Sherwood) on the king's breast. Those of London can
be identified by the mint-mark, a rose and lis united ; whilst those of
York have the letter T (for Thomas Rotherham, 1480-1 500) and a key, or
two T's, or T and a lis, or T and a trefoil at each side of neck. Some have
also the letter h or a quatrefoil in the centre of the cross on the reverse.
1. Halfpenny. London. 1st issue. Obv. hQRRICC [Dl <3RA] RQX ; m. m.
lis on rose. Bust facing, with open crown. Rev. GIVITAS LOftDOft.
Long cross pattee with pellets. M '45. Wt. 4 -4.
Struck also at Canterbury with mint-mark ton. Pennies and halfpence of
this issue are very scarce, and no farthings have hitherto been identified.
382. Groat. London. 2nd issue. Obv. heCRRIC(' Dl' - GR7V j RQX :
A6L' Z FR' (stops, saltires) ; m. in. heraldic cinquefoil. Bust facing,
wearing arched crown ; around, tressure of arches ; annulet at each side of
neck. Rev. POSVI DflV ADIVTO6C me(V_ai VITAS LOftDOn. (in
two circles). Long cross fourch6e with pellets in angles. 2R 1*1.
Wt. 46-3.
Only struck in London. On the earlier pieces of this issue the
ai
:
74 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xiii. arches of the crown are plain ; but on the later ones they are
SILVER, ornamented. The cross fourchee on the reverse is the first attempt at
a departure from the stereotyped form of the cross pattee which had
been in continuous use since the reign of Edward I.
383. Portcullis Groat. London. 2nd issue. Obv. hQRRICX Dl
R0X ZfftSL X FRftnCC (stops, trefoils); m. m. cross. Bust with
arched crown, similar to the preceding. Rev. POSVI D8VJTI TSDIVTORS
iTieCVfll _ CdVITZtS LOnDOn (in two circles; stops, trefoils) ; m. m. lis.
Long cross fourchee with portcullis in centre. JR I'O. Pierced.
As only one other specimen of this variety is known, it may be a
pattern. It belongs to the early period of this issue as the arches of the
crown are plain. The portcullis was the badge of the Beaufort family.
384. Half-Groat. Canterbury. 2nd issue. Similar to the Groat No. 382 ; but
F for FR and mint, QIVIT7XS CtAFlTOR : in. m. ton, and no stops between
words. JR -75. Wt.20-3.
Struck by Abp. Morton ; some having the letter jn in the centre of
the reverse as on No. 379. Half -groats were also struck at London and
York ; those of York have generally a key on each side of the neck.
Some early half-groats of this issue have the crown breaking the tressure
and not arched. They are sometimes classed to the previous issue.
385. Penny. Canterbury. 2nd issue. Obv. hSftRICC Dl' 6R7V RQX 7\n.6 ,
m. m. ton. Bust facing, with arched crown. Rev. CUVITAS CXT^RTOR;
m. m. as on obv. Long cross fourchee with pellets. M '65. Wt. 10 -0.
Pennies of this type are only known of Canterbury, and they all
have the mint-mark ton (for Morton). From this circumstance and the
occurrence of early mint-marks it is conjectured that the "sovereign type "
(see No. 391) was introduced at this period : otherwise there are no
pennies of the second issue which can be classed to London and York.
386. Halfpenny. London. 2nd issue. Same as the Penny, but legend on rev.
CUVITAS LOftDOn. : in. m. cinquefoil on obv. xt -55. Wt. 6-0.
Struck also at Canterbury and York ; on some of the latter there
is a key under the king's bust.
387. Farthing. 2nd issue. Similar to the Halfpenny, but the cross on the
reverse is pattee ; legends obliterated, zi -45. Wt. 3-0.
This attribution is doubtful. Farthings are only known of London.
They are very rare.
388. Shilling. London. 3rd issue. Obv. h^RRICC SQPTim 1 Dl' (3R7V -
RSX 7\a<3L' Z FR' (stops, saltires) ; m. m. lis. Bust of king in
profile to r., draped and wearing arched crown ; around, double circle, inner-
one plain. Rev. POSVI DQVm 7XDIVTOR9' mavm (stops, saltires) ;
m. m. lis. The royal shield within double circle as on obv. upon a cross
fourchee with lis or trefoil in each fork. M I' 15. Wt. 141-3.
This is the first issue of the shilling in the English coinage, and also
the first instance, except in the reign of Henry III, in which the
numeral or number occurs after the king's name. The reverse type
is ,-dso new for the larger coins (see Nos. 389 and 390); the shield
occupying the place of the pellets and the name of the mint being dis-
continued. For the first time also we have a genuine portrait, and one
which is executed with considerable skill. Varieties have the numerals
HENRY VII. 75
VII after the king's name, or are without these or SQPTim. The Plate xiii
shilling was current for twelve pence, and its full weight was 144 grs. SILVER.
389. Groat. London. 3rd issue. Obv. hSriRia' : VII' DP 6R7V RSX -
1\<3L' Z FR' (stops, saltires) ; m. m. cross crosslet. Bust of king,
similar to the preceding, but only one circle. Rev. POSVI D6CV :
fiDIVTORGC : JYl&V (stops, saltires); m. m. as on obv. The royal shield 011
cross fourchee. ^1-05. Wt. 45-0.
The groat like the shilling occurs also without the numerals after
the king's name. They also read SQPTIJTI. Both the shillings and
groats of this issue appear to have been struck in London only. None
bear any mint-name or special local mint-mark.
390. Half-Groat. London. 3rd issue. Similar to the Groat, but FR in obv.
legend omitted, and m. m. lis on both sides. JR "8. Wt. 22 '3.
Struck also at York ; these may be distinguished by having two keys
below the shield on the reverse, and the mint-mark a martlet or a rose.
391. Penny. Durham. 3rd issue. Obv. hSRRia D <3RA R8X A. Full
length figure of the king seated facing on throne and holding sceptre and orb.
Rev. CUVITfiS DIRhAJTl. Royal shield on cross fourchee ; at sides, D S
(Dunolmeiisis Senhouse). JR -65. Wt. 11-2.
Struck also at London and York. This type is known as the
" sovereign type." It only occurred once previously in the English
coinage, viz., in the reign of Edward the Confessor (see No. 189),
and only survived to the reign of Edward VI.
William Senhouse was Bp. of Durham, 1502-1507. Other pennies
of Durham bear the initials B D or D B probably of Christopher
Bainbridge, . 1507-1509, the successor of Senhouse. The York
pennies have two keys under the shield, whilst those of London can
only be distinguished by small varieties from the earliest of Henry VIII.
Those with the mint-mark cinquefoil, lis, and pheon are probably of
Henry VII.
There appear to be no halfpence and farthings of this issue ; at
least none have been identified as such.
Henry VIII. 1509-1547.
COINAGE. Gold. Double-Sovereign, Sovereign, Half -Sovereign,
Crown, Half-Crown, Eyal or Rose Noble, Angel, Half- Angel, Quarter-
Angel, George Noble, and Half-George Noble. Silver. Shilling or
Testoon, Groat, Half-Groat, Penny, Halfpenny, and Farthing.
Hitherto the standard of the gold coins had been 23 carats 3^ grains
fine and ^ grain alloy, and of the silver 11 oz. 2 dwts. fine and 18
dwts. alloy ; both known as "standard gold and silver." During this
reign a new gold standard of 22 carats fine and 2 carats alloy was
introduced. It was known as " crown gold." The change in the
standard brought with it variations in the current values of the coins,
especially as in each case a debasement occurred. The standard of
the silver coinage was also much debased, so that at the end of the
reign it stood at i fine to f alloy.
ISSUES, &c. There were five issues both of the gold and silver which
approximated to the dates 1509 (1st year), 1526 (18th year), 1543
76 ENGLISH COINS.
(35th year), 1544 (36th year), and 1545 (37th year). The denomi-
nations, weights, and current values of the different issues were : Gold :
1st issue (1509), Double-Sovereign (480 grs.), Sovereign (240 grs.),
Ryal (120 grs.), Angel (80 grs.), and Half -Angel (40 grs.), current
for 2, 1, 10s., 6s. Sd. and 3s. 4d. respectively ; all 23 cts. 3 grs.
fine and ^ gr. alloy. 2nd issue (1526), Double-Sovereign (480 grs),
Sovereign (240 grs.), Angel (80 grs.), George Noble (71^ grs.), Half-
George Noble (30 | grs.), Crown (57f|grs.),and Half-Crown(28j grs.),
current for 2 4s. or 5s., 1 2s. or 2~s. Qd., 7s. 4d. or 6(7., 6s. 8d., 3s. 4d.,
5s. and 2s. Qd. respectively ; fineness as 1st issue, but Crown and Half-
Crown 22 cts. (crown gold). 3rd issue (1543), Sovereign (200 grs.),
Angel (80 grs.), Half- Angel (40 grs.), and Quarter-Angel (20 grs.),
current for 20s., 8s., 4s. and 2s. respectively ; fineness 23 cts. 4th and
5th issues (1544 and 1545), Sovereign (192 grs.), Half-Sovereign
(96 grs.), Crown (48 grs.), and Half-Crown (24 grs.), current for 20s.,
10s., 5s. and 2s. Gd. respectively ; fineness 22 cts. for 1544 and 20 cts.
for 1545. Silver : 1st and 2nd issues (1509 and 1526), Groat, Half-
Groat, Penny, Halfpenny, and Farthing at 12 grs. and 10} grs. to the
Penny respectively ; fineness, standard silver 1 1 oz. 2 dwts. fine and
18 dwts. alloy. 3rd issue (1543), Shilling, Groat, Half-Groat, Penny,
and Halfpenny, at 10 grs. to the Penny ; fineness, two series, (a) fine
silver, (b) base silver, 5 parts fine to 1 part alloy. 4th issue (1544),
Shilling, Groat, Half-Groat, and Penny, at 10 grs. to the Penny; fineness
half silver and half alloy. 5th issue (1545), Shilling, Groat, Half-Groat,
and Penny, at 10 grs. to the Penny ; fineness ^ silver to alloy.
The new denominations in gold of this reign were the double-
sovereign, the half-sovereign, the quarter-angel, the George noble, the
half -George noble, the crown and the half-crown. No additions were
made to the silver coins. The mints were, for gold, London (the Tower
and Southwark) and Bristol ; and for silver, Bristol, Canterbury,
London (Tower and Southwark), and York.
ANGLO-GALLIC SERIES. The only coins of this class consist of Groats
struck at Tournay. They are of two types. Henry VIII was the last
English monarch to strike money for the English possessions in France.
First Issue (1509-1526).
GOLD. 392. Double- Sovereign (?). Obv. hQRRiaVS : DQI : 6RACUA : RQX l\n<5Ll&. :
e(T FRARCC OnS' hIB' (stops, saltires); m. in. lis. King
enthroned, holding sceptre and orb ; at his feet, portcullis. Rev.
IhQSVS : 7WTQM : TRAFlSIGnS : PQR : MQDIVM : ILLORVM :
I BAT : (stops, saltires) ; m. m. cross crosslet. Royal shield on double rose,
all within ornamented tressure. AJ 1-7. Wt. 788 '6.
As the double-sovereigns differ only in weight from the sover-
eigns, it is possible that they may be patterns or trial pieces. The
above specimen is abnormally heavy ; the true weight would be about
480 grs. Only one other specimen, weighing 474 grs., is known. The
mint-marks which occur on the gold coins of the first issue are the lis,
cross crosslet, portcullis and castle. For the mint-marks on all the
coins of this reign see Appendix A.
I
, HENRY VIII. 77
393. Sovereign. Same as the preceding, but reading on the reverse TRAftCUSriS ; pi a t e *iv.
lion and lis alternately in the arches of the tressure and two crosses in each GoL1)
spandril ; m. in. portcullis crowned on obv. and rev. AT 1*6. Wt. 236*1.
The portcullis and cross crosslet mint-marks were also used by
Henry VII ; but these coins are attributed to Henry VIII on account
of the portcullis under the king's feet, which is a special mark of that
king's coinage. A variety like the double-sovereign has no lions or lis
in the tressure on the reverse.
394. Byal. Obv. hedlRKT VIII' - Dl' 6R7V RQX AUGL' Z
FRAFICC DflS' I B' (stops, saltires). King, crowned, holding
sword and shield, standing facing in ship, similar to No. 354, but
flag at stern inscribed with the letter h. Rev. IhCX' AVT'
TRAftSI6(nS : PQR : mSDIVm : ILLORVm : IBAT (stops, saltires);
m. m. portcullis crowned. Floriated cross with rose on sun in centre, &c.,
similar to No. 354. AT 1-4. Wt. 117-9.
This coin is excessively rare. Kenyon, Gold Coins of England,
p. 84, only mentions the above specimen.
395. Angel. Obv. hSnRICC VIII' . Dl' <3RA' R3X - A6L' Z FR' -
(stops, saltires) ; m. m. portcullis crowned. The Archangel, St. Michael,
piercing the dragon as on No. 376. Rev. P8R C(RVC(e(' TV A'
SALVA ftOS XP6C Re(De(T' (stops, saltires); m. m. as on obv.
Ship to r., &c., as on No. 376. AT 1-1. Wt. 78-8.
The angels and half -angels of this reign are of the same type as
those of the second issue of Henry VII.
396. Half-Angel. Similar to the Angel, but with legends, obv. hgnRIGC VIII'
Dl' <3RA' - R0X 1\L' Z ; and rev. O : CXRVX : AVS : SPSS :
VftlQA (stops, saltires); m. m. portcullis crowned on obv. and rev. A? 'S.
Wt. 38-6.
Though there are many small varieties of the angel and half-angel
of this issue, only two mint-marks occur. These are the crowned
portcullis and the castle.
397. Groat. London. Obv. h^nRICX' VIII' Dl' <3RA' RQX A6L' SILVER.
Z FR' (stops, saltires); m. m. portcullis crowned. Bust of king to r.,
in profile, draped, and wearing arched crown. Rev. POSVI D6CV :
ADIVTORGC : JTIQV (stops, saltires); m. m. portcullis crowned. Royal
shield on cross fourch^e. 2R I'O. Wt. 45 -2.
Groats of this issue were struck in London only. There are three
distinct portraits on the silver coins of Henry VIII. On the first issue
of the groats and half -groats he used his father's last portrait which is
in profile ; on the second issue he placed his own portrait also in
profile ; and on subsequent issues his bust, which is either three-
quarters or full-face, occurs on all the denominations.
398. Half-Groat. London. Same as the preceding, but FR omitted on obv.
legend, and that on the rev. reads ADIVTOS ; in. m. portcullis crowned on
both sides. ^'8. Wt. 24 -5.
Half-groats of this issue were also struck at Canterbury and York.
These have on the reverse the mint-name instead of the POSVI, &c.,
legend. An exception however occurs in the York piece, bearing the
initials X B (see below). Those of Canterbury have on the reverse the
initials W A for Abp. Wareham, and those of York X B for Christopher
Bainbridge, and T W for Thomas Wolsey. Others also of York, and
78 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xiv. struck by Wolsey, have a cardinal's hat and keys under the shield (see
SILVER, next coin). ;
399. Half-Groat. York. Obv. hQURlCT - VIII' - Dl' 6R7V - RQX . fi(3L'
(stops, saltires) ; m. m. cross. Bust of king in profile as on No. 397. Rev.
QIVIT7XS : QBORfiQI (stops, saltires) ; m.m. cross. Royal shield on cross
fourchee ; at sides T W (Thomas Wolsey) ; below, two keys and cardinal's
hat. &'S. Wt. 22-5.
The placing of the cardinal's hat under the royal arms was the subject
of one of the articles of the impeachment of Wolsey a few years later.
400. Penny. Durham. Obv. hQflRIQ' Dl' 6R7V RQX 7\<3L' Z -
(stops, saltires) ; m. m. lis. King enthroned, holding sceptre and orb. Rev.
IVIT7XS : DVRRfiJTl (stops, saltires) ; m. m. lis. Royal shield on cross
fourchee ; above shield, T D (Thomas Ruthall). M -6. Wt. 10-8.
Struck also at Canterbury, London and York, all with the mint-
name. Those of Canterbury have W 1\ for Wareham ; those of York
two keys ; and others of Durham D W (Dunolmensis Wolsey).
401. Halfpenny. London. Obv. hQftRKX' Dl' 6R7V RQX 7X6U -
(stops, saltires) ; m.m. portcullis. Bust facing, wearing arched crown. Rev.
CUVITfiS LOriDOn. Cross fourchee with pellets. JR '5. Wt. 7-1.
Struck also at Canterbury and York. Those of Canterbury have
W R (Wareham) at the sides of the king's head, and those of York a
key under the bust. Halfpence of this and the next issue can be distin-
guished for the most part by the change in the obverse legend ; though
that of the first for a time survived into the second. These coins
preserved their reverse type.
402. Farthing. London. Obv. hQURICC Dl' (3R7V RQX (stops,
saltires); m. m. portcullis. In centre, portcullis. Rev. CUVITfiS LOftDOn,.
Cross fourchee, rose in centre. M '45. Wt. 3*3.
This is the only known legible specimen of the farthings of this
issue. They were struck at London only.
Second Issue (1526-1543).
GOLD. 403. Double-Sovereign. Same as No. 392, but four crosses after I BAT and
m. m. lis on 061;., pheon on rev. AT I' 65. Wt. 470-0.
The pheon mint-mark also occurs on silver coins of the second issue.
This coin is struck from the dies of the sovereign.
404. Sovereign. Same as No. 393, but the legend on the reverse reads
TRfiflSIQriS, and there are no crosses in the spandrils of the tressure ;
m. m. on obv. lis ; on rev. arrow. AT 1-65. W T t. 238'5.
These coins can only be distinguished from those of the first issue
by their mint-marks (see No. 392). A variety, as No. 393, has
crosses in the spandrils of the tressure on the reverse.
405. Angel. Obv. hQnRICT VIII' Dl' <3R7V - RQX fi6L' Z F' -
(stops, saltires) ; m. m. pheon. The Archangel, &c., as on No. 395. Rev.
PQR - aRVQQ' TV7V STXLVfi ClOS XPQ' RQD - (stops,
saltires) ; m. m. pheon. Ship to r., &c., as on No. 395. A/-1-15. W T t. 80'0.
The angels of the 1st and 2nd issues are also attributed by their
mint-marks. From these it would appear that there are no half-angels
of the second issue.
HENRY VIII. 79
406. George Noble. Obv. hariRICC' - Dl' 6' R' A6L Z FRAHCC piatexiv.
DftS' h I B(R I (stops, saltires) ; m. m. rose. Ship to r., as on the reverse GoLD
of the Angel (see No. 339), but a double rose instead of a shield on the
cross, and at sides h and K (Henry and Katherine of Aragon). Rev.
TALI : DIC(A' : SI6O : MSS' : FLVaTVARI : nQQVIT - (stops,
saltires) ; m. m. rose. St. George in armour riding on horse to r. and
piercing the dragon. AT 1'05. Wt. 70 '4.
The George noble and half-George noble were ordered to be struck
in 1526, and to be current at 6s. 8d. and 3s. 4d. respectively.
They are all of the above type, and if the letter K on the reverse is
the initial of Katherine of Aragon, they must have been struck
between 1526 and 1533, in which last year that queen was divorced.
The half-George noble, of which only one example is known and which is
of the same type as the George noble, appears to be of a somewhat
later date, as the legends, also similar, are in Roman and not in old
English characters. The letter K in the lield on the reverse would
in that case be the initial of Katherine Howard, who was married
from 1541-1543. The inscription on the reverse in. full is " tali
dicata signo mens fluctuare nescit." It is from a hymn by Prudentius
written in the 4th cent., entitled " Hymnus ante Somnum."
407. Crown. Obv. h^RRICC . VIII' RVTILARS - ROSA : SIS' . SPIA' -
(stops, saltires) ; m. m. rose. Double rose crowned between h K (Henry and
Katherine of Aragon), both crowned. Rev. D6U : 6' R' A6LI6C Z
FRAftCC DHS' hlBQRftl (stops, saltires); m. m. rose. Royal shield
crowned, jj 1-0. Wt. 57 '0.
Other crowns of this period have at the sides of the rose on the
obverse the letters h A (Henry and Anne Boleyn), h I (Henry
and Jane Seymour), and h R (Henricus Rex), always crowned.
"These were the first gold coins issued of the new standard, consisting
" 22 carats fine and 2 carats alloy.
Half-Crown. Obv. hQRRICT : Dl' : 6' : R' : A6L' : Z : FRA' . (stops,
saltires) ; m. m. rose. Royal shield, crowned. Rev. RVTI LAPIS : ROSA :
SIRS : SPIFIA (stops, saltires); m. in. rose. Double rose crowned;
between h K (Henry and Katherine of Aragon). AT '75. Wt. 27 '9.
Others have the letters h I and h R not crowned on the
averse (see the preceding coin). Most of the half-crowns of this issue
have the numeral 8 after the king's name. This is the earliest coin of
this reign, on which the Arabic numeral occurs. It was almost exclusively
lopted on the later issues. The absence of any numeral or numerals
on the above specimen is the exception.
Groat. London. Obv. hENRIC' VIII' Dl' 6RK' REX : S6L' SILVER.
Z FRS' (stops, saltires) ; m. m. rose. Bust to r., in profile, crowned and
clothed. Rev. POSVI DQV : ADIVTOR6C : JTIQV' (stops, saltires);
m. m. as on obv. Royal shield on cross fourchee with saltire in each fork.
,Rl-0. Wt. 41-3.
The groats and half-groats of this issue bear the king's own portrait
instead of that of his father. In the legend the letters are partly
Roman and partly old English. This change is also found on the
gold coins ; but it does not become general till the next reign. A very
rare variety of the groat has 8 for VIII. The London groats and half-
groats have always the POSVI &c. legend on the reverse ; those of York
and Canterbury always the mint-name.
80 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xiv. 410. Groat. York. Obv. hQnRKX' VIM' D' G' R' A<3L' - Z -
FRAflCC (stops, saltires) ; m. m. cross. Bust of king, &c., as on the
preceding. Rev. CdVITAS : 9BORAC(I : (stops, saltires); m. m. cross.
Royal shield on cross fourchee ; at sides T W (Thomas Wolsey) ; below,
cardinal's hat. * 1-0. Wt. 39-3.
London and York appear to have been the only mints which struck
groats of this issue. Others of York have for mint-mark a voided
cross or an acorn : both struck by Wolsey.
411. Half-Groat. Canterbury. Obv. h6(HRIC(' VIII' - D' <3' R' A(3L' -
Z FR (stops, saltires) ; in. m. wheel. Bust of king as on No. 409. Rev.
CUVITAS : CCAflTOR : (stops, saltires) ; m. m. as on obv. Royal shield on
cross fourchee ; at sides T G (Thomas Cranmer). JR '75. Wt. 21'3.
Struck also at London and York. Others of Canterbury have the
initials W A (Wareham), and of York T W (Thomas Wolsey) and E L
or L E (Edward Lee). The mint-mark, a wheel, is no doubt an allu-
sion to Katherine of Aragon, whose cause Cranmer espoused.
412. Penny. Durham. Obv. h' D' 6' ROSA SIS SPIA (stops,
saltires) ; m. m. trefoil. King enthroned as on No. 400. Rev. Ql VITA'S . .
DVRRAJTl (stops, saltires) ; m. m. as on obv. Royal shield as on No. 400,
with T W (Thomas Wolsey) at sides, and cardinal's hat below. M '6.
Wt. 9-2.
Struck also at London and Canterbury. Those of Canterbury have
W A at sides of shield and others of Durham have C( D (Cuthbert
Tonstall). The pennies and halfpennies of this issue may be dis-
tinguished from those of the first by the change in the obverse legend
(see Nos. 400 and 401). They all have the mint-name.
413. Halfpenny. Canterbury. Obv. h D 6 ROSA SIRS . SPIA (stops,
saltires) ; m. m. wheel. Bust of king facing, crowned ; at sides T C(
(Thomas Cranmer). Rev. 0. 1 VITAS :: QAFITOR (stops, saltires). Cross
fourchee with pellets, jj -5. Wt. 7-6.
Struck also at London and York. Others of Canterbury have the
letters W A (Wareham) ; and those of York E L (Edward Lee). The
farthing of this issue is of the same type as that of the first one ; but
the legend on the obverse is RVTILAflS ROSA, and the king's name is
on the reverse.
The episcopal mints end with this issue, Archbishops Cranmer and
Lee and Bishop Tonstall being the last to exercise this right. As also
no more coins were struck at Durham from this time onwards, it may
be concluded that this mint had been latterly a purely ecclesiastical
one.
Tliird Issue (1543).
Plate xv. 414. Sovereign. Obv. hQRRia . 8 - Dl' . 6RA' AflGLIS FRARaiQ :
GOLD ^T ' hlBQ : R0X (stops, saltires) ; m. m. lis. King with beard, enthroned,
holding sceptre and orb ; at his feet, rose ; inner circle ornamented with
lis. Rev. lh6(SVS : AVT0M : TRAnqiQRS : P6(R : MQDIVM :
ILLORV : I BAT (stops, saltires) ; m. m. lis. Royal shield crowned, and
with supporters, lion and dragon ; below, tablet inscribed H R (in mon.).
A71-C5. Wt. 196-4.
Besides the change in the king's 'portrait, a distinguishing mark of
this issue is the use of the title of "King of Ireland" which Henry
assumed in 1543. The Arabic numeral 8 instead of the Roman numerals
HENRY VIII.
81
VIII too generally follows the king's name. The sovereigns with mint- Plate xv.
mark W S (mon.), the initials of Sir William Sharington, were struck GOLD.
at Bristol, of which mint he was the master. The only other mint-
mark on the gold coins of this issue is the lis (see Nos. 415-417).
Half-sovereigns of the above type appear from their mint-marks to
belong to the later issues ; nor are there any crowns or half-crowns of
this issue.
415. Angel. Obv. hG(RRIC(' 8 D' 6' A6U FRA' - Z hIB : R3X
(stops, saltires) ; m. m. lis. The Archangel piercing the dragon, &c., as on
No. 395; to 1. of head, annulet. Rev. P6(R : C(RVae(' TVA : SALVA -
ROS : XPGC R6(D' (stops, saltires) ; m. m. as on obv. Ship to r., &c.,
as on No. 395 ; annulet on ship. AT 1-1. Wt. 78-8.
410. Half-Angel. Similar to the Angel ; but the legend on the rev. reads, O :
C(RVX AV6( SP6CS VRIC(A (stops, annulets); m. m. lis on obv. and
rev. A7 -85. Wt. 39-6.
417. Quarter-Angel. Same type as the Angel ; but the legends are, obv.
hQRRICWS VIII D6U <3RA' A6Lie(; rev. FRARCIieC : 6(T :
hIBSRnm RGCX (stops, saltires), and m. m. lis on both sides. A: -7.
Wt. 19-8.
These angels with their divisions are classed to this issue on account
of the mint-mark, a lis, and because they bear the title of " King of
Ireland." There are none of the later coinages of this reign.
418. Shilling or Testoon, fine. London. Obv. hemRICT VIII' Dl' - 6RA' SILVKK.
A6U FRA' Z hIB' R3X (stops, saltires) ; m. m. lis. Bust of king
facing, crowned, bearded and wearing mantle with fur collar. Rev.
POSVI : D(VM : AIVTOR6WM : MQVM (stops, saltires) ; m. m. as on
obv. Double rose crowned between h R, both crowned. Ml' 25. Wt. 121-3.
The silver coins of this and the subsequent issues of this reign have
bust of the king full face or nearly full face instead of in profile a.s
before. The third issue consists of two series, one in fine silver, the
other in debased silver. Those of fine silver have for mint-mark a lis
only. The mint-marks of the baser coins are the lis, annulet, arrow,
picklock, martlet, &c. The testoons of fine silver have Roman
numerals after the king's name, and those of base metal the Arabic
numeral. Both series appear to be of London only. The use of Roman
letters in the legends becomes more general.
419. Groat, fine. London. Obv. hemRICX' 8 . D' - & A6L' - FRA' - Z -
hIB' R(X (stops, saltires) ; m. m. lis. Bust of king as on the preced-
ing. Rev. POSVI DSV - ADIVTORGC . mSV - (stops, saltires); m.m,
lis. Royal shield on cross f ourchee ; annulet in each fork, & 1 0.
Wt. 49-0.
The groats and half -groats of fine silver are of London only : but
the debased ones were struck at London, Bristol, Canterbury and York.
The groats of London bear sometimes the legend CXI VITAS LOR DOR,
and those of Bristol have the mint-mark W S (mon.) for William
Sharington.
420. Half-Groat, fine. London. Same as the Groat, but reading FR. Z. hB. and
ADIVTOS., and same m. m. M '7. Wt. 19'0.
The debased Bristol half -groat has also W S (mon.) for mint-
mark.
82 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xv 421. Peony, fine. London. Obv. h' D' <3' ROSA : SIRS : SPA (stops,
saltires) ; m. m. lis. Bust of king facing, as on the Shilling, No. 418.
Rev. a I VITAS LO ft DO ft (stops, saltires). Royal shield on cross
fourchee. JR '6. Wt. 9-4.
Pennies of fine silver appear to have been struck also at Canterbury
and York, and debased ones at those mints and at Bristol.
422. Halfpenny, debased. Canterbury. Obv. h D 6 [ROSA SlftS
SPI ] (stops, saltires). Bust facing, as on the Shilling, No. 418. Rev.
aiVITAS aANTOR. Cross fourchee with pellets. JR -45. Wt. 4-7.
No halfpennies of fine silver of this issue appear to be known. De-
based ones were also struck at London and York.
Fourth Issue (1544).
GOLD 423. Sovereign. Southwark? Obv. hEftRICC 8 : DP 6RA' A6L' :
FRAft(XIE : Z : hIBERft' REX (stops, saltires); m. m. S. King
enthroned as on No. 414, but inner circle plain. Rev. IKS' AVTEM :
TRAftSIEftS : PER MEDIVM : ILLOR' : IBAT (stops, saltires);
m. m. S. Royal shield with supporters as on No. 414. A; I 1 5. Wt. 193-7.
The mint-mark S may be the initial of Southwark, where a mint
was established during the reign of Henry VIII. The letter 8, which
also occurs as a mint-mark during this and the next issue, is probably
the initial of Hugh Eglonby or Egleby, assayer and comptroller of the
Tower mint. Sovereigns struck at Bristol have W S in monogram as
mint-mark. It is somewhat difficult to distinguish the gold coins of the
fourth and fifth issues as they are identical in type. It may however
be presumed that those on which Roman letters predominate in the
legends are of the later date, as they correspond more in that respect
to the early coinage of Edward VI.
424. Half-Sovereign. Obv. H ERR 10' 8 : D' S' A6U : FRAftCU' Z
HIB' REX : (stops, saltires); m. m. annulet enclosing pellet. Km.^
enthroned as on the preceding. Rev. IMS' AVTE' TRANSI' PER
JTIEDI' ILLOR' : IBAT (stops, saltires); m. m. as on obv. Royal shield
with supporters as on the preceding. A; 1-35. Wt. 97 -0.
There are numerous varieties of this coin. Those with 9 or E under
the shield on the reverse may belong to the first issue of Edward VI
(see note No. 441).
425. Crown. Bristol. Obv. hQftRICiyS 8 : ROSE - SlftS - SPIftGt (stops,
annulet and saltires); m. m. cinquefoil. Double rose crowned betwfvn
h R, both crowned. Rev. D' S' EftSLIS FRE' Z hIB' R6(X
(stops, saltires and trefoils) ; m. m. W S (mon.). Royal shield crowned
between h R, both crowned. AT 1-0. Wt. 48 '1.
Varieties have on the obverse the legend RVTILAftS ROSA SlftQ
SPiriA after the king's name. The half-sovereigns as well as the
crowns and half-crowns are all of London and Bristol.
426. Half-Crown. Bristol. Obv. hQftRIC(' - 8 D' 6' SftG' FR'
Z hIB' RflX (stops, plain); no m. m. Royal shield crowned
between h R. Rev. RUTILKftS : ROSS : SlftS : SPI' (stops,
saltires); m. m. W S (rnon.). Double rose crowned between h R.
A; -75. Wt. 22-2.
Occasionally the obv. and rev. legends are in part transposed as on the
preceding.
HENRY VIII. 8H
427. Shilling. Bristol. Obv. hQRRICC : 8 : D' 6' - K6L' : FREIT : Z Plate xv.
MB' RSX : (stops, saltires). Bust of king facing, as on No. 418. Rev. Sn vn ,
(3IVITSS . . . BRISTOLLI6C (stops, lis) ; m. m. W S (mon.). Double
rose crowned, &c., as on No. 418. ^tl'4. Wt. 120-4.
Struck also in London ; on the coins of which place the rev. legend is
either POSVI DEVm, <fcc., or CUVITKS LOflDOn. The silver coins of
this issue are mainly to be distinguished from those of the previous
one by being of more debased metal, viz. half silver and half alloy.
428. Groat. London (Southwark?). Obv. HENRICT 8 D 6' ASL' FRA' -
Z : HIB' REX (stops, saltires). Bust of king facing, as on No. 418.
Rev. : CUVITSS : : LOHDOU : (stops, saltires). Royal shield on cross
fourchee with S (Southwark ?) in each fork. JR 1-0. Wt. 38 '2.
Struck also at Bristol, Canterbury, and York. Those of Bristol
have usually the mint-mark W S (mon.), and sometimes what appears
to be T C, also in monogram, which may be for Thomas Chamber-
lain, who was also an officer of that mint under Edward VI.
There are no half-groats, which can with any certainty be attributed
to this issue, unless it be the less debased pieces with Roman letters.
429. Penny. Canterbury. Obv. H D G ROSA : SINE : SP (stops,
lozenges). Bust of king facing, as on No. 418. Rev. CIVITAS CANTOR.
Royal shield on cross fourchee. JJ '6. Wt. 7*0.
This is the only mint to which pennies of this issue have been
attributed.
430. Halfpenny. Canterbury. Similar to the Penny, but on the rev. & cross
fourchee with three pellets in each angle. M -5. Wt. 4'5.
Though no halfpence are usually attributed to this and the next
issue, yet it is very probable that those with Roman letters in the
3gends and of base metal were struck during this period.
Fifth Issue (1545).
$1.. Sovereign. Bristol. Obv. HENRIC' 8 - DEI GRA' AGL' FRAN' GOLD.
Z HIB' REX (stops, roses); m. m. W S (mon.). The king enthroned
as on No. 423. Rev. - IHS AVTEM TRANSIENS - PER
MEDIVM ILLOR' IBAT (stops, roses); in. m. W S (mon.). Royal
shield crowned, with supporters as on No. 414. A; 1*5. Wt. 199 '5.
As the legends on this and the following gold pieces are entirely
I oman in character, they belong to the last issue of this reign. They
ippear to have been struck at London and Bristol only.
132. Half-Sovereign. London. Obv. HENRIC' : 8 : Dl' : GRA' : AGLI :
FRANCIE : Z : HIBERN' : REX (stops, lozenges); m. m. annulet
enclosing pellet. The king enthroned, &c., as on the last. Rev. IHS :
AVTEM : TRANSIENS : PER : MEDIVM : ILLORVM : IBAT :
(stops, lozenges) ; m. m. as on obv. Royal shield crowned, &c., as on tho
last, ja 1-3. Wt. 94-6.
The half-sovereigns, which have the name of Henry and which art 1
of similar character to the above, but bear a young portrait of the
king, belong to the first issue of Edward VI (see No. 441).
433. Crown. London. Obv. HENRIC' 8 : RVTILANS' ROSA' SIN'
SP' (stops, lozenges); m. m. martlet. Double rose crowned as on
No. 425. Rev. DEI' - GRA' - AGL' FRA' Z - HIB' - REX (stops,
G 2
84 ENGLISH COINS.
n-itr \v lozenges) ; m. m. as on obv. Crowned shield, &c., as on No. 425. ,v I'O.
Wt.47-2.
j:-5l. Half-Crown. London. Obv. HENRIC : 8 : D : G : 7XGL : FR : Z
HIB : RX : (stops, lozenges) ; m. m. annulet enclosing pellet. Crowned
shield between h R. Rev. RVTILANS : ROSA : SINE : SPI : (stops,
lozenges); in. in. as on obv. Double rose crowned between h R. AI '8.
Wt. 22-1.
The legends on the half-crowns are somewhat varied. Others have
them as on No. 425; whilst a third variety has the RVTILANS ROSA
legend on both sides, but with the king's initials preceding that on the
obverse. The crowns and half-crowns of Bristol have the usual mint-
mark, W S (mon.).
SII.VKU. 435. Shilling. London. Obv. hQnRICC 8 : D' 6' E6U : FRK' Z hIB'
R9X (stops, saltires). Bust of king facing, &c., as on No. 418. Rev.
POSVI : DQVm : KDIVTORIVm : 5Tie(Vm (stops, lozenges); m. m.
annulet enclosing pellet. Double rose crowned, &c., as on No. 418.
ja, 1-25. Wt. 97-5.
Probably struck at London only (Tower and Southwark). On the
reverse the inscription C(IVITA~S LOftDOIT, also occurs and with in. m.
S or Q. This and the next piece are of such very base metal that
they can only be classed to the last issue. They show that the forms
of the letters, Roman or English, are not always a criterion of date.
The metal of this issue is 3- line to alloy.
flat. xvi. 436. Groat. Bristol. Obv. hSflRia 1 : 8 . D' 6' 116' . FRK' Z - MB' -
RQX. Bust facing, as on No. 418. Rev. CUVITKS . . BRISTOLIS (stops,
rosette and lis) ; m. m. W S (mon.). Royal shield on cross fourchee with
lis in each fork. JR 1 0. Wt. 34 6.
These debased groats are also known of Canterbury and London.
The latter have for reverse inscription the usual POSVI DEVM, Arc.,
legend or REDDE CVIQVE QVOD SVVM EST, and m. m. a bow, for
Sir Martin Bowes (see No. 442). The letters are Roman.
437. Half-Groat. London. Obv. HENRIC 8 - D G EGL FR Z HI -
REX (stops, saltires); m. m. uncertain. Bust of king facing, as on
No. 418. Rev. CIVITAS LONDON (stops, saltires); m. m. Q (Hugh
Eglonby?). Shield on cross fourchee. JR -5. Wt. 19'0.
Struck also at Canterbury and York. Those of London have the
reverse legends as on the groat (see the preceding coin). For
particulars of Hugh Eglonby, see note No. 423.
438. Penny. London. Obv. H 8 D G ROSA SINE SPI (stops,
lozenges). Bust of king as before. Rev. RED CVIQ - Q SV - [EST]
(stops, lozenges) ; m. m. bow (Sir Martin Bowes). Royal shield on cross
fourchee. JR -5. Chipped.
These base pennies are also known of Canterbury and York. Others
of London, like those of Canterbury and York, have the mint-name
instead of the above rev. legend. No halfpence or farthings can be
attributed to this issue.
439. ANGLO-GALLIC. Groat of Tournay. Obv. h^nRICC Dl'- 6R7V RSX
FRfiftQ' Z fi(5LI6( (stops, saltires); m. m. <T crowned. Bust of king
to r. in profile, crowned and draped. Rev. GIVITfiS : : TORn,7\Qe(n, y
(stops, saltires) ; m. m. as on obv. Royal shield on cross fourchee. i 1'05.
Wt. 43-7.
Henry held Tournay from Sept. 1513 to Feb. 1519. The above coin
HENRY VIII. 85
is of precisely the same type as the English groat of the first issue of Plate xvi.
Henry VIII, which bears the portrait of his father. SILVER.
440. Groat of Tournay. 1513. Obv. HENRIC' 8 31 GRK FRKNCIE :
ET : SNGLIE : REX (stops, plain). Royal shield, crowned, between lis
and leopard passant. Rev. CIVITAS TORNRCENSIS : 1 : 5 :1 : 3.
JLong cross, voided, each limb crossed with three bars and fourch6e ; in
centre, h, within quatrefoil, and in alternate angles, lis and leopard.
jBl-1. .Wt. 44-3.
A variety also dated 1513 has no lis and leopard at the sides of the
shield : and on the rev. a star in the centre of the cross, nothing in the
.angles, and an inner border of arches. These coins, though possessing
some of the characteristics of the later ones of Henry VIII struck in
England, may from their date have been issued on the taking of
Tournay. The date however may only refer to the capture of the city.
With these pieces the Anglo-Gallic series comes to an end. It had
practically ceased with the reign of Henry VI.
Edward VI. 1547-1553.
COINAGE. Gold. Triple-Sovereign, Double-Sovereign, Sovereign,
Half-Sovereign, Crown, Half- Crown, Angel, and Half -Angel. Silver.
Crown, Half-Crown, Shilling, Sixpence, Groat, Threepence, Half-Groat,
Penny, Halfpenny, and Farthing.
Several changes took place in the fineness of both gold and silver
coins, which considerably affected, as in the previous reign, their
current values.
ISSUES, &c.Gold. Four : 1st issue (1547), Half-Sovereign (96 grs.),
Crown (48 grs.), and Half-Crown (24 grs.), current for 10s., 5s, and 2s. Qd.
respectively ; fineness, 20 cts. gold and 4 cts. alloy. 2nd issue (1549),
Triple-Sovereign (508^ T grs.), Sovereign (169 T 7 T grs.), Half-Sovereign
(84ff- grs.), Crown (42/y grs.), and Half-Crown (21-^ grs.), current
values as 1st issue ; fineness, 22 cts. gold and 2 cts. alloy. 3rd issue
(1550), Double-Sovereign (480 grs.), Sovereign (240 grs.), Angel (80 grs.),
and Half -Angel (40 grs.), current for 2 8s., 1 4s., 8s. and 4s.
respectively ; fineness, 23 cts. 3^ grs. gold and ^ gr. alloy (standard gold).
K' bh issue (1552), Sovereign (174 T R T grs.), Half-Sovereign (87 T 3 T grs.),
rown (43 T 7 r grs.), and Half-Crown (21 T 9 T grs.), current at 20s. to the
>vereigii ; fineness, 22 cts. gold and 2 cts. alloy. Silver. Three : 1st
sue (1547), Groat, Half-Groat, Penny, and Halfpenny, at 10 grs. to
le penny ; fineness, 4 oz. silver to 8 oz. alloy. 2nd issue (1547),
ailling (80 grs.) ; fineness, two series, (a) 3 oz. silver to 9 oz. alloy,
^D) 6 oz. silver to 6 oz. alloy. 3rd issue (1551), Crown, Half-Crown,
.Shilling, Sixpence, Threepence, Penny, Halfpenny, and Farthing, at
8 grs. to the penny ; fineness 11 oz. 1 d wt. silver to 1 9 dwts. alloy,
except the halfpenny and farthing which were much debased. The
penny was of two standards, fine and base.
The new denominations were, in gold, the triple-sovereign, and in
silver the crown, half-crown, sixpence, and threepence. The mints
were, for gold, London, Southwark and Bristol ; and for silver,
London, Southwark, Bristol, and Canterbury.
86 ENGLISH COINS.
First Issue (Gold and Silver 1547).
Plateivu 441. Half-Sovereign. Obv. EDWARD' : 6 : D' - G' AG' FRAN' Z HIB' -
GOLD. REX .- (stops, mascles) ; m.m. E (Hugh Eglonby?). The king enthroned,
holding sceptre and orb ; at his feet, rose ; on each arm of throne, angel.
Eev. IMS' - AVTEM TRANSIE' - PER MEDI' ILUDR' - IBAT -
(stops, mascles) ; m. m. as on obv. Royal shield crowned with supporters,
lion and dragon ; below, 6( and H R (mon.) on tablet. A? 1-2. Wt. 93-0.
For explanation of the m. m. see No. 423. The earliest half-sovereigns
of Edward VI, as has already been mentioned (see No. 432), bear his own
portrait but his father's name. The letters H R on the label below the
shield on the above coin show that it is struck from an altered die of
Henry VIII's coinage. The mint-marks on these coins trefoil and W S,
cinquefoil and W S, and W S only, show that the Bristol mint continued
to strike gold early in this reign, but it ceased to do so before 1549.
442. Crown. Obv. RVTILANS - ROSA SINE SPINE V.V (stops,
mascles) ; m. m. arrow. Rose crowned between E R, each crowned. Eev.
DQI GR7V . 7\6L' FR7V Z MB' . R6(X (steps, trefoils); m. m.
annulet enclosing pellet. Royal shield crowned between h R, each
crowned. A^l'O. Wt. 45-7.
The reverse is also from an old die of Henry VIII's coinage. The
arrow is the mark of Sir Martin Bowes, master of the mint under
Henry VIII and Edward VI. Other marks of his, which occur on
coins of this reign, are the swan, rose, and bow. A variety of the
crown has the king's name preceding his titles on the reverse and E R
crowned at the sides of the shield. Both these coins are unique specimens
(see next coin).
443. Half-Crown. Obv. RVTILANS : ROSA : SINE : SPINE : (stops,
mascles); m. m. arrow. Rose crowned between E R, not crowned.
Rev. EDWARD' 6 - D' G' AG' - FR' - Z HI' REX (stops,
mascles) ; m. m. arrow. Royal shield crowned between E R, not crowned.
AT -8. Wt. 22-0.
The few specimens known of this coin show no varieties.
SILVER. 444. Groat. London. Obv. EDWARD' 6 : D' G' AG' FR' Z HIB' -
REX (stops, mascles) ; m. m. E. Bust of king in profile to r., crowned
and draped. Rev. : CIVI :: TAS :: LON :: DON : (stops, mascles);
m. m. as on obv. Royal shield on cross fourchee. M I'O. Wt. 35 -7.
Struck also at Canterbury. Some of the London groats have the
POSVI DEVM, &c., legend on the reverse.
445. Half-Groat. Canterbury. Obv. EDOARD' 6' D' G' AGU FR' -
Z HI' REX (stops, mascles). Bust of king as on the preceding.
Rev. CIVITAS CANTOR. Royal shield as on the preceding; no in. m.
on either side. M -7. Wt. 15-6.
Struck also at London with the POSVI and CIVITAS legends. The
legend " Edoard " is only a blunder, though it frequently occurs.
446. Penny. Bristol. Obv. BCD' 6 D' 6' ROSE SIRS - SPIRE (stops,
cross after ROSS, trefoil after SIRQ ; others, plain) ; m. m. trefoil. Bust of
king as on the Groat, No. 444. Rev. : CUVITES BR I STOLIQ (stops, cross
andsaltires). Shield on cross fourchee, lis in each fork, zt '65. Wt. 10*6.
Issued also in London with legend as on No. 444 : these have for
m. m. an arrow and the letter E.
EDWARD VI. 87
447. Halfpenny. Bristol. Obv. 0! 6 D' 6' ROSS : SINS SPIR, Plate xvi.
(stops, plain or saltires). Bust of king as on No. 444. Rev. QIVITKS SILVER.
BRISTOLI. Cross fourchee, three pellets in each angle, lis in each
fork, zj -5. Wt. 4-3.
Issued also in London with CIVITAS LONDON ; but of which mint
only two specimens appear to be known.
Second Issue (Gold 1549, and Silver 1547).
448. Triple-Sovereign. Southward Obv. EDWARD' . VI : DEI : GRA' GOLD.
AGU FRAN' ET : HIBER' REX (stops, mascles) ; m. m. Y (Sir
John Yorke). The king enthroned holding sword and orb ; on each arm of
throne stands an angel. Eev. IMS' AVTEM : TRANSIENS : PER
MEDT ILLOR' I BAT (stops, mascles); m. m. as on obv. Royal
shield crowned with supporters ; below on tablet, E R. AI 1-5. Wt. 505*0.
It is probable that this coin is a pattern as it only differs from the
sovereign in weight. Sir John Yorke was master of the mint at
Southwark, which had already been established during the previous
reign (see No. 423). The gold coins of this issue are of the London
and Southwark mints only (see No. 441).
449. Sovereign. Southwark. Same as the preceding ; the obv. is from the same
die. A7 1-5. Wt. 171-3.
Those struck in London have for mint-mark an arrow, one of the
marks of Sir Martin Bowes (see No. 442).
450. Half-Sovereign. London. Obv. SCVTVM FIDEI PROTEGET EVM -
(stops, roses) ; m. m. arrow. Bust of king to r., in profile, head bare,
wearing armour. Rev. EDWARD' VI : D' G' AGU FRA' Z
HIB' REX (stops, lozenges) ; m. m. arrow. Oval shield, garnished and
crowned, between E R. a 1'15. Wt. 83-2.
451. Half-Sovereign. London. Obv. EDWARD' VI : D' G' AGU FRA'
Z : HIB' REX (stops, mascles); m. m. arrow. Bust of king to r., as-
on the preceding, but crowned. Rev. SCVTVM FIDEI PROTEGET
EVM (stops, roses) ; m. m. arrow. Oval shield, &c., as on the preceding.
AT 1-2. Wt. 76-7.
Both the above types were also struck at Southwark and have the
m. m. Y.
452. Crown. Southwark. Same as the Half-Sovereign, No. 450, but stops,
lozenges on obv., roses on rev. ; and m. m. Y. A; '95. Wt. 41' 5.
453. Crown. London. Same as the Half-Sovereign, No. 451, but stops on both
sides, lozenges, and m. m. arrow. AT '95. Wt. 41'5.
Both types exist of London and Southwark.
454. Half-Crown. London. Same as the Half-Sovereign, No. 450, but the legend
on the rev. is EDWAR' VI D' G' AGU FR' Z H' R ; the
letters E R omitted at the sides of the shield, the stops are lozenges, and
m. m. arrow. AT -75. Wt. 20-3.
455. Half-Crown. London. Same as the Half-Sovereign, No. 451 ; but the
legend on the obv. is EDWARD VI D G FR Z HI REX, and
other variations as on the preceding ; m. m. arrow. A/ *7. Wt. 20'7.
Both types exist also of the Southwark mint and bear the m. m. Y.
The mint-marks on the London gold coins of this issue are the arrow,
swan, grappling-iron, martlet and 6.
88 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xvi. 450. Shilling. London. Obv. INIMICOS - EIVS - INDVAM CONFVSIONE
SII vn , (stops, lozenges) ; m. m. bow. Bust of king to r., in profile, crowned and
wearing embroidered doublet. Rev. EDWARD' - VI - D G ANGL -
FRA Z HIB REX (stops, lozenges); m. m. bow. Oval shield,
garnished, between E R. Jitl'25. Chipped.
Shillings with these legends were struck at the Tower only, or
perhaps at Durham House in the Strand where Sir Martin Bowes is
said to have had a mint. They have a bow only for mint-mark. For
the first time since the Conquest the cross on the reverse of the silver
coins is omitted. The legend on the obv. is from Psalm cxxxii. 18.
Sometimes those on the obv. and rev. are transposed.
457. Shilling, 1549. Bristol. Obv. EDWARD' VI : D' G' AGL' FRA' -
Z : HIB' REX (stops, lozenges) ; m. m. t (Thomas Chamberlain). Bust
of king to r., &c., as on the preceding. Rev. TIMOR : DOMINI : FONS :
VIT/E : M : D : XLIX (stops, lozenges) ; m. m. as on obv. Oval shield
&c., as on the preceding. JR 1'15. Wt. 75 '0.
These shillings also have the legends transposed. Besides at Bristol
they were struck at the Tower and Southwark mints. Those of the
Tower are dated 1547-1551 ; those of Southwark 1549, 1550 and 1552 ;
but those of Bristol are of 1549 only. The dates are in Roman letters.
These are the first dated coins in the English series. The Southwark
coins have the mint-mark Y ; those of Bristol t or t C (mon.), and all
the others are of the Tower. The Southwark pieces dated 1552 may
have been struck for currency in Ireland. As the coinage of fine silver
had been established in England in the previous year, it is not probable
that base coins were still issued for currency here. See Irish coins
under Edward VI.
458. Shilling, 1551. London. Same as the preceding, but dated M D L I ;
m. m. lis on both sides, and counter-marked on the obv. with a greyhound.
jRl-2. Wt. 68-6.
These base shillings were decried early in the reign of Elizabeth,
and those counter-marked with a portcullis were ordered to be current
for 4^<7. each, and those with a greyhound for 2^d. The portcullis and
greyhound were both Tudor badges.
Third Issue, Gold (1550).
Plate xvii. 459. Double-Sovereign. Obv. SDWARD' VI' - D : 6 : ARGUa FRAHCUS :
<;'>i,i>. Z : hlBQRR : R9X (stops, saltires) ; m. m. ostrich's head. The king
enthroned holding sceptre and orb ; at his feet, portcullis ; around, arched
tressure. Rev. IhQSV 7WTQM : TRAIlSIQnS : PSR : MEDIVM :
ILLORVM : I BAT (stops, saltires); m. m. as on obv. Royal shield on
double rose within arched tressure; two saltires in each spandril. M 1'7.
Wt. 475-0.
The mint-mark, an ostrich's head, is probably the crest of Sir
Edmund Peckham, high treasurer of the mint from the reign of
Henry VIII to that of Elizabeth. This is the only mint-mark of this
issue, and all the coins were struck at the Tower, though the commission
which ordered their issue was directed to Sir Edmund Peckham, Sir
John Yorke of the Southwark mint and others. From the differences
in the weight of the double-sovereigns, they may only have been pied-
t'orts or patterns of the sovereign. The coins are of standard gold,
EDWAED VI. 89
23 cts. 3| grs. fine and ?, gr. alloy, and from their rarity it would appear Plate xvii.
that this restoration of the old standard metal was not successful in GOLD.
the then debased condition of the silver money.
460. Sovereign. Same as the preceding, but reading h!B6(Rriie(. AT 1-7.
Wt. 237-3.
Half-sovereigns of this issue are not known.
461. Angel. Obv. EDWARD' -VI : D : S : ASL : FRA : Z - hIB : R6(X -
(stops, saltires) ; TO. TO. ostrich's head. The Archangel, St. Michael, piercing
the dragon as on No. 376. Rev. PSR : aRVOQ' TVAM : SALVA :
ROS : XP3' R8D : (stops, saltires) ; TO. m. as onobv. Ship to r., &c., as
on No. 339, but 8 and rose at sides of mast. AT 1-2. Wt. 81 -0.
The half-angel is similar to the angel. It is exceedingly rare. The
so-called six-angel piece in the British Museum is probably a pattern.
It has the usual type of obverse, but on the reverse a ship with three
masts rigged and with colours flying,
Fourth Issue, Gold (1552) ; and Third Issue, Silver (1551).
462. Sovereign. Southwark. Obv. : 6CDWARD' VI : D' : (2' : ASL' :
FRAft' : Z : hIB' : RflX : (stops, lozenges) ; TO. TO. Y. Half-length figure
of the king to r., in profile, crowned and in armour, and holding sword
and orb. Rev. IhS' AVT6Utt : TRAnCU' P6(R ttlQDI' : ILLOR' :
I BAT (stops, lozenges) ; TO. TO. as on obv. Royal shield, crowned and
with supporters ; below on tablet, E R. A7 1'45. Wt. 172-8.
All the gold coins of this issue were struck at the Tower and
Southwark mints. Those of the Tower have for mint-mark a ton,
being a rebus on the last syllable of the name of Nicholas Throgmorton,
5ter of the mint, and those of Southwark the letter Y, the initial of
>ir John Yorke.
33. Half-Sovereign. Southwark. Obv. : 8DVVARD' VI : D' - S' ASL' :
FRA' - Z HIB' R6(X : (stops, lozenges); m. TO. Y. Half-length
figure of the king, as on the preceding. Rev. IhS' AVT6C TRAftC(l'
P3R mSD' ILLO' IBA' (stops, lozenges) ; m. TO. Y. Square shield
crowned between E R. A7 1'25. Wt. 86-2.
Both the sovereign and the half-sovereign vary slightly in the
legends, but there are 110 varieties of the crown and half-crown.
464. Crown. London. Obv. Same as the Half-Sovereign, but m. TO. ton.
Rev. SaVTVJTl : FID6U : PROTSSQT : SVm : (stops, lozenges); TO. m.
ton. Square shield as on the Half-Sovereign. A7 1-0. Wt. 43-0.
465. Half-Crown. London. Same as the Crown but the legends are, obv.
6CDWARD' VI D' S : A' FR' Z hIB' R6(X : (stops,
lozenges) ; rev. SCXVTVm FID6U PROTSS SVfll - (stops, lozenges );
TO. TO. ton on both sides. A/ -75. Chipped.
466. Crown, 1551. Southwark. Obv. 3D WARD' : VI : D' : S' : ASL' : SIIVEK.
FRAIICC : Z : hIBSR' : R0X (stops, lozenges); TO. m. Y. King
holding sword on horse richly caparisoned and cantering to r. ; below,
1551. Rev. : POSVI : DeWU : ADIVTOR6C : 5T16(V' : (stops, lozenges) ;
m. m. as on obv. Square shield on cross fourchee. M 1'7. Wt. 479'0.
This is the first silver crown in the English series. Those struck at
the Tower with m. m. ton are dated 1551, 1552 and 1553 ; but those
of Southwark with m. in. Y are of 1551 only. These are the only
90 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xvii. mints of the crown, half-crown and shilling. With the exception of
SILVER, the smaller denominations the silver coins of this issue are 1 1 oz. 1 dwt.
fine to 19 dwts. of alloy ; very nearly the standard at the time of the
Conquest.
467. Half-Crown, 1551. Southwark. Same as the Crown, but the horse is
walking and has a plume on its head, and the legends vary FR7V Z :
hIB' and D3V - ; in. m. Y. M 1-4. Wt. 238'0.
The half-crowns are of the same dates and mints as the crowns. On
those of the Tower of 1551 and 1552 the horse is cantering, but 011
those of 1553 it is walking. On all the London pieces the horse is
without a plume on its head.
468. Shilling. Tower. Obv. SDWARD' VI : D' 6' A6U FR7V Z'
hIB' R6(X (stops, lozenges); m. m. ton. Bust of king facing, crowned,
wearing ermine robe and collar of the Garter; a rose to 1., and XII ( = 12d.)
to r. Rev. Same as the Half-Crown ; m. m. ton. JR 1-3. Wt. 90-5.
Those struck at Southwark have the usual mint-mark Y . This is
the first instance of the mark of value occurring in the English coinage.
469. Sixpence. York. Same as the Shilling; but mark of value VI ( 6d.) on
obverse and inscription on reverse, COVITAS 6(BORAC(I ; m. m. mullet
pierced, on both sides. JR 1-05. Wt. 47 -3.
Struck also at the Tower and Southwark, but with the usual POSVI
D6(V5Tl, &c., legend on the reverse and mint-marks ton and Y.
470. Threepence. London. Same as the Shilling, No. 468, but with mark
of value III (= 3d.) on the obverse; in. m. ton on both sides. JR '8.
Wt. 23-3.
A variety has a rose for m. m. on the rev. None are known of
Southwark, but those struck at York have the same rev. legend and
mint-mark as on the preceding coin.
471. Penny. London. Obv. 8 D 6 ROSA SlftS SP (stops, lozenges) ;
m. m. ton. King enthroned, holding sceptre and orb. Ecv. (XI VITAS
LONDON ; in. m. as on obv. Square shield on cross fourchee. st '6.
Wt. 8-3.
The penny of fine silver is of the Tower mint only.
472. Penny, base. London. Obv. : E : D : G : ROSA : SINE : SPINA :
(stops, lozenges) ; m. m. scallop. Full-blown double rose. Ecv. C I VITAS
LONDON. Same as the preceding; no m. m. M -65. Wt. 12'5.
Struck also at York with m. m. mullet pierced and CIVITAS EBOR ACI.
473. Halfpenny, base. London. Same as the preceding, but the rose is single
and the obv. legend reads SPI for SPINA. M -45. Wt. 6'8.
Halfpence and farthings of base metal were struck at the Tower only.
474. Farthing, base. London. Obv. E D G [ROSA ] SINE SPI (stops,
lozenges). Portcullis. Rev. CIVITAS [LONDON]. Cross pattee, three
pellets in each angle. M -3. Wt. 3 -2.
With the reign of Edward VI the local mints came to an end, and
henceforth, with two notable exceptions, all the coins both in gold and
silver were struck at the Tower mint. The exceptions occurred during
the reign of Charles I and the period of the Civil War, and in 1696 on
the occasion of the great re-coinage of silver money (see p. 137).
MAEY. 91
Mary (alone). 1553-1554. PlatexviL
COINAGE. Gold. Sovereign, Ryal, Angel, and Half-Angel. Silver.
Groat, Half -Groat, and Penny.
Mary's coinage is of two periods, that struck before her marriage
(1553-1554), and that after her marriage (1554-1558). The above are
the denominations of the first period.
ISSUES, &c. There was only one issue of gold and silver ; but the
standard of both metals was varied from that of the last coinage of
Edward VI. In the gold the old standard at 23 cts. 3^ grs. fine and
4- gr. alloy was restored ; but the silver was reduced to 11 oz. fine and
1 oz. alloy, an exception being made in the case of the base penny,
which was 3 oz. fine and 9 oz. alloy.
The weights and current values of the gold were : sovereign 240 grs.,
ryal 120 grs., angel 80 grs., and half-angel 40 grs. ; current for 30s.,
15s., 10s., and 5s. respectively. The silver coins were at 8 grs. to the
penny ; but the base penny weighed 12 grs.
All the coins are of the Tower mint.
475. Sovereign. 1553. Obv. mi\R\l\ : : D' : 6' : AflSU FRfi' Z : hIB' : GOLD.
RQSIIT.A : m : D : LIU (stops, annulets; pomegranate after JTlfiRlfi).
Queen enthroned, holding sceptre and orb ; at her feet, portcullis ; around,
arched tressure. Rev. K : DflO' F7XC(TV' - 9ST : ISTV Z : 8ST :
JftlRTV IH : OQVL' : flRIS' : (stops, annulets; pomegranate after
DUO). Eoyal shield on double rose within arched tressure, lis and leaf at
alternate angles. A7 1-7. Wt. 235 -9.
This type is copied from sovereigns of the third coinage of
Edward VI. This coin is also dated MDLIIII. They are the first
dated gold coins of the English series. The pomegranate was the badge
tof Katherine of Aragon, mother of Mary.
176. Ryal. 1553. Obv. STlfiRlfi - D' 6' 7KR.G' FR7T - X hIB' Plate xviii.
RQ6IR7X fll D Llll (stops, annulets; pomegranate after 5YlfiRIA).
Queen holding sword and shield standing in ship, similar to No. 354 ; but
the mast has a top-castle and at stern the flag is marked with the letter M.
Rev. ft : DnO' FfiaTV 9ST : ISTVD . X 6(ST miRfiBI' IR, :
OC(VL' RRI' (stops, annulets). Floriated cross with rose on sun in
centre and lions and crowns in angles, &c., similar to No. 354. A; 1-4.
Wt. 118-8.
With but slight variations this coin is of the same type as the rose-
noble of Edward IV ; but it has a different legend on the reverse. It
is exceedingly rare and is only known of the above date.
477. Angel. Obv. 5TlfiRlfi : : D' S' ftHS' FR7V X : hIB' R9SIIT
(stops, annulets ; pomegranate after JT17X R I ft). The Archangel, St. Michael,
piercing the dragon as on No. 376. Rev. A DftO' F7\C(TV' 6(ST :
ISTVD Z 9ST : JTURfiBI' ~& (stops, annulets; pomegranate after
ISTVD). Ship to r., &c., as on No. 339; at sides of mast M and rose.
AT 1-15. Wt. 80-5.
The type of the angel and half-angel remained the same as previously ;
but as in the case of the ryal the legends on the reverses were changed.
The sign after JTllRfiBI is for etcetera. On some the obverse legend
is in Roman letters.
92 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xviii. 478. Half-Angel. Obv. MARIA D' <3' ft' FR' Z hIB' RQSI' (stops,
GOLD annulets; pomegranate after SYIARIA). Same as the Angel. Rev. A
DRO' FACrrV 6(ST ISTVD : S : ~& (stops, annulets; pome-
granate after QST). Same as the Angel, jv -85. Wt. 38-3.
The half-angels are exceedingly rare and show but very slight
varieties.
SILVER. 479. Groat. Obv. MARIA . . D' 6' AftS' FRA' - X hIB' RSSr - (stops,
annulets; pomegranate after HIARIA). Bust of queen to 1., in profile,
crowned and wearing necklace with pendant cross. Rev. V6CRITAS
T6UUPORIS FILIA (pomegranate after VSRITAS). Square shield on cross
fourchee. JR 1-0. Wt. 29-6.
The groats only differ in reading FR or FRA, and ET for X. During
the reign of Elizabeth they were counter-marked with a portcullis and
made current for 2\d. The motto on the reverse was adopted by
Mary with the device of " Time drawing Truth out of a pit " ; an
allusion to her attempts at a reconciliation with Rome.
480. Half-Groat. Same as the Groat, but TV for APIS and FR for FRA in the
obverse legend, and T6UTIPO for T6URPORIS in that .of the reverse.
K -75. Wt. 16-2.
There are no varieties of the half-groat.
481. Penny. Obv. M' D' G' ROSA : SINE : SPINA (stops, lozenges;
pomegranate after ROSA). Bust of queen as on No. 479. Eev. VERITAS
TEMP FILIA (pomegranate after VERITAS). Square shield on cross
fourchee. ja -6. Wt. 10-9.
The penny with this reverse legend is exceedingly rare. A variety
has the mint-name CIVITAS LONDON, and sometimes the date [15]53.
The base penny is similar but has a full-blown rose on the obverse
instead of the bust of the queen. The reverse is the same as No. 481,
but with the mint-name as on the variety of that piece.
Philip and Mary. 1554-1558.
COINAGE. Gold. Angel and Half-Angel. Silver. Half-Crown, Shil-
ling, Sixpence, Groat, Half-Groat, and Penny.
ISSUES, tfcc. Gold. One : Angel and Half-Angel. Silver. Two :
1st issue (1554), Groat, Half-Groat, and Penny ; 2nd issue (1554-
1557), Half-Crown, Shilling, and Sixpence.
The gold and silver coins are of the same weight and fineness as
those of Mary, the silver being at 8 grs. to the penny, except the
base piece of that denomination which weighed 12 grs.
They were struck only at the Tower.
OOLD. 482. Angel. Obv. PHILIP' . Z : MARIA : D' . G' REX Z : REGINA :
AN' ; m. m. lis. The Archangel, St. Michael, piercing the dragon as on
No. 477. Ecv. A' DNO' FACTVM : EST : ISTVD : Z EST -
MIRABILE; m. in. lis. Ship to r., &c., as on No. 477; but at sides of
mast P M. jvl'15. Wt. 79'3.
The angels vary only slightly in the inscriptions. On the gold and
early silver coins Philip uses the title of King of England only, but on
PHILIP AND MARY. 03
the later silver pieces his Neapolitan and Spanish titles are generally Plate
yiven (see Nos. 488, 489). The lis is the only mint-mark found on (; '"
the gold coins and on those of fine silver.
483. Half-Angel. Same as the Angel, but the obv. legend ends REG I', and that
on the rev. MIR'. ; m. in. lis. AT -85. Wt. 38 '7.
There appear to be no varieties of this coin, which is very rare.
. Groat. 1st issue. Obv. PHILIP ET MARIA - D G REX ET su.v
REGINA; m. in. lis. Bust of queen to 1., as on No. 479. Rev.
POSVIMVS DEVM ADIVTO NOS ; m. m. lis. Square shield on cross
fourchee, as on No. 479. JR -95. Wt. 30-0.
Groats only differ in reading Z for ET in the obverse legend.
485. Half-Groat. 1st issiie. Same as the Groat, but a pearl instead of a cross is
suspended from the necklace, and the legend on the reverse reads
POSVIM for POSVIMVS. JR -75. Wt. 16-3.
There are no varieties of the half-groat.
486. Penny. 1st issue. London. Obv. P Z M D G ROSA SINE
SPINE; m. m. lis. Bust of queen to 1., as on No. 479; but pearl instead
of cross attached to necklace. Rev. Cl VITAS LONDON; m.m. lis. Square
shield on CBOSS fourchee. M -6. Wt. 9'0.
A variety reads SPIN- This is the only variety known.
487. Penny, base. 1st issue. London. Same as the preceding, but reading SPI
for SPINE and double rose instead of the queen's bust on the obverse;
m. m. rose on obverse only. M '65. Wt. 12-0.
These two types of the penny resemble those of Mary before her
marriage (see No. 481 and note). The full weight of the base penny
fs 12 grs. Varieties only differ in reading SPI, SPIN, or SPINfi.
. Half-Crown. 1554. 2nd issue. Obv. PHILIPPVS D G R ANG
FR NEAP PR HISP. Bust of Philip to r., in armour; above,
crown; below, date, 1554. Rev. MARIA - D G R ANG FR
NEAP PR HISP. Bust of Mary to 1., in high embroidered dress, cap
and veil ; above, crown dividing date, 1 554. jsl'25. Wt. 229*0.
This coin may have been a pattern, as only three specimens are
known, and in the order for striking shillings and sixpences no
mention is made of the half-crown.
489. Shilling. 2nd issue. Obv. PHILIP ET MARIA D G R ANG
FR - NEAP PR HISP. Busts of Philip and Mary face to face ; above
their heads, a crown. Rev. POSVIMVS - DEVM ADIVTOREM
NOSTRVM. Oval garnished shield, arms of Spain and England quarterly ;
above, crown dividing mark of value XII. M 1'25. Wt. 96*0.
There were several varieties of the shilling as follows : (a) without
date or mark of value ; (b) with mark of value on the reverse, but no
date ; (c) with dates, 1554 or 1555, above the heads and mark of value
on the reverse ; (d) as last with date 1555 under busts. Some omit
the Neapolitan and Spanish titles, and give the English ones only ;
and also read ADIVTO R I VM.
94 ENGLISH COINS.
iii. 490 Sixpence. 1554. 2nd issue. Same as the preceding, but date 1554 above
SIIVK1 , the heads, and mark of value VI on the reverse. JR 1'05. Wt. 46' 1.
Struck in 1554, 1555, and 1557, with dates above the busts.
Varieties of 1554 and 1557 have the dates under the busts. Those
dated 1557 have the lis mint-mark. The Neapolitan and Spanish
titles only occur on those dated 1554. Quarter-shillings or three-
pences were also ordered, but none are known, and if any groats or
smaller coins were struck between 1554 and 1558 they must have been
of the same types as those of the first issue.
Elizabeth. 1558-1603.
COINAGE. Gold. Sovereign, Ryal, Half -Sovereign, Crown, Half-
Crown, Angel, Half- Angel, and Quarter-Angel. Silver. Crown, Half-
Crown, Shilling, Sixpence, Groat, Threepence, Half-Groat, Three
Halfpence, Penny, Three Farthings, and Halfpenny.
ISSUES, &c. The gold coins hammered and milled are of the two
standards, known as " standard gold " and " crown gold," the former
being 23 cts. 3 grs. fine and ^ gr. alloy, and the latter 22 cts. fine and
2 cts. alloy. The issues and current values of the two standards w< Te-
as follows: Standard Gold Coinage: Sovereign (15581561; 1584
1601), 240 grs., current for 30s. (20s. from 1561-1572); Eyal (1560-
1572; 1584-1601), 120 grs., current for 15s. (10s. from 1561-1572);
Angel (1558-1578 ; 1578-1582 ;* 1582-1601), 80 grs., current for 10*.
(6s. Sd. from 1561-1572); Half-Angel (issues as the Angel), 40 grs.,
current for 5s. (3s. 4d. from 1561-1572) ; Quarter- Angel (issues as the
Angel), 20 grs., current for 2s. 6d. (Is. Sd. from 1561-1572). Crown
Gold Coinage: Sovereign (1561-1572 ; 1592-1601 ; 1601-2 f), 174/' r grs.,
current for 20s. (13s. 4d. from 1561-1572) ; Half-Sovereign (1558-1572 ;
1592-1601 ; 1601-2), 87^ grs., current for 10s. (6s. Sd. from 1561-
1572) ; Crown (issues as the Half-Sovereign), 43 T 7 T grs., current for
fix. (3s. 4d. from 1561-1572) ; and Half-Crown (issues as the Half-
Sovereign), 21 r r grs., current for 2*. Qd (1*. Sd. from 1561-1572).
The milled gold coins (see below) struck from 1561-1572, consisted of
the Half-Sovereign, Crown, and Half-Crown. They were of crown gold,
and were of the same weights and current values as the hammered
money. Silver. The silver coins are also of two kinds, those struck by
the old process of the hammer ; and those struck by the mill and screw,
and known as milled money. The latter comprised the Half-Crow n,
Shilling, Sixpence, Groat, Threepence, Half-Groat, Penny, and Three
Farthings only. The weight of the silver money was at 8 grs. to the
Penny till 1601, when it was reduced to 7H , ! grs., and its fineness
11 oz. pure to 1 oz. alloy to 1561, when it was restored to 11 oz.
'2 dwts. pure and 18 dwts. alloy, at which standard it has remained
till the present time.
* The weights of the Angel and its divisions were slightly reduced during the
period 1578-1582.
t In 1601-2 the weight of the sovereign was reduced to 171^ grs., and its
divisions in like proportions.
ELIZABETH. 95
By the proclamation of 30th June, 1561, which regulated the relative Plate xviii.
values of the standard gold and crown gold coins, that of the shilling
was reduced to 8d., the sixpence to 4<L, the threepence to 2d., and
the three halfpence to Id. As the groats, half-groats, and pennies
could not be reduced in value one by one, it was ordered that three
groats should be current for 8d., and the others in proportion.
Patterns for a copper coinage consisting of the twopence, penny,
halfpenny and farthing were made in 1601, but none were struck for
circulation (see Montagu, Copper Coinage, 2nd ed., pp. 1-6).
All the gold and silver coins are of the Tower mint.
491. Sovereign (1584-1601). Obv. ELIZABETH : D' - G' ANG' - FRA' - ET : STANDARD
HIB' REGINA :; m. m. scallop. The queen enthroned holding sceptre GOLD.
and orb ; at her feet portcullis with chain on each side ; all within arched
tressure. Bev. A DNO' FACTV EST ISTVD ET EST
MIRAB' IN OCVLIS MRS; m. m. scallop. Square shield on
double rose within arched tressure, lis and leaf alternately at angles.
AT 1-7. Wt. 235-4.
The sovereigns of 1558-1561 vary in having the tressure around the
field divided by the back of the throne, and usually no chains attached
to the portcullis. The more precise dates of the issues of the gold
coins and those of the undated silver can be ascertained by reference to
the mint-marks on the sixpences and other dated coins of this reign (see
lists of mint-marks in Appendix A).
492. Eyal (1584-1601). Obv. QLIZ7XB' . D' 6' fiRS' - FR' QT MB' Plate xix.
R 6(6 1 ft ft ; m. m. trefoil. The queen nearly facing, standing in ship and
holding sceptre and orb ; ship witb high quarterdeck and rose on its side ; at
prow, flag with 6(. Rev. IhS' 7WT' TR7WSie(HS P9R ttWDIV' -
ILLORVJft IB7\T ; m. m. crescent. Floriated cross, as on No. 476, but
a trefoil in each spandril of the tressure. AT 1 35. Wt. 118 0.
There are no ryals known which can be classed to the issue of
[560-1572. The earliest extant specimens are of about 1582.
arieties have the obv. legend reading "Elizabet. Angl. Ma. D. G. P.
\ A. L. Regina," &c., or " Elizab. D. G. Ang. Fr. Z. M. Pr. C. A. L.
egina," the meaning of which has not been satisfactorily explained.
"icy are of rather coarse work, and were not unlikely struck in the Low
miitries.
Angel (1558-1578). Obv. ELIZABETH : D' - G' - ANG' FR' - ET :
HI' REGINA; m. m. cinquefoil. The Archangel piercing the dragon,
as on Angels of Henry VII (see No. 376). Ecv. A : DNO' - FACTVM :
EST : ISTVD : ET : EST : MIRABI'; m. m. cinquefoil. Ship as on
Angels of Henry VI (see No. 339) ; but sailing to 1. with two ropes from
prow and three from stern; at sides of mast E and rose. A/ I'l.
Wt. 79-4.
A variety has the ship sailing to r. The angels, half and quarter-
of the various issues are very similar in type and legends.
ley can only be distinguished by their mint-marks.
I. Half- Angel (1578-1582) . Same as the Angel, but reading M I R A f or M I R A B I ,
and ship sailing to r., with two ropes from stern and one from prow ; m. m.
cross on both sides. AT '8. Wt. 39-0.
Half-angels and quarter-angels are all of the above type, and the
ship is always to r.
96 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xix. 495. Quarter-Angel (1558-1578). Obv. ELIZABETH : D G ANG : FRANCIE ;
STANDARD w. m. acorn. The Archangel, &c., as on No. 493. Rev. ET HIBERNIE
GOLD. REGINA FIDEIj; m. m. acorn. Ship to r., &c., as on the preceding.
A/ -6. Wt. 19-8.
The angel and its divisions were not struck after 1601.
ritllWN 49C. Sovereign (1592-1601). Obv. ELIZABETH : D' G' - ANG' FRA' -
ET : HIB' - REGINA; m.m. ton. Bust of queen to 1., in profile, crowned,
wearing ruff and dress richly decorated ; hair long and much spread ; the
crown pierces the inner circle. Rev. SCVTVM : FIDEI : PROTEGET :
EAM ; m. m. ton. Square shield crowned between E R. & 1-5.
Wt. 171-5.
The sovereigns of 1561-1572 have the queen's bust in an ermine
mantle, somewhat smaller, and with less profusion of hair. They are
very rare, and the legend on the rev. reads IHS AVTEM TRANS, &c.
Those of 1601-2 are similar to the above.
497. Half-Sovereign (1558-1572). Similar to the preceding; but reading HI.
for HIB. and the bust of the queen is in dress less decorated, and
the crown does not pierce the inner circle ; hair less spread ; m. m. rose on
both sides. A/ 1-2. Pierced.
The half-sovereigns of 1592 and later issues are similar to No. 496 (see
No. 499).
498. Half-Sovereign, milled (1561-1572). Similar to the preceding ; but reading
HIB. for HI., and the bust of the queen larger and in dress more richly
decorated; no inner circle on either side; m.m. lis on both sides. A7 1-15.
Wt. 92-6.
The new process of coining by means of the mill and screw, as distin-
guished from the simple one of striking with the hammer was intro-
duced in 1561 into England from France by Eloye Mestrell. It met
with little favour from the authorities of the mint, and but few coins
were struck by this process after 1572, and it was not generally
adopted till the reign of Charles II. The milled coins of this reign are
easily distinguished from the hammered ones in being of neater and
sharper work, and in having 110 inner circle on either side.
499. Half-Sovereign (1592-1601). Similar to the Sovereign, No. 496, but the
crown only touches the inner circle, and the obv. legend reads HI. for
HIB.; m. m. ton. AT 1-25. Wt. 86-0.
This is rather an exceptional variety of this issue, as the crown
generally pierces the inner circle.
500. Crown (1558-1572). Same as the Half-Sovereign (No. 497), but reading FR.
for FRA., and m. m. lion on both sides. A7 -85. Wt. 40-4.
The crowns and half-crowns of the later issues show the same variety
of bust as the half-sovereigns.
501. Crown, milled (1561-1572). Same as the milled Half-Sovereign, No. 498 ;
and m. m. lis on both sides. A/ '9. Wt. 43 -1.
502. Crown (1592-1601). Same as the Half-Sovereign, No. 499, but reading
HIB REG I' ; the crown divides the inner circle, and m. m. ton on both
sides. A/ -9. Wt. 43-4.
503. Half-Crown (1558-1572). Obv. ELIZABETH : D' - G' AN' FR'
ET HI' REGINA; m. m. cross crosslet. Bust of queen as on No. 497.
Rev. Same as rev. of No. 496; m. m. cross crosslet. AI -65. Wt. 19 -3.
ELIZABETH.
97
504. Half-Crown, milled (1561-1572). Same as tho Half-Sovereign, No. 498;
but m. m. star on both sides. AT '6. Wt. 20-1.
505. Half-Crown (1592-1601). Same as the Sovereign, No. 496, but the obv.
legend reads ELIZAS' D' G' ANG' - FR' ET HI' REGI' ;
m. m. annulet on both sides.
The mint-mark annulet or O may refer to the date 1600, as the numerals
1 and 2 do to 1601 and 1602 on the silver coins (see next coin). Nearly
each denomination of the gold coins shows some slight variations in
the legend.
506. Crown. 1601. Obv. ELIZABETH : D' G' ANG' . FRA' . ET :
HIBER' REGINA; m. m. I ( = 1601). Bust of queen to 1., in profile,
crowned, in rich dress and ruff, and holding sceptre and orb. Rev.
: POSVI : DEVM : ADIVTOREM : MEVM; in. m. as on obv. Square
garnished shield on cross fourchee. & 1*7. Wt. 455 -8.
Crowns and half-crowns of the hammered series were only struck
in 1601 and 1602 ; the latter have the mint-mark 2.
507. Half-Crown. 1601. Same as the preceding in all respects except in size
and weight. JR 1 ' 4. Wt. 232 0.
The milled half-crown, which is of the same type as the shilling
No. 512, was only struck as a pattern. It has the lis mint-mark, which
would place its issue between 156770. Two specimens only are known.
508. Shilling. Obv. ELIZABETH . D G - ANG - FRA - ET HIB
REGINA ; m. m. martlet. Bust of queen to 1., in profile, crowned, in ruff
and embroidered dress. Rev. POSVI DEVM ADIVTOREM MEVM;
in. m. as on obv. Square shield on cross fourchee. JR 1-2. Wt. 95 '5.
This shilling has no inner circle on either side. It is an exception.
It appears to be the earliest variety, as it was struck in the first year
of the queen's reign. Shillings are never dated, but their order of issue
can be ascertained from the dated coins, sixpences, &c., which bear the
le mint-marks (see list of mint-marks, Appendix A).
). Shilling. Same as the preceding; but the obv. legend reads ELIZAS'
D' G' - ANG' FR' ET : HIB' - REGI', and on rev. MEV. for
MEVM ; inner circle on both sides ; m. m.K. & 1-3. Wt. 91'4.
The mint-mark shows that this shilling was struck in 1582. The
lillings of the first three years read ELIZABETH or E LIZ BETH ; all
le later ones have ELIZAB. No hammered shillings appear to have
been struck between 1561 and 1582.
510. Shilling. Same as the preceding, but the queen's dress is more richly
decorated and her hair more spread; m. m. key on both sides. M -25.
Wt. 95-0.
Struck in 1595. The bust corresponds with that on the gold coins
the same time.
511. Shilling. Same as the preceding, but the obv. legend reads REGINA, and
the shield on the rev. is garnished; m. in. key on both sides. t 1'25.
Wt, 94-3.
Struck in 1595. This coin is of particularly fine work, and is so
evenly struck, that it may have been executed by the mill. It is the
only issue with a garnished shield, and may therefore have been intended
as a pattern.
II
Plate xix.
CROWN
GOLD.
SILVER.
98 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xx. 512. Shilling, milled. Same as No. 508, no inner circle on either side ; m. m.
star on both sides. JR 1-15. Wt. 96 '5.
Struck in 1561, the first year of issue of milled silver coins. They
are known of only two other mint-marks, the lis and mullet (1567
and 1574).
513. Sixpence. 1566. Obv. ELIZABETH : D' G' - ANG' FR' ET : HI'
REGINA; m. m. portcullis. Bust of queen as on No. 508; behind, rose.
Rev. POSVI DEV ADIVTOREM MEV ; m. m. as on obv. Square
shield on cross fourchee ; above, 1566. M 1-0. Wt. 48 -5.
The sixpence, both hammered and milled, was first struck in 1561,
and of the former there is a continuous series, dated to 1602. These
bear often several mint-marks in the same year. The other dated coins
are the threepence, the three halfpence, and the three farthings.
The dated coins are also distinguished from the undated ones by
having a rose behind the queen's bust.
514. Sixpence, milled. 1561. Same as the preceding, but reading FRA., HIB.,
DEVM and MEVM ; the queen's dress is more decorated; no inner circle
on either side ; and m. m. star ; date, 1 561 . JR 1 0. Wt. 49 3.
The milled sixpences extend from 1561 to 1575;a few of the inter-
mediate dates are however missing. They show slight varieties of obv.
and rev. types (see Nos. 515, 516).
515. Sixpence, milled. 1562. Same as the preceding, but bust smaller and dress
less decorated; date, 1562 ; same m. m. M 1*0. Wt. 44-0.
516. Sixpence, milled. 1566. Same as No. 514, but bust larger and dress more
decorated; cross on rev. pattee ; date, 1566; same m. m. M 1*0.
Wt. 47-0.
This variety of cross on the reverse is also found on milled sixpences
dated 1562, 1563, and 1564.
517. Groat. Same as the Sixpence, No. 513, but reading HIB., no rose behind
the bust of the queen ; and no date ; m. m. cross crosslet on both sides.
JR -95. Wt. 31-0.
All the hammered groats were struck before 1561. They have for
mint-marks, mullet, cross crosslet, and lis. Some are without the inner
circle on either side.
518. Groat, milled. Same as the Sixpence, No. 514, but no rose behind the
bust, and no date ; m. m. star on both sides. M '9. Wt. 30-8.
This is the only type and mint-mark of the milled groat. It is pro-
bably of the year 1561.
519. Threepence. 1561. Same as the Sixpence, No. 513, but reading HIB. for
HI., and date, 1561 ; m. m. pheon on both sides, x, '15. Wt. 23 -5.
Like the sixpence, the threepence is always dated. It was first
struck in 1561, and, together with the three halfpence and three
farthings, was discontinued after 1582.
520. Threepence, milled. 1562. Same as the Sixpence, No. 514, but date 1562 ;
m. m. star, zi '8. Wt. 23-8.
These appear to be only of 1561, 1562, 1563, 1564, 1574 and 1575.
ELIZABETH. 99
521. Half-Groat. 1st type. Same as the Groat, No. 517 ; but m. m. martlet. Plate xx.
K'l. Wt. 14-2. SILVKK.
The issue of the half -groat ceased for a while in 1577, and when it
was revived in 1582, the type and legends were somewhat changed (see
the next coin), and this change was preserved till the end of the reign.
522. Half-Groat. 2nd type. Obv. E' D' G' ROSA SINE SPINA;
m. m. scallop. Bust of queen to 1., in profile, crowned, in ruff and
embroidered dress ; behind, two dots to indicate the value. Rev. C I VITAS
LONDON; m. m. as on obv. Square shield on cross fourchee. 2R - 7.
Wt. 15-7.
See note to No. 521.
523. Half-Groat, milled. Same as the Groat, No. 518; same m. m. M '7.
Wt. 14-0.
This is the only type and mint-mark of the milled half -groat.
524. Three Halfpence. 1561. Same as the Half-Groat, No. 522 ; but behind bust
of queen is a rose ; and on rev. 1 561 above the shield ; m. m. pheon on both
JR -6. Wt. 13-3.
None were struck after 1582. No specimen of the milled three
halfpence has been met with.
525. Penny. Same as the Half-Groat, No. 522 ; but m. m. cross crosslet. .ai 55.
Wt. 9-0.
The pennies are undated, except those struck in 1558, which have
the date in the obv. legend. The milled penny of 1567 with the mint-
mark lis is mentioned by Ruding and Snelling ; but no specimen is now
known.
526. Three Farthings. 1573. Same as the Three Halfpence, No. 524 ; but date,
1573 ; m. m. acorn. M -55. Wt. 6'0.
None struck after 1582.
527. Three Farthings, milled. 1563. Same as the Three Halfpence, No. 524 ; but
dress of queen more decorated ; cross pattee instead of cross fourchee on
the rev. ; no inner circles ; and date, 1563 ; m. m. star. M *5. Wt. 6 '8.
Struck in 1563 only.
528. Halfpenny. Obv. Portcullis; above, m. m. A. Rev. Cross moline, three
pellets in each angle. M -35. Wt. 3-9.
Though there exist halfpennies with mint-mark a cross crosslet,
struck before 1561, they do not appear to be mentioned in any
indentures before 1582 ; after that date they were frequently struck.
The above piece belongs to the period 1582-84. Some are without
any mint-marks. These were probably struck before 1582.
James I. 1603-1625.
COINAGE. Gold. Sovereign or Unite, Half-Sovereign or Double-
Crown, Crown or Britain Crown, Half-Crown, Thistle Crown, AngeJ,
Half- Angel, Rose Ryal or Thirty Shilling Piece, Spur Ryal or Fifteen
Shilling Piece, Laurel, Half-Laurel, and Quarter-Laurel. Silver.
Crown, Half-Crown, Shilling, Sixpence, Half-Groat, Penny, and Half-
penny. Copper. Farthing.
H 2
100 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xx. As in the previous reign the gold coins were of two standards,
i.e. standard gold and crown gold.
ISSUES, &c.Gold. Four. 1st issue (1603-1604), Sovereign, Half-
Sovereign, Crown or Quarter-Sovereign, and Half-Crown or Eighth Sove-
reign, Crown gold, weight 171^ grs. to the Sovereign, current for 20s. ;
the others in proportion. 2nd issue (1604-1619), Unite, Double-Crown,
Britain Crown, Half-Crown and Thistle Crown, Crown gold, weight
154|f grs. to the Unite, current for 20s., the others in proportion, but
the Thistle Crown, 30!} grs. and current for 4*. 3rd issue (1 605-1619),
Rose Ryal,* 213^ grs., current for 30s. ; Spur Ryal, 106f grs., current
for 15s. ; Angel, 71^ grs., current for lO.s-., and Half-Angel,f 36 grs. r
current for 5s. Qd., Standard gold. 4th issue (1619-1625), Rose Ryal
or Thirty Shilling Piece, 196j* T grs., current for 30s. ; Spur Ryal or
Fifteen Shilling Piece, 98 T 2 T grs., current for 15s., and Angel, 65, ; \- grs. r
current for 10s., Standard gold; Laurel, 14:0^ grs., current for 20s. ;
Half -Laurel, 70^- grs., current for 10s., and Quarter-Laurel, 35/' r grs.,
current for 5s., Crown gold. Silver. Two (1603 and 1604), both com-
prising the Crown, Half-Crown, Shilling, Sixpence, Half-Groat, Penny,
and Halfpenny, at 7y grs. to the Penny, and fineness 11 oz. 2 dwts.
silver and 18 dwts. alloy. The two issues vary chiefly in the king's
titles and on most of the coins there is a change of legend on the
reverse. Copper. One (1613), Farthing token, weight 6 grs.
All the coins are of the Tower mint.
First Issue (1603-1604).
GOLD. 529. Sovereign. Obv. IACOBVS D' G' ANG' . SCO' FRAN' ET -
HIB' - REX; m. m. thistle. Half-length figure of king to r. in armour,
holding sceptre and orb. Rev. EXVRGAT DEVS - DISSIPENTVR -
IN I MIC I ; m.m. as on obv. Square shield garnished and crowned between
I R. AT 1-5. Wt. 172-0.
On all the coins of the first issue the king is styled " King of
England, Scotland," &c. (ANG SCO &c., REX). In the second year of
his reign James assumed the title of " King of Great Britain" (MAG
BRIT &c., REX). The " Exurgat " legend on the reverse is limited to
coins of this issue only, in gold and silver. It is from Psalm Ixviii. l r
and was chosen by James himself. The arms on the shield are 1
and 4, France and England quarterly ; 2, Scotland, and 3, Ireland. This
order continued throughout the reign on the English coins ; but varied
on the Scottish. The mint-marks thistle and lis are the only ones
which occur on the first issues of gold and silver. The lis, however,
is only known as occurring on the sovereign. The gold coins are of
crown gold.
* In 1612 the nominal value of the gold coins was raised 2s. in the ; so that
the Unite passed for 22s., the Rose Ryal for 33s., the Angel for 11s., and the
other denominations in proportion. At the same time a slight increase was made
in the weights of the coins.
t The Half-Angel was not issued before 1610 or 1611.
JAMES I.
101
530. Half-Sovereign. Obv. IACOBVS D' G' ANGL' . SCO' FRAN' Plate xx.
ET HIBER' REX; m. m. thistle. Bust of king to r., crowned, in GOLI>.
armour. Rev. Same as the Sovereign, but the shield is not garnished.
AA 1-2. Wt. 84-2.
The gold coins of this issue show no varieties of type or legend.
531. Crown. Obv. IACOBVS - D' G' . ANG' - SCO' FRA' - ET HIB'
REX ; m. m. thistle. Bust of king as on the preceding. Rev.
TVEATVR -VNITA DEVS; m. m. as on obv. Square shield dividing
legend above and below ; above, crown between I R. AI '95. Wt. 43-4.
The legend 011 the reverse refers to the union of the two kingdoms.
532. Half-Crown. Same as the Crown, but the legend on the obv. reads IACOBVS -
D' - G' AN' SC' FR' ET HI' REX ; same ni. in. u '1.
Pierced.
Second Issue (1604-1619).
533. Unite. Obv. IACOBVS D' . G' MAG' BRIT FRAN' ET HIB'
REX ; m. m. lis. Half-length figure of the king as on No. 529, but armour
more decorated. Rev. FACIAM . EOS - IN - GENTEM - VNAM ;
m. m. lis. Square garnished shield, &c., as on No. 529. AT 1'45.
Wt. 154-0.
The obverse legend shows the change in the king's titles to " King of
Great Britain." That on the reverse is from Ezekiel xxxvii. 22. The
reference to the union is continued in the whole verse : "I will make
them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel ; and one
king shall be king to them all : and they shall be no more two
nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more
it all."
Each denomination of the gold coins of this issue only varies in the
lint-mark. Like those of the previous issue, they are all of crown gold.
Double-Crown. Obv. IACOBVS D' G' MAG' BRIT FRAN'
ET HIB' REX; m. m. lis. Bust of king to r., crowned, in decorated
armour and lace collar. Rev. HENRICVS ROSAS REGNA
IACOBVS ; m. m. as on obv. Square shield crowned as on No. 530. .v 1 15.
Wt. 76-6.
The reverse legend refers to the union of the white and red roses of
mcaster and York in the person of Henry VII, and to that of the
two kingdoms in the person of James I.
55. Britain Crown. Same as the preceding, but reading FRA. for FRAN, on
obv., and I R at sides of crown on rev. ; m. m. rose 011 both sides.
A- -85. Wt. 38-8.
Half-Crown. Obv. I' D' G' ROSA SINE SPINA; m. m. rose.
Bust of king as on No. 534. Rev. Same as No. 531 ; m. m. as on obv. AT '1.
Wt. 19-6.
537. Thistle Crown. Obv. - IA' D' - G' MAG' BR' F' ET H' -
REX' ; m. m. lis. Rose on stalk with two leaves, crowned, between I R.
Rev. TVEATVR VNITA DEVS. Thistle on stalk with two leaves,
crowned, between I R. A7 '75. Wt. 31-0.
The issue of the thistle crown hitherto was supposed to have ceased
in 1611, but the recent discovery of pieces with later mint-marks
shows that it was struck till 1618 at least.
102 ENGLISH COINS.
Third Issue (1605-1619).
Plate xxi. 538. Rose Ryal. Obv. IACOBVS D' G' MAG' . BRIT' FRAN' ET -
HOLD. HIBER'- REX; m. m. rose. King enthroned holding sceptre and
orb; at his feet, portcullis; tressure of arches. Ecv. A DNO'
FACTVM EST . ISTVD . ET EST MIRAB' - IN OCVLIS
NRIS ; m. m. as on obv. Square shield on large double rose within tressure,
with trefoil and leaf alternately at the angles. AT 1*7. Wt. 212-4.
All the coins of this issue are of standard gold. Though their
current values were raised 10 per cent, in 1612 no change was made
in the types ; but a slight increase took place in the weights. The
ryal is similar in type to the sovereigns of Mary and Elizabeth.
539. Spur Ryal. Obv. IACOBVS D' - G' MAG' BRIT' FRAN' ET
HIB' REX; m. m. rose. King standing in two-masted ship to 1.,
crowned and holding sword and shield ; three ropes from stern and prow ;
flag with I at prow; rose on side. Rev. A : DNO' FACTVM
EST - ISTVD ET - EST MIRABILE; m. m. as on obv. Within
arched tressure floriated cross, the centre concealed by a rose upon a
sun ; in each angle, crown above lion, and trefoil in each spandril of
tressure. AT 1-35. Wt. 105-7.
The spur ryal was just half the current value of the rose ryal. It
received its name from the pointed form of the rays of the sun on the
reverse, which looks like a spur. The type of the spur ryal is similar
to that of the ryals of Mary and Elizabeth.
540. Angel. Obv. IACOBVS - D' - G' - MAG' BRIT' FRA' ET - HI' .
REX ; m. m. mullet. The Archangel, St. Michael, piercing the dragon,
usual type, as No. 376. Rev. A DNO' FACTVM EST ISTVD ;
in. m. as on obv. Ship as on previous Angels, but no cross above the
shield in front of the mast, on which is a top-castle ; I and rose at sides
of mast. AT 1-1. Wt. 70-4.
The angels only vary in the mint-marks and in having sometimes
a bowsprit.
541. Half- Angel. Same as the Angel, but reading MA' BRI' for MAG' -
BRIT' , and m. m. cinquefoil on both sides. A7 -8. Wt. 34 -7.
Half-angels do not appear to have been struck before 1610 or 1611.
They are not mentioned in any of the indentures or proclamations
of the time.
Fourth Issue (1619-1625).
542. Rose Ryal. Obv. IACOBVS D' : G' : MA : BRI : FR : ET HIB :
REX; m. m. spur rowel. King enthroned, wearing robes of the Garter
and holding sceptre and orb ; at his feet, portcullis ; the back of the
throne, which is high, is flowered and the field is chequered with roses
and lis. Rev. A DNO : FACTVM EST ISTVD ET EST MIRAB :
IN OC : NRIS ; m. m. as on obv. Square shield on cross fleury within two
beaded circles ; between which and in each angle of the cross is a lion
between a lis and a rose ; above shield, XXX ( = 30s.). A; 1-55. Wt. 193-2.
Much inconvenience having been experienced through the raising
of the current values of the gold coins in 1612 (see note, p. 100), a
JAMES I, 103
new issue was ordered in 1619, consisting of the rose ryal, spur ryal Plate xxi.
and angel in standard gold, and the laurel or unite, and half and GOLD.
quarter-laurel in crown gold. In order to distinguish these new
coins from the old ones, which so nearly approached them in weight
and value, and which were still in circulation, new types were adopted
or the former ones much altered, and on each piece was placed its
current value. This is the first instance of the values being placed on
gold coins. Edward VI and Mary had already adopted the plan for
some of their silver coins.
543. Spur Ryal. Obv. IACOBVS D : G : MAG : BRIT : FRA : ET HI :
REX; m.m. spur rowel. Lion facing, crowned, holding sceptre and support-
ing shield; at sides of which, X V (= 15s.). Eev. A DNO : FACTVM
EST ISTVD ET EST M I R A B I ; m. m. as on obv. Within arched tressure
a spur rowel with rose in centre and four lis and four lions, all crowned
alternately at points of rays. AT 1'25. Wt. 96 '6.
The rose ryals and spur ryals only vary in their mint-marks and in
the abbreviations of the legends.
544. Angel. Obv. IACOBVS D : G : MAG : BRI : FRA : ET HIB : REX;
m. m. trefoil slipped. The Archangel, St. Michael, piercing the dragon,
usual type, but with mark of value, X (= 10s.) on r. of Saint. Rev. A
DOMINO FACTVM EST ISTVD; m.m. as on obv. Ship with three
masts to 1. ; from the centre one depends a large sail, embroidered with the
royal arms ; side ornamented with lis and lions and port-holes ; lion at
stern and prow. AT 1-05. Wt. 65 -1.
The difference in the reverse type easily distinguishes these angels
from those of previous issues. No half-angels are known of this
coinage, and none are mentioned in the indenture ordering it.
Laurel. Obv. IACOBVS D : G : MAG : BRIT : FRAH : ET
HIBERU : REX; m. m. spur rowel. Bust of king in profile to 1.,
laureate, in armour and mantle; behind, XX ( = 20s.). Eev. FACIAM EOS
IN GENTEM VNAM ; m.m. as on obv. Square shield on cross fleury ;
above, crown. A? 1-4. Wt. 134-4.
This is the first instance of the laureate bust on the English
)inage. James delighted to be represented as the " Caesar Augustus "
" Britain, and he assumed this title on his coronation medal, on which
he is also figured in Roman dress. The name first given to this coin
was the Unite, but it soon received that of the Laurel from its type of
)bverse.
16. Half-Laurel. Obv. IACOBVS D : G : MAG : BRI : FRA : ET HI :
REX; m. m. spur rowel. Laureate bust as on the preceding; behind,
X (=10s.). Bev. HENRICVS ROSAS REGNA IACOBVS; m. m. as on
obv. Shield on cross fleury as on the preceding. A? 1'15. Wt. 69 '0.
Besides the mint-mark there are several minor varieties of the laurel,
half and quarter-laurel, more especially in the abbreviations of the
words of the legends.
547. Quarter-Laurel. Same as the preceding, but reading FR : for FRA : and
mark of value, V (= 5s.) behind bust on obv., and on rev. HEN RIG'
ROSAS REGNA IACOB'; m. m. trefoil slipped on both sides, but after
REGNA on rev. A: -75. Wt. 34-1.
104 ENGLISH COINS.
First Issue ( 1603-1 604).
Plate xxi. 548. Crown. Obv. IACOBVS - D' . G' - ANG' SCO' FRAN' ET - HIB' -
SILVER. REX; m. m. thistle. King on horseback to r., crowned and holding
sword in r. hand ; crowned rose on housings of horse. Rev. EXVRGAT
DEVS DISSIPENTVR INIMICI; m. m. as on obv. Square shield,
garnished, zi 1-7. Wt. 462-0.
On the silver coins of the first issue the king's titles and the legend
on the reverse are the same as on his early gold pieces. The only
dated silver coin is the sixpence : the mint-marks of which serve to
fix the sequence of issue of the other coins.
549. Half-Crown. Same as the Crown in all respects except in size and weight.
jRl-45. Wt. 227-0.
There appear to be no varieties of types or legends of the silver
coins of this issue : and the only mint-marks are the thistle and the
lis. They occur in each denomination.
550. Shilling. Obv. IACOBVS D' - G' ANG' - SCO' FRA' - ET HIB'.
REX; m. m. thistle. Bust of king to r., crowned, in armour; hehind,
XII ( = 12d.). Rev. Same as the Crown, hut shield not garnished ; m. m.
asono&u. jxl'3. Wt. 89-0.
551. Sixpence. 1603. Same as the Shilling, but mark of value VI (= 6d.) behind
the bust, and date, 1603, above the shield, jtl-05. Wt. 45'5.
Dated also 1604.
Plate xxii. 552. Half-Groat. Obv. \' - D' G' ROSA SINE - SPINA; m. m. thistle.
Bust of king as on the Shilling, No. 550; behind, II (= 2d.). Rev.
Square shield ; above, m. m. thistle; no legend, st. -7. Wt. 16 -8.
No groats were struck during this reign.
553. Penny. Same as the Half-Groat; but behind bust, I (= Id.), and m. m. lis
on both sides. M -5. Wt. 8-5.
554. Halfpenny. Obv. Portcullis ; above, m. m. thistle. Rev. Cross moline with
three pellets in each angle ; no legends on either side. JR -4. Wt. 3-0.
These coins cannot be distinguished from similar pieces of Elizabeth
except by their mint-marks. This is the last coin struck with the
reverse type of a cross and pellets. The type had been used since the
time of Henry III.
Second Issue (1604-1625).
555. Crown. Obv. IACOBVS D : G : MAG : BRIT : FRAN : ET HI :
REX; m. m. trefoil slipped. King on horseback, &c., as on No. 548.
Rev. QVXE DEVS CONIVNXIT NEMO SEPARET; m.m. as on obv.
Square garnished shield as on No. 548. jRl'7. Wt. 457 -3.
The king's titles MAG. BRIT., c., are as on the gold coins (see Nos.
529 and 533). The legend on the reverse, referring to the union of the
two kingdoms, is from Matthew xix. 6. The prince's plume, which some-
times occurs above the shield on the reverse of the crowns, half-crowns
and shillings, denotes that they were struck from silver derived from
the Welsh mines in the neighbourhood of Aberystwith. Besides the
mint-marks there are several small varieties of the crown. Some have
a thistle and rose united on the housings of the horse instead of a rose ;
whilst others have a large shield, which cuts the inner circle on the reverse.
:
JAMES I. 105
556. Half-Crown. Same as the Crown, but the obv. legend reads I AGO BVS D : piatexxii
G : MAG : BRI : FRAN : ET HIB : REX; and m. m. thistle on both HlIVKV
sides. jRl-45. Wt. 239-6.
Also with plume above shield.
557. Shilling. Obv. IACOBVS D : G : MAG : BRI : FR : ET HI : REX;
m. m. trefoil slipped. Bust of king to r., as on No. 550. Rev. Same type
and legend as No. 555, but shield plain, not garnished ; m. m. as on obv.
Ml- 25. Wt. 92-0.
Also with plume above shield. Those struck before 1607 vary
slightly in the abbreviations of the king's titles ; reading MAG BRIT
FRA - ET HIB - REX.
558. Sixpence. 1624. Same as the Shilling; but VI (= 6d.) behind king's head,
and date, 1624, above shield; m. m. lis on both sides. JR 1-0. Wt. 44-6.
Sixpences are known of 1604 to 1624, except 1614. Some years
have more than one mint-mark.
559. Half-Groat. Obv. I : D : G : ROSA . SINE SPINA; m. m. star.
Rose, crowned. Rev. TVEATVR VNITA DEVS ; m. m. star.
Thistle, crowned. JR '7. Wt. 16 -0.
This type is similar to that of the thistle crown. It differs consider-
ably from the half -groat of the first issue (see No. 552). The earlier and
later pieces, each with the mint-marks rose, thistle, lis and trefoil, cannot
be distinguished from each other in the absence of any special marks.
560. Penny. Same as the Half-Groat ; but no crown over rose or thistle and no
m. m. JR -55. Wt. 7*0.
The absence of the mint-mark is unusual. Some half-groats and
pennies are without the king's name and titles, and have the TVEATVR,
<fec., legend on both sides. Others are without the inner circle on
ither side.
1. Halfpenny. Obv. A rose. Rev. A thistle ; above, m. m. trefoil slipped.
JR -4. Wt. 3-0.
Like the pennies some ha] f pennies have no mint-mark. All are
without legends.
562. Farthing. Obv. I AGO D -G MAG BRIT; m. m. trefoil slipped. COPPER.
Two sceptres in saltire through a crown. Rev. FRA : ET HIB :
REX ; m. m. trefoil slipped. Harp, crowned. M '6. Wt. 10 -0.
563. Same, but with ?.w. fret on rev. only (the Harrington badge). M '5. Wt.7'0.
These farthing tokens were issued in pursuance of a patent granted in
1613 to John Lord Harrington, of Exton. They are in consequence
commonly known as " Harringtons." Their prescribed weight was to
be 6 grs., but they are usually nearly double that weight. The patent
was confirmed to his widow in 1614. This was followed in 1622 by
another grant to Ludovic, Duke of Lennox, and James, Marquis
of Hamilton. On account of the enormous difference between the
Intrinsic and current values of these tokens numerous forgeries
were made, and the circulation of the genuine pieces became very
unpopular. Smaller pieces, about half the size of the ordinary token,
have been thought to be half-farthings, but this was probably only a
further attempt to impose on the public. This is the first copper
currency in the English series.
106 ENGLISH COINS.
Charles I. 1625-1649.
Plate xxii. COINAGE. Gold. Triple-Unite or Three-Pound Piece, Unite or
Twenty Shillings, Double-Crown or Ten Shillings, Crown or Five
Shillings, and Angel. Silver. Pound or Twenty Shillings, Half-Pound
or Ten Shillings, Crown, Half-Crown, Shilling, Sixpence, Groat, Half-
Groat, Penny, and Halfpenny. Copper. Farthing.
ISSUES, &c. The coins of this reign are of three series or classes,
viz. those struck at the Tower mint, those issued at provincial mints
before and after the outbreak of the Civil War, and those struck by
the besieged towns or castles during the war. The coins struck at the
Tower mint are : Gold. Unite, Double-Crown, Crown, and Angel.
Silver. Crown, Half-Crown, Shilling, Sixpence, Half-Groat, Penny, and
Halfpenny. The Angel was of standard gold : the others of crown
gold, and the silver 11 oz. 2 dwts. pure to 18 dwts. alloy. The gold
and silver coins of the Tower mint show three marked varieties of
obverse type (see below, No. 564). The coins struck by Briot belong to
the Tower series.
The provincial mints, to which coins have been attributed, are
Aberystwith, Bristol, Chester, Combe-Martin (?), Exeter, Oxford,
Salisbury (?), Shrewsbury, Weymouth, Worcester, and York. Of
these Aberystwith and York were established before the war. Gold
coins are only known of Bristol and Oxford ; all the other mints
appear to have struck silver only. The denominations struck at the
local mints and not issued at the Tower are the Triple-Unite in gold,
and the Pound, Half-Pound, Groat, and Threepence in silver. The
gold coins were of crown gold and the silver of the same standard as
those of the Tower. The current values remained the same as in
the previous reign : but the weights of the gold coins were somewhat
reduced, being at the rate of 140ff grs. to the unite, and 64ff grs.
to the angel. The silver was at 7|y g rs - to the penny. The copper
farthings were of two issues which varied in the types. The dates of
the issues were 1626 and 1635 (see descriptions pp. 1212).
The siege pieces are described at the end of the local coinages.
TOWER MINT.
GOLD. 564. Unite. 1st type. Obv. CAROLVS D' G' MACS' BR' - FR' ET HI' -
REX ; m. in. lis. Bust of king to 1., crowned, in ruff, robes and collar of
the Garter; behind, XX (= 20s.). Rev. FLORENT : CONCORDIA :
REGNA; ra. ra. as on obv. Square garnished shield, crowned. A! 1-35.
Wt. 139-8.
There are three principal types of gold and silver coins struck at the
Tower, which may be distinguished by certain variations in the dress of
the king. On the first type the king is dressed in ruff and robes and
collar of the Garter, as on the above coin ; on the second type he
wears a ruff and is in armour, with mantle fastened at the shoulder (see
No. 565) ; and on the third he has a falling lace collar and armour,
but no mantle (see No. 566). These changes correspond approxi-
mately to the dates 1625, 1626, and 1631. The shield on the reverse
is at n'rst square, then oval, and again, later on, in the case of the silver
CHARLES I. 107
square. Though Charles for his coins struck at the Tower continued Plate xxii.
to use his father's types, yet with the exception of the " Exurgat " GOLD.
legend, which occurs on coins of the local mints only, he introduced
new ones throughout both the gold and silver series. The sequence
of the mint-marks is given in the list at the end of the work (see
Appendix A).
565. Unite. 2nd type. Same as the preceding, but reading MA. for MAG., bust
of king crowned, in ruff, armour and mantle fastened on the shoulder ;
in. m. heart on both sides. AT 1'3. Wt. 139-3.
On the later pieces with this obv. type the shield is oval and has
the letters C R at the sides.
566. Unite. 3rd type. Same as No. 564, but reading MA. for MAG. and bust
of king, crowned, in falling lace collar and armour ; and on the rev. oval
garnished shield, crowned, between C R also crowned ; in. m. crown on
both sides. A/l-25. Wt. 138-3.
The unites of each type vary considerably in minor details, in
addition to the changes of mint-marks.
567. Double-Crown. 1st type. Similar to the Unite, No. 564, but reading on obv.
HIB. for HI. and behind bust X ( = 10s.) ; and legend on rev. CVLTORES -
SVI DEVS PROTEGIT; m. m. lis on both sides, AT 1-05. Wt. 69-5.
The garniture of the shield varies slightly from that on the unites.
568. Double-Crown. 2nd type. Similar to the preceding, but bust of king as on
No. 565, and no inner circle on obv. ; m. m. anchor on both sides. A T I'O.
Wt. 68-2.
Same varieties of shield as on the unite of this type.
569. Double-Crown. 3rd type. Similar to No. 567, but bust of king and shield
as on No. 566 ; m. m. harp on both sides. AT 1-05. Wt. 69-5.
The double-crowns also show many small varieties in the portrait of
the king and in the abbreviations of the words of the legends.
0. Crown. 1st type. Similar to the Double-Crown, No. 567; but reading HI.
for HIB., and behind bust V (=5s.); m. m. lis on both sides. AT -9.
Wt. 35-7.
1. Crown. 2nd type. Similar to the preceding, but bust as on No. 565 ; m. in.
negro's head on both sides. AT -8. Wt. 35 '0.
Varieties like the unite and double-crown have the oval shield on
:
. Crown. 3rd type. Similar to No. 570 ; but bust and shield as on No. 566 ;
i. m. anchor on both sides. AT "8. Wt. 35 -0.
There are also many small varieties of the crown.
( ;
3. Angel. Obv. CAROLVS D : G : MAG : BRI : FR : ET - HI :
REX ; m. m. castle. The Archangel, S. Michael, piercing the dragon, usual
type, as No. 376, but the spear passes through the dragon's mouth and
comes out on the other side; in field on r., X (= 10s.). Bev. AMOR -
POPVLI PRXESIDIVM REGIS; m. m. as on obv. Ship with three
masts, &c., as on No. 544. A; 1-05. Wt. 64-5.
The mint-marks show that the issue of the angels extended over the
periods of the three types of the unite. None however are known of
a date later than 1634. This is the last issue of this coin for currency.
After the Commonwealth the type was copied for the Touch-piece.
The later issues of this reign have the mark of value on the left of the
108 ENGLISH COINS.
1'iutcxxii. Archangel, and a few early pieces are without this mark. There are
no half-angels.
SILVER. 574. Crown. Obv. : CAROLVS : D : G : MAG : BRIT : FRA : ET : HIB :
REX ; m. m. lis. King on horseback to 1., crowned and wearing ruff
and armour, and holding sword over shoulder ; horse richly caparisoned,
the housings ornamented with floral pattern ; plume on head and
crupper. Rev. CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO; m. m. as on obv.
Square shield garnished on cross fleury. JR 1*7. Wt. 459*0.
There are numerous varieties of the crowns of the Tower issue. The
dress of the king shows three distinct changes, similar to those on the
unites, &c. (see No. 564), i.e. 011 later issues he wears a ruff and scarf
or a laced collar (see next coin). The plume is found on the horse's
head and crupper in the first class ; on the horse's head only in the
second class, and it is omitted altogether on crowns of the third.
A plume, indicating that the coin was of Welsh silver, was placed
above the shield on the reverse. On later issues the shield is oval and
garnished.
Plate xxiii. 575. Crown. Obv. CAROLVS D' G' MAG' BRI' FRA' ET HI'
REX; m. m. bell. King on horseback to 1., crowned and wearing lace
collar, armour and long scarf ; the horse has no trappings and the sword
is held upright. Rev. Similar to the preceding but shield oval and
garnished ; m. m. bell between two quatref oils. JR 1 75. Wt. 457 5.
The dress of the king shows that this coin belongs to the third
period, i.e. after 1631. Varieties of this class have a plume above the
shield ; and on the second the shield is placed on a cross fleury and
surmounted by the initials of the king, or the shield has a plume over
it between C R and no cross. The absence of trappings on the horse
is one of the distinguishing marks between the crowns and half-crowns
of the second and third periods (see also No. 577).
576. Half-Crown. Obv. CAROLVS - D G . MAG BRI - FR ET HI
REX ; m. m. lis. King on horseback as on No. 574, but crowned rose
on housings and ground under horse. Rev. Similar to No. 574 ; m. m. as on
obv. jil-4. Wt. 231-0.
The half-crowns present similar varieties to the crowns ; but those
with the oval shield on the rev. never have the cross fleury, and the
initials of the king are sometimes placed at the sides instead of above
the shield (see next coin).
577. Half-Crown. Similar to No. 575, but the king wears ruff and scarf, and
the horse is caparisoned, the housings being marked with a plain cross, and
it has a plume on its head, and on the rev. C R at sides of the shield ; m. m.
harp on both sides. JR 1*4. Wt. 231-0.
The dress of the king places this coin in the middle period. On all
the crowns and half-crowns of this period the housings of the horse are
marked with a plain cross and not a floral pattern or rose as in the first
one.
578. Shilling. 1st type. Obv. CAROLVS D' G' MAG' BRI' FR' ET
HI' REX; m. m. lis. Bust of king to 1., crowned, in ruff, robes and
collar of the Garter; behind, XII ( = 12d.). Rev. Similar to No. 574; but
shield not garnished ; m. m. as on obv. JR 1-25. Wt. 91-5.
The obverse types of the shillings show the same varieties of bust as
he unites (sec No. 564), and the shape of the shield on the reverse is
CHAELES I. 109
like thai on the crowns (see No. 574), except that during the third Plate xxiii.
period (circ. 1638) there is a return to the square shield, which is SILVER.
placed on a cross fleury. The plume above the shield and C R also
above and at sides occur. This and the following shillings give the
principal varieties.
579. Shilling. 2nd type. Similar to the preceding ; but obv. legend slightly \
varied, and bust of king wearing ruff, armour, and mantle tied on the
shoulder ; and on rev. square shield surmounted by plume ; m. m. heart \
on both sides. .3*1-25. Wt. 93 -5. \
580. Shilling. 2nd type var. Similar to the last ; but obv. legend slightly varied, 1
and on rev. oval garnished shield with C R above ; m. m. plume on both
sides, Ml-25. Wt. 93 -0.
581. Shilling. 3rd type. Similar, but bust of king in falling lace collar and
armour, and on rev. oval garnished shield surmounted by plume ; no inner
circle on either side ; m. m. bell on both sides, zi 1'25. Wt. 93 -0.
5S2. Shilling. 3rd type var. Similar, but on rev. square shield on cross fleury ;
m. m. P in circle on both sides. M 1-3. Wt. 95 '0.
Besides the above there are numerous slight varieties in the abbrevia-
tions of the king's titles.
583. Sixpence. 1625. Is* type. Obv. CAROLVS D : MAG : BR : FR : ET
HI : REX ; m. m. lis. Bust of king to 1., in ruff, robes and collar of the
Garter, similar to No. 578; behind, VI ( = 6d.). Rev. Same as No. 578;
but date, 1625, above shield ; m. m. lis. zi 1-0. Wt. 45'5.
The omission of G for "gratia" is only an accident. The sixpence
shows precisely the same varieties as the shillings. Dates do not
occur after 1630.
584. Sixpence. 1626. 2nd type. Similar to the preceding, but with D : G :
&c., bust of king in ruff, armour and mantle as on No. 579 ; and
date, 1626, above the shield which is square, not garnished and on cross
fleury ; m. in. negro's head on both sides. M I- 05. Wt. 45 '5.
585. Sixpence. 3rd type. Similar to No. 583, legend slightly varied, bust of
king in falling lace collar and armour as on No. 581 ; and on rev. oval
garnished shield between C R ; m. m. harp on both sides.
586. Half-Groat. Obv. C : D : G : ROSA SINE SPINA; m. m. plume. Rose,
crowned. Rev. IVS : THRONVM FIRMAT; m. m. as on obv. Rose,
crowned. M -65. Wt. 15 -6.
The half-groats are of two types, with and without the bust, &c. (see
next coin). The change appears to have taken place in 1630; the
mint-mark of that year, the plume, being found on both types.
587. Half-Groat. Obv. CAROLVS . D' . G' MAG' BR' FR' ET H' -
REX; m. m. plume. Bust of king to 1., in ruff, armour and mantle
(as on No. 579); behind, II ( = 2d.). Rev. IVSTITIA THRONVM -
FIRMAT. Oval garnished shield ; above, plume. M '1. Wt. 15 -6.
The issue with this obverse type lasted only about one year (1630-
1631) ; see next coin. A very rare variety has 011 the reverse a
crowned rose instead of a shield.
588. Half-Groat. Similar to the preceding, but bust of king in falling lace collar
and armour, as on No. 581, and C R at sides of oval shield on rev . ;
in. m. harp on both sides. JR -7. Wt. 14-0.
On these coins the shield did not change in shape during this last
period ; but remained oval in form.
110 ENGLISH COINS.
Piate*xiii 589. Penny. Obv. C D G ROSA SINE SPINA; m. m. lis. Rose in
centre. Rev. IVS THRONVM - FIRMAT; m. m. as on obv. Rose in
centre. JR "55. Wt. 9-6.
There are two types of the penny as of the half -groat (see next coin).
The change in both denominations occurred simultaneously.
590. Penny. Obv. CAROLVS . D : G : MA : B : F : ET H : REX;
m. m. plume. Bust of king in ruff, armour, and mantle as on No. 579 ;
behind, I ( = ld.). Rev. IVSTITIA THRONVM - FIRMAT; m. m. as
on obv. Oval garnished shield. JR '55. Wt. 8*8.
There are also pennies with the king's bust wearing falling lace
collar, &c. (as No. 581). One variety with mint-mark rose (1631) has
C R at sides of shield.
591. Halfpenny. Obv. Rose. Rev. Rose; no legends or mint-mark. JR -4.
Wt. 4-5.
This is the only type of the Tower halfpenny. This denomination
was only struck at this mint and at Aberystwith (see No. 609).
The king's authority came to an end at the Tower mint in 1642,
but the Parliament continued to strike money of the royal types
and bearing the king's name and titles till 1646. In that year the
working of the mint ceased, and no further issue took place till 1649,
and then in the name of the Commonwealth.
BRIOT'S COINAGE.
GOLD. 592. Unite. Obv. CAROLVS - D G MAGN BRITANN FRAN ET
HIB REX ; m. m. flower and B. Bust of king to 1., crowned, in falling
lacecollar, armour and mantle; behind, -XX- ( = 20s.). Rev. FLORENT
CONCORDIA REGNA; m. m. B. Square garnished shield crowned
between C R both crowned. A? 1-3. Wt. 141-2.
Nicolas Briot, a native of Lorraine, was first engaged at the Tower
mint in 1628, and was appointed chief engraver in 1633. He was
also for a time master and chief engraver to the Scottish mint. His
coins, which were struck by machinery, and not by the hammer
process, are remarkable for their neatness of execution and skilfulness
of engraving. Their issue ranges from 1632 to 1638, and consequently
they have the bust of the king of the third type, i.e. with a falling
lace collar, &c. (see No. 564). The reverse type and legends are the
same as on the Tower coins. His mint-marks are his initial with the
addition sometimes of a flower, a lozenge, or an anchor. The flower
occurs on his earlier coins ; the anchor on the later ones. The stops
between the words of the legends, &c., are generally lozenge-shaped.
593. Double-Crown. Similar to the Unite, but with mark of value X ( = 10s.),and
reading MAG : BRITAN : , and on the re v. the legend is, CVLTORES
SVI DEVS PROTEGIT; m. m. B on both sides. AT 1-05. Wt. 69 -7.
594. Crown. Similar to the Double-Crown, but with mark of value -V- ( = 5s.),
and reading on obv. BRIT. FR. ; m. m. B on both sides. A; -75. Wt. 35-0.
Only two specimens of this coin are known. There are slight
variations in the legends of the unite and double-crown, but not of the
crown.
CHAKLES I. Ill
595. Angel. Obv. CAROLVS - D G MAG BRITANN FRAN ET Plate xxiv.
HIB REX. The Archangel, St. Michael, piercing the dragon as on GoLn
No. 573, but the figure of the Saint is more erect ; in field on r., X ( = 10s.)
Rev. Same as No. 573, but ship varied, more rigging visible, flag at stern ;
no lion at prow or stern, and two rows of port-holes ; m. m. B on 1. A/ 1*0.
Wt. 64-9.
No varieties are known of this coin, which, like the crown, is
excessively rare. Like the Tower angel, Briot's is of standard gold.
596. Crown. Obv. CAROLVS D G MAGN - BRITANN FRAN ET SILVER.
HIBER REX; m. m. B and flower. King on horseback to 1., similar
to No. 575; but ground under horse. Rev. CHRISTO - AVSPICE
REGNO; m. m. B. Oval garnished shield crowned and between C R,
both crowned. ,B 1 55. Wt. 461 0.
The crowns all belong to Briot's early coinage. They have the above
mint-marks only, and there are no varieties.
597. Half-Crown. Similar to the Crown, but reading FR ET HIB and
m. m. B and anchor on both sides, ml' 35. Wt. 232-7.
A variety with mint-mark anchor has a shield with square top and
no letters at the sides. This is of the last issue. Others have the
earlier mint-mark.
598. Shilling. Obv. CAROLVS D - G MAGN BRITANN FRAN ET -
HIB REX; m. m. B and flower. Bust of king to 1., crowned, in falling
lace collar, armour andmantle; behind, XII ( = 12d.). Rev. CHRISTO
AVSPICE REGNO; m. m. B. Square shield on cross fleury. .jil-25.
Wt. 92-5.
The later shillings have a smaller cross within the circle on the
reverse and mint-mark an anchor. These were struck about 1638.
599. Sixpence. Same as the Shilling, but reading BRITAN FR -, and VI (=6d.)
for value behind the bust ; m. m. B and flower on.'o&v. only. M 1 ' 0. Wt. 46 0.
The sixpences present the same varieties as the shillings.
600. Half-Groat. Obv. CAROLVS D G MAG BRIT - FR ET - HIB -
R ; m. m. lozenge. Bust of king to 1., crowned, in falling lace collar and
armour; behind, II ( = 2d.) and below, B. Rev. IVSTITIA THRONVM
FIRMAT. Square shield on cross fleury. JR '65. Wt. 14-4.
This appears to be the only mint-mark on the half -groat.
601. Penny. Obv. CAR D G MAG BRIT FR ET HI R ; m.m.-R.
Bust of king as on the Half-Groat, but dividing legend below; behind,
I - ( = ld.). Rev. Same as the Half-Groat. JR '55. Wt. 8-4.
Though Briot executed patterns for the groat, threepence, three
halfpence, and halfpenny, the above were the only denominations
issued for circulation. His patterns for gold and silver coins form a
very extensive and remarkable series.
ABERYSTWITH MINT.
602. Half-Crown. Obv. CAROLVS D' - G' MAG' BRIT FRA' - ET SILVER.
HI' REX ; m. m. open book. King on horseback to 1., with lace collar,
armour and long scarf, &c., as on No. 575; behind, plume. Rev.
CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO; m. m. as on obv. Oval garnished
shield surmounted by a plume. JR 1'B. Wt. 230-5.
The Aberystwith mint was established in 1637 by virtue of an
indenture granted to Thomas Bushell for the express purpose of
112 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xxiv. striking money from silver,* the produce of the Welsh mines, which
SII.VKR. hitherto had been sent up to the Tower mint. By this indenture it
was agreed that the Aberystwith coins should have a plume on both
sides. This mint does not appear to have been in operation after 1642,
when the moneyers together with all their implements were removed
to Shrewsbury. The mint-marks are an open book or crown, and
on the smaller pieces a lis, cross, or mullet also occur. Half-crowns are
the coins of the highest value of Aberystwith, though Bushell received
authority to strike crowns also. A rare variety with mint-mark open
book has the ' : Declaration " type on the! reverse and date 1642 (see
No. 610). This coin may have been struck after the removal of the mint
to Shrewsbury from an old Aberystwith die.
603. Shilling. Obv. CAROLVS . D' G' - MAG' - BR' FR' ET HI' -
REX ; in. in. open book. Bust of king to 1., crowned, in lace collar and
armour; behind, XII ( = 12d.); before, plume, no inner circle. Rev. Same
as the preceding ; m. m. as on obv. Ml' 25. Wt. 90-0.
The omission of the inner circle on the obverse is an exception.
Some shillings are without this circle on either side. A variety of the
shilling, like the half-crown, has the " Declaration " type on the reverse
and date 1642. This also may have been struck at Shrewsbury.
604. Sixpence. Same as the Shilling, but mark of value VI (=6d.) behind the
bust, and no inner circle on either side ; m. m. open book on both sides.
jRl'l. Wt. 45-0.
The sixpence shows the same varieties as the shilling. Some with
mint-mark crown are known without the mark of value. Those with
mint-mark open book and the " Declaration " type on the reverse, and
dated 1643, were evidently struck at Oxford ; the obverse only being
from an Aberystwith die.
605. Groat. Obv. CAROLVS D' G' M' . B' F' ET H' REX;
m. m. open book. Bust of king to 1., as on the Shilling; behind, (III
( = 4d.) ; before, plume ; inner circle. Hev. Same as No. 602; m. m. open
book, jal-1. Wt. 30-5.
The groats are all of this type with inner circle on both sides. They
only vary slightly in the obv. legend and mint-mark, a crown.
606. Threepence. Same as the Groat; but reading FR' ET HI' and III
( = 3d.) behind bust; m. m. open book on both sides. JR -75. Wt. 22-5.
Same varieties as the groat.
607. Half-Groat. Obv. Same type and legend as the Groat ; but mark of value
II ( = 2d.) and no plume before bust. Eev. IVSTITIA THRONVM -
FIR MAT; m. m. open book. Large plume with coronet. M '15.
Wt. 14-5.
Others are without inner circle 011 either side. A variety with m. m.
crown has the legend ICH DIEN on a scroll under the crown on the rev.,
and another, the date 1646 at the sides of the plume. This last piece
has for mint-mark a pellet, and, though usually classed to Aberystwith,
must from its date have been struck at some other place, probably Oxford.
* A Unite in gold of the Tower type, with m. m. plume, has been given to
Aberystwith, but this attribution is very doubtful.
CHARLES I. 113
608. Penny. Same as the Half-Groat, but reading CARO. for CAROLVS and Plate xxiv.
FIR. for FIRM AT; markoC value I ( = ld.) behind bust, and no inner circle SILVER
on either side ; m. m. open book on obv. and rev. at '55. W T t. 7'6.
The usual type is with the inner circles. The plumes on the reverse
vary much in size, and a lion's head occurs sometimes on the king's
shoulder. The other mint-marks on the penny are the lis, mullet, or
crown.
609. Halfpenny. Obv. Bose. Rev. Plume with coronet ; no legends or m m
2R -4. Wt. 4-4.
This is the only type, and Aberystwith is the only provincial mint
which struck halfpennies.
The above include all the types of the current coins issued at
Aberystwith.
BRISTOL MINT.
CIO. Unite. 1645. Obv. CAROLVS D : G : MAG : BR : FR : ET : H : iPjatexxv.
REX ; m. m. BR (mon.). Bust of king to 1., crowned, wearing lace collar GOLD
and armour; in r. hand, sword; in 1., olive-branch; behind, XX ( = 20s.).
Rev. EXVRGAT DEVS DISSIPENTVR INIMICI. Across the field in
three lines and on a continuous scroll is the legend, REL : PRO : LEG :
AN : LIB : PA : above, three plumes; below, 1645; tn. m. at beginning
of scroll, BR (mon.). AT 1-35. Wt. 135-8.
The mint was established at Bristol from 1643-1646 ; and, from the
similarity of its coins to those of Oxford, it is not improbable that
workmen were transferred from that place to Bristol. The reverse
type of the above coin is known as the " Declaration" type. Though
found on coins partly struck from Aberystwith dies, it probably was first
used at the Shrewsbury mint, and only occurs on those issued at the
provincial mints. The inscription in full would be " Religio Protes-
tantium, Leges Angliae, Libertas Parliamenti," and is a reference to
the king's declaration to the Privy Council at Wellington, 19 Sept.,
1642. Bristol unites are of the above date only. The mint-marks of
that place are the initials BR (Bristol) in monogram and a plume.
LI. Double-Crown. 1645. Obv. CAROLVS D - G MAG : B : F : ET
HIB : REX ; m. m. BR (mon.) between two plumes. Bust of king as on
the preceding; behind, X ( = 10s.). Rev. Same as the preceding, but
reading ANG : for AN : and PAR : for PA :; m.m. BR (mon.). AI 1*05.
Wt. 67-8.
The double-crown also is only of this year. l No denominations of the
>ld coins other than the above are known of I Bristol.
312. Half-Crown. 1643. Obv. CAROLVS D : G : MAG : BR : FR : ET :
HIBER : REX; m. m. plume. King on horseback to 1., usual type as
No. 575; sword, in r. hand; behind, plume. Rev. EXVRGAT DEVS
DISSIPENTVR INIMICI; m.m. BR (mon.). Across the field and in
two lines, RELIG : PROT : LE : AN : LI : PA : above, three plumes ;
below, 1 643. AI I 45. Wt. 234 5.
Struck also in 1644, 1645 and 1646. Those of 1646 have A or plumo
under the horse and B on rev., and a scroll ornament above the
" Declaration." The silver coins of Bristol are the half-crown, shilling,
sixpence, groat and half-groat. They are all of the " Declaration " typ;.
i
114 ENGLISH COINS.
Hat, xxv. G13. Shilling. 1644. Obv. CAROLVS D : G : MAG : BR : FR : ET H :
sn.vi.-i; REX ; m. m. five pellets. Bust of king to 1., crowned, in lace collar and
armour; behind, XII ( 12d.) ; before, plume. Rev. Same as the preceding ;
hut the "Declaration" is in three lines, REL : PROT : LEG : ANG : LIB :
PAR : below, 1644 and BR (mon.). JK 1-3. Wt. 91'0.
Struck also in 1643 and 1645. Some have no plume before the
bust. Of the half-crown and shilling there are many small varieties of
legends, <fec.
G14. Sixpence. 1643. Obv. CAROLVS : D : G : MAG : B : F : ET : H :
REX. Bust of king to 1., as on the preceding, but no plume in front:
behind, VI (=6d.). Rev. CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO; m. m. BR
(mon.) The "Declaration" as on the preceding, but reading RELIG :
PRO; below, 1643. JR 1-05. Wt. 50-4.
Struck also in 1644, which has the " Exurgat '' legend in the circum-
ference on the reverse. These and others of 1643 have the plume before
the bust.
615. Groat. 1644. Obv. CAROLVS .D:G:MAG:B:F:ET-HIB:
REX. Bust of king as on No. 613; behind, INI (=4d.); before, plume.
Rev. Same as No. 613, but m. m. BR (mon.) before legend, not under date.
JR -55. Wt. 27-0.
Of this date only. Some have no plume before the bust, and BR
(mon.) under the date.
616. Half-Groat. Obv. CAROLVS -D:G:M:B:F:ET.H:REX.
Bust of king to 1., as on No. 613; behind, II (= 2d.). Rev. EXVRG :
DEVS DISSIP : INIMICI. Across the field and in three lines, RE : PR
LE : AN : LI : PA : below, BR (mon.). A\ -6. Wt. 14-0.
The half-groat is never dated, and is of this type only.
CHESTER MINT.
SII.VKI;. 617. Half-Crown. Obv. CAROLVS D : G : MAG : BRI : FR - ET : HIB :
REX; m. m. three gerbs. King on horseback to 1., similar to No. 575;
behind, plume; below, CHST. Rev. CHRISTO : AVSPICE : REGNO ;
m. m. as on obv. Oval garnished shield. JR 1'45. Wt. 223-0.
Three gerbs or wheatsheaves are the arms of Chester, where a mint
was established during the years 1643 and 1644. A variety of the
half-crown has one gerb only for mint-mark and no initials under the
horse. A second type, dated 1644, with mint-mark three gerbs, has the
" Exurgat " legend on the reverse and the " Declaration " in two lines.
It is generally supposed that half-crowns only were struck at Chester :
but there are threepences of rude work with mint-mark one gerb and
rev. shield and CHRISTO, etc., which may have been issued from this
mint.
The half-crowns assigned to Combe-Martin in Devonshire have the
usual obverse type of the king on horseback ; but on the reverse the
royal shield within the Garter, crowned, with supporters, lion and
unicorn ; above, C R; and below, date 1644; around, CHRISTO
AVSPICE REGNO. This is the only denomination attributed to this
place.
CHARLES I. 115
EXETER MINT.
618. Crown. Obv. CAROLVS' D' G' MAG' BRIT FRA' ET HI' Plate xxv.
REX; m. m. rose. King on horseback to 1., similar to No. 575. Her. SILVER.
CHRISTO' AVSPICE' REGNO; m. m. as on obv. Oval garnished
shield, ail -7. Wt. 464-5.
The Exeter mint appears to have been in active operation from
1642 to 1645. Its coins, especially the crowns, are well struck and
of neat execution ; and on this account they can be easily distinguished
from the Tower pieces having the same mint-mark, a rose. Others have
for mint-marks a castle or the letters EX, and in the circumference of
the reverse legend the dates 1644 or 1645. There is in the National
Collection a half-pound piece, but struck from dies of the crown. The
following comprise all the other denominations issued by this mint.
619. Half-crown. 1642. Obv. CAROLVS D G MAG BR - FR - ET
HI REX; m. m. rose. Three-quarter facing figure of the king on
horseback to 1., and holding baton in r. hand ; horse prancing amidst arms.
Ecv. Similar to the preceding ; but single stops between words ; and below,
on garniture of shield, 1642. M 1-5. Wt. 226 '5.
This obverse type is an exceptional one ; and on account of its fine
work, the coin has been considered by some to be a pattern. The
usual type has the king in profile and no arms, but sometimes ground,
under the horse, which is either walking or cantering. There are
several varieties of the reverse type, the shield being oval or oblong,
i.e. square with the corners rounded and with C R above or at the
sides. The other dates are 1644 and 1645 and the mint-marks a rose,
castle, or EX. Another type has the " Exurgat " legend on the
averse with the " Declaration " and date 1644.
). Shilling. Obv. CAROLVS D G MA BR FR ET HI REX;
in. m. rose. Bust of king to 1., crowned, in falling lace collar and armour;
behind, XII (= 12d.). Eev. Same as the preceding but no date, M 1'25.
Wt. 92-0.
Some are dated 1644 and 1645 at the end of the reverse legend and
have the oblong shield but without C R, as on the half-crowns. The
mint-mark is always a rose. Like the half-crown there is a variety
with the " Declaration" type for reverse. It is dated 1645.
1. Sixpence. 1644. Same as the last; but VI (= 6d.) for value and date 1644
in the rev. legend, xt -95. Wt. 45 -0.
Sixpences are of this type and date only and have always the rose
for mint-mark.
Groat. 1644. Same as the Shilling, No. 620; but with obv. legend,
1644 CAROLVS D G M B F ET H REX, and mark of
value Illl (= 4d.) ; m. m. rose on both sides, zi '85. Wt. 25'0.
Groats are of this type, date and mint-mark only.
623. Threepence. 1644. Same as the Shilling, No. 620, but reading on obv.
CAROLVS D G MA BR F - E H - RE ; mark of value III
(= 3d.), and on rev. square shield on cross floury, with date 1644 above;
m. m. rose on both sides. 2R '75. Wt. 19 '5.
Of this type and date only.
-
IK) KMKLISH COINS.
IMau-xNv. c>-2-\. Half-Groat. 1644. Obv. CAROLVS D G M B F ET HI -
REX; in. m. rose. Smut! us the Groat, No. 622, but mark of value II
(=2d.). Rev. THRO IVSTI FIRMAT 1644; m. m. rose. Large
rose. A -65. Wt. 18 -0.
A variety has on the reverse an oval shield garnished, instead of a
rose, and the same date, 1644.
G >"> Penny. 1644. Same as the Half-Groat, but reading H for HI, and on
rev. THRO IVS - FIRMAT 1644; behind bust I (= Id.), and m. in.
rose on both sides, zi '6. Wt. 7 - 0.
This is the only type and date of the penny.
.
OXFORD MINT.
Plate xxvi. 020. Three Pound Piece. 1643. Obv. CAROLVS - D : G : MAG : BRIT:
CJOLK FRAN : ET : HI : REX; m. m. plume. Half-length figure of king to
1 holding sword and olive-branch, and wearing plain falling collar, and
armour; behind, plume. Rev. EXVRGAT : DEVS : DISSIPENTVR :
INIMICI. Across the field, in three lines and on a continuous scroll,
RELIG : PROT : LEG : ANG : LIBER : PAR; above,- III ( = 3) and
three plumes ; below, 1 643. M 1 8. Wt. 416 7.
The mint originally established at Aberystwith was transferred to
Shrewsbury, and from thence to Oxford, where it was set up in New Inn
Hall, 3 Jan. 1642 (o.s.) under the direction of Sir William Parkhurst
and Thomas Bushell. It was in operation till 1646.
There are several varieties of the three pound piece which was
struck at Oxford only. On the obverse the bust varies a good deal in
size, and on the reverse the "Declaration" is in wavy lines, not on a
scroll, and the initials of the mint, OX or OXON, occur below the date.
Others are dated 1642 and 1644. The usual mint-mark of Oxford
is a plume. Much of the gold from which these coins were struck
is said to have come from the Welsh mines.
627. Unite. 1642. Similar to the preceding, but mark of value XX (= 20s.)
behind the bust, no plume ; and the " Declaration " in two wavy lines
across the field on the reverse ; above, three plumes only ; and below, 1 642.
A; 1-4. Wt. 137-7.
There are also several varieties of the unite similar to those of the
three pound piece. The bust is small or large and reaching to the
lower edge of the coin, the " Declaration " is on a continuous scroll as
011 the preceding, or in three straight lines across the field ; and the
dates are 1642 to 1646, sometimes with the initials OX.
628. Double-Crown. 1643. Obv. CAROLVS D : G : M : BR : FR : ET
HI : REX. Bust of king to 1., crowned, in falling lace collar and
armour; the bust dividing legend; behind, X (= 10s.). Rev. Similar to
No. 626, but reading ANGL for ANG : and single pellet after each word
of legend; above "Declaration," three plumes; below, 1643. AT 1-1.
Wt.69-5.
Also dated 1642 and 1644, but of the latter date only one specimen
is known. Like the unite the double-crown varies slightly in the obv.
and rev. types ; and the " Declaration " occurs in three straight lines.
The above are the only denominations in gold struck at Oxford.
SIUVR. 620. Pound Piece. 1643. Obv. CAROLVS : D : G : MAG : BRIT : FRA : ET :
HIBER : REX; in. m. plume. King on horseback to 1., as on No. 575;
CHARLES I. 117
behind, plume ; below, arms. Eev. : EXVRGAT : DEVS : DISSIPEN- Plate
TVR ; INIMICI : Across the field and in two lines, RELIG : PROT : suv
LEG : ANG : LIBER : PAR ; above, XX (= 20s.) and three plumes;
below, 1 643. .at 2 05. Wt. 1854 0.
Struck at Oxford and Shrewsbury only. Those of Oxford are dated
16421644, and vary slightly in the obverse type, more especially in
the arms under the horse. The " Declaration" on the reverse of the
pound piece of 1644 is within a compartment, with one plume only above.
It happened, not infrequently, that old Aberystwith and Shrewsbury
dies were re-used at Oxford (see below).
630. Half-Pound Piece. 1642. Similar to the preceding, but the obv. legend reads,
CAROLVS : D : G : MAGN : BRIT : FRAN : ET : HIB : REX;
arms below the horse varied ; and on rev. mark of value X (= 10s.) above
the "Declaration," and 1642 below. M 1*8. Wt. 922-0.
Struck also at Exeter and Shrewsbury ; but those of Exeter have a
different reverse (see note No. 618). The Oxford pieces are also dated
1643 and vary slightly in the details.
G31. Crown. 1642. Similar to No. 629; but the obv. legend reads, CAROLVS :
D : G : MAG : BRIT : FRAN : ET HIBER REX ; plain ground
under horse ; and on rev. mark of value V and date 1 642 ; no in. m. on
either side. M 1-7. Wt. 462-0.
Dated also 1643. The obverses of some of the early crowns of
Oxford were struck from old Shrewsbury dies. They present slight
varieties of type.
632. Pattern Crown, 1644, by Thomas Eawlins. Obv. CAROLVS D : G :
MAG : BRIT : FRAN : ET HIBER REX (stops, lozenges); m. in.
cross fleury. King on horseback to 1., as on No. 575 ; below, view of the
city of Oxford with OXON and R (Rawlins). Eev. Same as the pre-
ceding, but sprig of flowers between each word of outer legend ; the " Declara-
tion " between two scrolls, and below N . JJ 1 6. Wt. 453 0.
Thomas Rawlins, who made the dies for this coin, was chief
engraver to the king ; and when the Tower mint was seized by tho
Parliament in 1642, he removed to Oxford, where he superintended
the coinage. The above piece is of extremely fine work, and was
executed with much care and attention to details. As only eleven
specimens of this coin are known, and as all are in fine condition,
it was most probably never put into circulation, and is therefore a
pattern. It is generally known to collectors as the " Oxford Crown."
633. Half-Crown. 1643. Similar to No. 629; but obv. legend, CAROLVS : D :
G : MAG : BRIT : FR : ET : HI : REX; no arms, but plain ground
under horse and no m. m. ; and on rev. no mark of value, and in. m. four
pellets, jjl-4. Wt. 231-0.
Dated also 1642, 1644, 1645 and 1646. There are numerous
varieties of the half-crown. Some have no ground under the horse,
and no plume behind the king ; and on the ree. OX beneath the date,
the " Declaration " more or less abbreviated, &c. (see next coin).
(134. Half-Crown. 1644. Similar to the preceding; but obv. legend varied, BR.
and HIB. ; rough ground under horse, and in. m. plume; and on rev. lar^v
plume between two smaller ones above the " Declaration," and below,
1644 OX ; no m. m. JK 1-4. Wt. 227'0.
118 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xxvi. C35. Shilling. 1644. Obv. CAROLVS D : G : MAG : BRI : FR : ET HIB :
SILVER REX : (stops, lozenges); m. m. plume. Bust of king to 1., crowned,
wearing falling lace collar and armour; behind, XII (= 12d.). Rev.
EXVRGAT DEVS DISSIPENTVR INIMICI; m. m. rosette. Across
the field and in three lines, RELIG : PROT LEG : ANG : LIBER : PAR
(stops, lozenges throughout) ; above, three plumes between two rosettes ;
below, '^Qx 4 .' ail'3. Wt. 92-0.
Struck from 1642 to 1646 inclusive. Of the shilling there are
numerous varieties. One of 1644 has the "Declaration" in a com-
partment, as the pound piece of that year (see note No. 629). Another,
also of 1644, has a scroll above and below the "Declaration" as on
No. 632. Whilst the third has the initial R (Rawlins) on the trun-
cation of the shoulder. The mint-marks are generally a plume, or one
or more lozenges or pellets (see also next coin).
636. Shilling. 1644. Similar to the last, but the bust of king to r., in plain collar ;
behind, MX (sic), and on rev. the "Declaration" varied; lozenge each side
of plumes, and m. m. lozenge within four pellets. AI 1'35. Wt. 90'6.
This shilling, and another variety of the same year with a single
plume over the " Declaration," are the only coins of this reign which
have the bust of the king turned to the right. They can scarcely be
considered patterns ; but are more probably forgeries of the time.
637. Sixpence. 1643. Similar to No. 635, but obv. legend varied BRIT : and HI :,
plume before bust and mark of value VI (= 6d.) behind ; m. m. open book ;
and on rev. two pellets after words of legends ; and below the " Declaration,"
1 643 only ; no m. m. M 1 05. Wt. 57 0.
Dated from 1642 to 1644. The mint-mark open book shows that
the obverse was struck from an old Aberystwith die. The usual mint-
mark of the sixpence is a plume. There are several small varieties of
the sixpence ; those of 1644 have OX below the date.
638. Groat. 1644. Obv. CAROLVS D' G' M' B' F' ET H' -
REX; m. m. rose. Bust to 1., crowned, in lace collar and armour, and
lion's head on shoulder; before, plume; behind, mi (= 4d.). Rev.
EXVRGAT DEVS DISSIPENTVR INIMICI; in. in. lozenge
within four pellets. Across the field the "Declaration" in three lines,
RELIG PRO LEG ANG LIBER PA; above, plume between two
. 1644
lis; below, . M '^
639. Groat. 1645. Similar to the preceding, but the legend commences below,
and the bust reaches to the edge of the coin ; 110 plume before ; and on
rev. single plume and scroll ornament above the " Declaration ; " and wavy
line and 1645 below, xt -95. Wt. 30-5.
Groats were struck from 1644 to 1646. Others have the "Declara-
tion" within a compartment, with three plumes above and OX with
date below, mint-mark lis or book, and R for Rawlins under the bust.
640. Threepence. 1644. Similar to No. 635, but obv. legend varied, B : F : ET -
H : REX ; plume before bust, and behind, mark of value III (= 3d.) ; m. m.
open book ; and on rev. the " Declaration " REL : PRO LEG : AN LIB
PA ; above, three plumes ; below, 1644. Zi '7. Wt. 24-4.
Dated also 1646. Varieties have no plume before the bust, and
lion-headed armour and R (Rawlins) below ; and on the reverse, plume
and two lis, or three lis above the " Declaration," and mint-mark lis.
The obverse of the above coin is from an Aberystwith dio.
CHARLES I.
119
641. Half-Groat. 1G44. Similar to the preceding, but no plume before bust, and Plat.- \\\i.
mark of value II (= 2d.) behind; in. ni. lis; and on rev. three lis above the SU.VKH.
"Declaration," and ""644 below. M -65. Wt. 15'0.
Struck in 1644 only. Varieties are without OX on the reverse
and have for mint-mark a book, and a plume before the bust.
042. Penny. 1644. Similar to the last, but I (= Id.) behind bust; and on rev.
the "Declaration" reading RELIG PRO LEG ANG LIBER PAR
and date 1644 only below. At -5. Wt. 7'0.
The penny of the " Declaration " type is of this date only and is
extremely rare. A variety has for reverse type a large plume and around
IVSTITIA THRON. FIRMAT. It is similar to the Aberystwith penny.
The above are all the denominations in gold and silver struck at
Oxford.
Certain half-crowns of the Tower type, i.e., with oval garnished
shield, and reading CHRISTO, &c., but with SA under the horse and
mint-mark a helmet, have been attributed to Salisbury. In general
fabric they resemble the half-crowns of Weymouth (see No. 648).
SHREWSBURY MINT.
643. Pound Piece. 1642. Obv. CAROLVS D : G : MAG : BRIT : FRA : SIIAKH.
ET HIB : REX; m. in. five pellets. King on horseback to 1., similar
to No. 575 ; sword in r. hand ; behind, plume without lower band. Rev .
EXVRGAT DEVS DISSIPENTVR - INIMICI; m. m. five pellets.
Across the field and in two lines the "Declaration," RELIG : PROT : LEG
ANGL : LIBER : PAR; above, XX (= 20s.) and three plumes, each
without lower band; below, 1642. A* 2-0. Wt. 1835-0.
In 1642 Thomas Bushell removed the mint from Aberystwith to
Shrewsbury ; but on account of scarcity of workmen and engraving
implements, it was only in operation there for a few months, all the
coins being dated 1642. It was then transferred to Oxford. The types
of the coins are very similar to those of Oxford ; but the two series
are easily identifiable by the form of the plume, that on the Shrews-
bury pieces having no lower band under the coronet. It was at
Shrewsbury that the " Declaration " type was first used. Varieties of
the pound piece have either plain ground or arms under the horse. A
rare variety has the plume immediately behind the king's head on the
obverse, and only one above the " Declaration " on the reverse.
644. Half-Pound Piece. 1642. Similar to the preceding, but reading in obr.
legend FRAN : and HI :; m. m. plume on obv. only; no plume behind
king ; arms under horse ; and on rev. mark of value X (= 10s.). M 1-8.
Wt. 923-0.
Varieties have no arms or a plain line under the horse, a plume
behind the king and mint-marks three to nine pellets.
645. Crown. 1642. Same as No. 643; but obv. legend reading FRAN and Plate xxvi
HIBER , no 'in. m., and plain line under horse; and on rev. m. m. seven
pellets and V (= 5s.) for value, and two pellets after each word of
legend, jjl-7. Wt. 453-0.
The crown is very rare and there are no important varieties.
120 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xxvii. G4G. Half-Crown. 1642. Similar to No. 643, but m. in. six pellets on obv. ; and
SIIVFR on rev - the " Declaration" reading ANG : for ANGL : , no m. m. and no
mark of value. JR 1 4. Wt. 230 0.
A rare variety has only one plume above the "Declaration " on the
reverse and dividing the value *2 : : 6' ; other varieties have plain
ground under the horse, and no plume behind the king.
647. Shilling. 1642. Obv. CAROLVS D : G : MAG : BRIT : FRA : ET -
HI : REX ; m. m. open book. Bust of king to 1., crowned, in falling lace
collar and armour ; before, plume without lower band ; behind, X 1 1 ( 12d.).
Rev. EXVRGAT DEVS DISSIPENTVR INIMICI. Across the field and
in three lines the "Declaration," RELIG PROT LEG ANG LIBER -
PAR; above, three plumes without bands ; below, 1642. at 1-3. Wt.86-0.
A variety is without the plume before the king's bust. No coins of
smaller denomination than the shilling appear to have been struck at
Shrewsbury. <It would seem from the above coin that Aberystwith
dies slightly modified were used at Shrewsbury.
WEYMOUTH MINT.
SIIAKK. G48. Half-Crown. Obv. CAROLVS - D : G : MAG : BRIT : FRAN : ET -
HIB : REX; m.m. castle. King on horseback to 1., similar to No. 575 ;
sword in r. hand; below, grass and W (Weymouth). Rev. CHRISTO :
AVSPICE : REGNO; m.m. helmet. Square garnished shield crowned.
jBl-4. Wt. 215-0.
Weymouth was garrisoned by the king from Sept. 1643 to June
following, during which time the coins attributed to that place were
struck. The mint-marks of Weymouth are a castle, a lion passant,
and a helmet, the two first forming part of the arms of that place.
Varieties of the half-crown have no grass under the horse and are
without the mint-letter, and on the reverse the shield is oval, sometimes
garnished with a lion's skin and placed between 'C R. Another rare
variety has for reverse type the "Declaration" and dates 1643 and
1644. Hitherto only half-crowns have been attributed to Weymouth,
but as there are shillings and sixpences with similar mint-marks and
reverse type, and of the same fabric as the above, it is probable that
pieces of those denominations were also struck there.
WORCESTER MINT.
SILVER. 649. Half-Crown. Obv. CAROLVS D : G : MAG : BRIT : FRAN : ET -
HIB : REX ; m. m. a pear. King on horseback to 1., similar to No. 575;
sword in r. hand. Rev. CHRISTO : AVSPICE : REGNO; tn. m. three
pears. Oval shield garnished with lis, &c. ; below the garniture, the letters
H C. zil-4. Wt. 224-5.
Coins were probably struck at Worcester during its defence in
1646. Three pears are the arms of the city; but the letters H C
below the shield have not been explained. They are no doubt the initials
of some one responsible for the issue of the coinage. No varieties of
the half-crown are known. Shillings with mint-mark, a pear, and of
the usual Tower type, appear also to have been struck at Worcester.
These are the only denominations which can be attributed to this mint.
CHAELES I. 121
YORK MINT.
050. Half-Crown. Obv. ' CAROLVS D G MAG BRIT FRA ET Plate xxvii
HIBA REX; m. m, lion passant guardant. King on horseback to 1.,
similar to No. 575; sword in r. hand; below, EBOR. Rev. CHRISTO
AVSPICE REGNO; m. m. as onobv. Oval shield, garnished with lion's
skin and crowned. M 1 4. Wt. 208 0.
The York mint appears to have been established about 1629, and
probably remained in operation till the city surrendered to the
Parliament in 1644. The dies for the early coins were executed from
models made by Nicolas Briot. They are therefore not of the nature
of money of necessity such as was struck at Chester, Wey mouth, &c.
Varieties of the half-crown are without the mint name, and with and
without ground under the horse on the obverse ; and on the reverse the
shield is square, and between the initials C R, crowned or uncrowned,
or oval and garnished, and sometimes with C R crowned at sides.
Some have floral ornaments between the words of the legend on the
reverse. The mint-mark is always a lion passant guardant.
G51. Shilling. Obv. CAROLVS D G . MAG - BRI - FRA ET HI -
REX ; in. m. lion passant guardant. Bust of king to 1., crowned, in lace
collar and armour; behind, XII ( = 12d.). Rev. CHRISTO AVSPICE
REGNO ; m. m. as on obv. Square shield on cross fleury ; above, EBOR.
jRl-2. Wt. 81-5.
Varieties have on the reverse an oval shield, garnished sometimes
with the lion's skin, and with and without crown, and EBOR below.
G52. Sixpence. Similar to the preceding, but reading BRIT FRAN ET HIB -,
and VI ( = 6d.) behind bust; and on rev. oval garnished shield, crowned,
between C R, both crowned; m. m. on both sides, lion passant guardant;
stops throughout, lozenges. AI '9. Wt. 44 - G.
There is only one variety of the sixpence. It is without the initials
at the sides of the shield.
.
3. Threepence. Similar to the Shilling, No. 651; but reading MA BR
FR , and behind bust, III ( = 3d.) ; same m. in. ai-75. Wt. 21-0.
This is the only type of the threepence. The above are the only
denominations struck at York.
Besides the preceding coins of the local mints there are a large
number of silver coins, half-crowns, shillings, &c., mostly of coarse fabric,
which cannot be assigned to any one in particular ; but similarity of
type and work, however, often indicates the locality of their issue.
54. Farthing. Obv. CARO' D' G' MAG' BRI; m. m. rose. Two Plate xxviii.
sceptres in saltire through a crown. Rev. FRA' ET HIB' REX. COPPEK.
Crowned harp. JB ?. Wt. 8'5.
At the accession of Charles I, the currency of farthing tokens was
again declared lawful, and on July 11, 1626, a patent to strike these
pieces was granted for seventeen years to the Duchess of Richmond
and Sir Francis Crane. The first pieces resembled those of James I,
but in 1635, on account of the numerous forgeries in circulation, the
type was changed to the following one. These are called rose or royal
farthings, and were issued under a patent granted to Henry, Lord
122 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xxviii. Maltravers and Sir Francis Crane. The mint-marks in both series are
COPPER, numerous.
G55. Farthing. Obv. CAROLV D G MA BRI; m. m. rose. Sceptres
and crown as on the preceding. Rev. FRA' ET HI' REX; m. m.
mullet. Crowned rose. JE -55. Wt. 14 -5.
These are sometimes composed of two metals, copper with a plug of
brass, to prevent counterfeits. Both issues were ordered to be current
in Ireland.
Siege Pieces.
The coins struck during the Civil War by the adherents of the king,
which are known as Siege Pieces, having been issued in towns and
castles in a state of siege, are of Beeston Castle, Carlisle, Colchester,
Newark, Pontefract and Scarborough. Some are well struck on
lozenge-shaped or octagonal flans, but many are mere pieces of metal
of irregular forms cut from plate and stamped or engraved with a
device. They are chiefly in silver, only a few specimens being known
in gold and none in copper. The gold are of Colchester and
Pontefract.
BEESTON CASTLE.
SILVER. 656. Two Shillings. A piece of plate nearly square, having a representation on
one side of a castle gateway stamped twice ; below, ?. . Rev. Incuse of
obverse, a. 1-55. Wt. 208-0.
The gateway represented on this and the following pieces is supposed
to be that of Beeston Castle in Cheshire ; though some have thought
it to be that of Lathom House, in Derbyshire. The former place
surrendered after a protracted siege in 1645 ; the latter in 1647,
after a defence of two years by the Countess of Derby against
Generals Fairfax and Egerton.
657. Sixteen-Pence. An oblong irregularly shaped piece with a gateway stamped
once only upon it; below, Rev. Incuse of obverse. 2R 1*8.
Wt. 131-0.
There is a similar piece stamped with ? ** ; i.e. eighteen-pence.
658. Fourteen-Pence. Same as the preceding, but oblong; below, ?. Ml- 3.
Wt. 99-0.
659. Thirteen-Pence. Similar to No. 657, but square; below, ? ". Jtl'15.
Wt. 104-0.
The weights of many of the pieces are very irregular.
660. Shilling. Similar to No. 657, but oblong ; below, ?. x, 1-25. Wt. 93-0.
Some have the letter S only under the gateway.
661. Eleven-Pence. Similar to No. 657, but pyramid-shaped ; below, D . . Ml '15.
Wt.80-0.
CHARLES I. 123
662. Ten-Pence. Similar to No. 657, but oblong ; below, . M 1-4. Wt. 79 '0. Plate xxviii
663. Seven-Pence. Similar to No. 657, but oblong ; below, D ... JK '95. Wt. 53-0.
There is also a sixpence of same type and shape as the sevenpence ;
but marked ^. The sixpence (Ruding, Suppl. PC. ii., pi. xvi. 23)
and the fourpence with the castle belong to Scarborough (see No. 679)-
CARLISLE.
664. Three Shillings, 1645, circular. Obv. Large crown above C j ( ' R g ; anemone SILVER.
on each side of C R. Rev. Across the field OBS ' CARL - above and
1645
below, anemone, m 1-3. Wt. 240-0.
The siege of Carlisle lasted from Oct. 1644 to June 1645 ; but all
the coins are of the latter date. They consist of the three shillings,
half-crown, and shilling.
A variety has the inscription on the reverse in three lines as
on the next coin. Both the three shillings and shillings are also
octagonal in shape.
The half-crown is similar to the three shillings, but it has II . VI
for mark of value on the obverse.
665. Shilling, 1645, circular. Obv. Large crown above *' C V ',, R '" Rev. : OBS :
/\ 1 1
'. CARL .' 1645 in three lines; above and below, anemone. & 1*2.
Wt. 80-0.
A variety has the reverse type as the preceding, i.e. the legend in
two lines.
COLCHESTER.
Ten Shillings. 1648. A circular piece stamped on one side with the view of GOLI>.
the gateway of Colchester Castle with flag in centre; at the sides, C R,
both crowned; below, OBS COL 16 S 48 in two lines; the reverse
.
shows the obverse type in incuse. A/ 1*3. Wt. 65 '9.
Colchester was besieged by Fairfax, and surrendered after a siege of
eleven weeks in Aug. 1648. The above piece is unique.
667. Shilling. A circular piece of metal stamped on one side with tbe represen- SILVEK.
tation of a castle witb five towers of different beigbts in incuse; around,
also in incuse, is inscribed, Carolj Fortuna resurgam ; the reverse
shows traces of the obverse type, zt 1 5. Wt. 123 5.
Varieties of this coin are oblong or octagonal. There exist recent
restrikes of these pieces, some round, others octagonal, from the
original dies, which came into the possession of Dr. Gifford, by whom
they were subsequently deposited in the public library at Bristol.
These restrikes have the reverses quite plain.
A similar piece to the above, but octagonal in form and weighing
only 66 grs., has been thought to be a ninepeiice.
124
ENGLISH COINS.
NEWARK.
Plate xxviii. GG8-671. Half-Crown, 1645, lozcngc-sliapcd. Obr. Largo crown between C R ;
sinn; below, XXX; pearl border. Rev. OBS : NEWARK 1645 in three lines;
pearl border. JR 1 4. Wt. 220 5.
The Shilling, Ninepence, and Sixpence (Nos. 669-671) are of pre-
cisely the same type and date; but have the marks of value, XII, IX
and VI respectively. With the exception of the sixpence, which is
dated 1646 only, all the other pieces are of 1645 and 1646.
Varieties of the shilling and ninepeiice of 1645 read NEWARKE.
During the Civil War, Newark sustained several sieges. It was
finally surrendered to the Scottish army by order of Charles, 8 May,
1646.
PONTEFRACT.
SILVKK. G72. Shilling, 1648, lozenge-shaped. Obv. Large crown above C R ; around,
DVM SPIRO SPERO. Rev. View of castle; on 1., OBS; on r., XII
between P C ; below, 1648. JK 1-4. Wt. 75-4.
Pontefract Castle was besieged several times during the Civil War
from 1644 to 1648 ; but no coins were struck till 1648, when it was
attacked by Cromwell himself and defended by Col. Morrice. As
the castle did not surrender until after the death of Charles I, the
later pieces bear the name of Charles II (see below Nos. 674 and 675).
The weights of these shillings vary considerably. This particular
type is always struck on a lozenge-shaped piece of metal.
673. Shilling. 1648. Similar to the preceding, but circular in form and having
on the rev., on 1. of castle, OBS ; above, P C ; and on r., hand holding
sword ; below, 1 648. jjl-1. Wt. 86-0.
This type also occurs on lozenze-shaped and octagonal flans. One piece
lozenge-shaped weighing 152 grs. is supposed to be for two shillings.
After Death of Charles I.
<!<>M>. 674. Twenty Shilling Piece, 1648, octagonal. Obv. Large crown above HANG :
DEVS : DEDIT '648 in three lines; around, CAROL : II : D : G :
MAG : B : F : ET : H : REX. Rev. View of castle with flag on central
tower; on 1., OBS; above, P C ; 011 r., mouth of cannon; around,
POST : MORTEM : PATRIS : PRO : FILIO. v 1-2. Wt. 94-1.
As there is a shilling of precisely the same type, this piece may be
only a proof. On the other hand, it is equally probable that it was
intended to pass current for twenty shillings. It is unique.
SII.VKI:. 675. Shilling, 1648, octagonal. Obv. Same as No. 672. Rev. View of castle as
on the preceding ; but around, C A ROLVS : SECVNDVS : 1648. a: 1-ii.
Wt. 84-0.
The shillings of this later issue are always octagonal inform. There
is also a gold piece, twenty shillings, of precisely the same type as
this shilling. It weighs 138^ grs., and is unique like that of the
other type.
CHARLES I. 125
SCARBOROUGH.
G7G. Half-Crown. 1G45. An oblong thin piece of metal doubled, the corners Plate xxviii.
turned over; on the obv. is stamped a castle with five towers, and below SILVER.
the mark of value ^ yj ; and 011 the rev. is engraved in three lines, OBS
Scarborough 1645. Ail-G. Wt. 217-7.
After a siege of over twelve months, Scarborough surrendered in
1645. It was again besieged in 1648, but no coins appear to have
been issued during the second siege. A five shilling piece with similar
obverse type, but mark of value y , and struck on a square piece of
plate, is figured in Rudiny, PL xxix. 3. It was in the Montagu
Collection.
G77. Eighteen-Pence. A thin square-shaped piece of metal, the corners clipped,
stamped on one side only with view of castle; below, s . ??.. JR 1'55.
Wt. 142-0.
G78. Shilling. Same as the preceding, but the corners are not clipped ; and
below castle, *. *i 1-35. Wt. 86-0.
679. Fourpence. Similar to No. 677, but below castle, .^. js 85. Pierced.
Besides the above there were issued the two shillings marked f.
the one shilling-and-ninepence marked ^ ( ^ ; the fifteen-pence marked
? ,?l ; and the sixpence marked y^. They are of various shapes, oblong,
square, hexagonal, &c. There is in the National Collection an uncer-
tain piece, shilling, stamped on one side with C R in a circle of dots
and x (= 12d.).
> Commonwealth. 1649-1660.
COINAGE. Gold. Twenty Shillings or Broad, Ten Shillings or Half-
Broad, and Five Shillings. Silver. Crown, Half-Crown, Shilling, Six-
pence, Half-Groat, Penny, and Halfpenny.
ISSUES, &c. In 1642 the Parliament seized the Tower mint, but
continued to strike coins in the king's name and of the royal types till
1646. When the monarchy and the House of Peers were abolished
in 1649, the Parliament ordered that money in gold and silver
should be coined with their own style and authority, that like im-
presses and inscriptions should be made on all the coins of both
metals, and that the latter should be in the English tongue. This
order was, however, not quite strictly adhered to, as the half-groats,
penny, and halfpenny bear 110 legend, and the last piece has for type
a single shield only on each side. All the coins, with the exception of
the halfpenny, bear their marks of value. The types as adopted in.
1649 underwent no change during the period of the Commonwealth.
The weights and standard of metal in gold and silver were the same
as those of the coins of Charles I struck at the Tower mint. The
copper currency of the period of the Commonwealth consisted of
tradesmen's halfpenny and farthing tokens (see No. 690).
126 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xxix. G80. Twenty Shillings. 1649. Obv. THE - COMMONWEALTH OF -
ENGLAND; m. m. sun. Shield, bearing the cross of St. George, within
wreath of palm and laurel. Rev. GOD - WITH VS - 1649. Two
conjoined shields ; one bearing the cross of St. George, the other the Irish
harp; above XX (= 20s.). AT 1-4. Wt. 139-1.
Dates 16491657, and 1660. The mint-mark, which occurs on the
obverse only, is always a sun till 1657, after which date it was changed
to an anchor (see No. 682). No gold coins are known of 1659.
G81. Ten Shillings. 1651. Same as the preceding, but date 1651, and mark of
value X (=10s.). J* I'l. Wt. 69'3.
Dates 1649-1654, and 1660.
682. Five Shillings. 1660. Same as the Twenty Shillings, No. 680, but m. m.
anchor, date 1660, and mark of value - V (= 5s.). AT -7. Wt. 35-9.
Dates 1649-1654, 1657, 1658, and 1660.
SILVER. 683 Crown. 1652. Same as the Twenty Shillings, No. 680, but date 1652, and
mark of value V (= 5s.). JR 1-8. Wt. 460-7.
Dates 1649, 1651-1654, and 1656. There are no silver coins known
of 1650, those of 1659 are doubtful, and those of 1657, 1658 and 1660
are very rare.
684. Half-Crown. 1651. Same, but date 1651, and mark of value II VI -
(=2s. 6d.). jRl-4. Wt. 235-0.
Dates 1649,1651-1656, 1658, 1659 (?), and 1660.
685. Shilling. 1651. Same as the preceding, but mark of value XII (= 12d.),
jRl-25. Wt. 92-5.
Dates 1649, 1651-1658, and 1660.
686. Sixpence. 1651. Same, but mark of value VI (= 6d.). ju 1-05. Wt. 44-0.
Dates 1649 and 1651-1660. That of 1659 is doubtful.
687. Half-Groat. Similar to No. 680, but no legends on either side ; no mint-
mark; and mark of value II (= 2d.) above shields on rev. M -7.
Wt. 15-0.
The half-groat, penny, and halfpenny are undated.
688. Penny. Similar to the Half-Groat, but mark of value I (= Id.), zi -6.
Wt. 6-0.
689. Halfpenny. Obv. Shield with cross of St. George. Rev. Shield with Irish
harp. 2R -4. Wt. 3-5.
CMIM-KK. 690. Farthing Token of Rochester. 1651. Obr. & ALICE COBHAM. Shield
with the arms of the Cobham family; on a chevron three crescents. Rev.
ts IN ROCHESTER 1651. Crest of the Cobham family a hind's
head issuing from a mural crown. JE 6.
During the Commonwealth there was no official copper currency,
though patterns for farthings were prepared. Its place was supplied
by a large issue throughout the country of halfpenny and farthing
tradesmen's tokens, which bear the name of the persons by whom they
were issued, and their place of residence. The issue of these tokens
extended from 1648 to 1679.
OLIVEB CROMWELL. 127
Oliver Cromwell. 1653-1658.
COINAGE. Gold. Fifty Shillings, Broad or Twenty Shillings, and Plate xxix.
Half-Broad or Ten Shillings. Silver. Crown, Half-Crown, Shilling, and
Sixpence. Copper. Farthing.
ISSUES, &c. Two : 1st issue (1656). Gold. Fifty Shillings, Broad
or Twenty Shillings, and Half-Broad or Ten Shillings. Silver. Half-
Crown. 2nd issue (1658). Silver. Crown, Half-Crown, Shilling, and.
Sixpence. The Copper coins are not dated, but belong to the later
period.
The gold coins were of crown gold, i.e. 22 carats fine, and the
silver of 11 oz. 2 dwts. fine to 18 dwts. alloy, as the Commonwealth
coinage. Their weights were at 140^ grs. to the broad and 464^ grs.
to the crown.
These coins were struck by order of Cromwell, and with the
consent of the Council. The dies were made by Thomas Simon, the
distinguished engraver, and the striking of the coins was entrusted to
Peter Blondeau, who made use of his new invention of the mill and
screw. In consequence they are very sharply and well struck, though
occasionally found in a worn state. These coins do not appear to have
been in circulation, as no mention is made of them in the trial of the
pix in 1657, nor in the proclamation of 1661, which called in the coins
of the Commonwealth. Also the Commonwealth coins continued to be
struck during the years 1656 and 1658, the dates which occur on
Cromwell's coins. This money must therefore be considered to be
patterns.
691. Broad. 1656. Obv. OLIVAR D G RP ANG SCO - ET HIB GOLD.
&c PRO. Head of Cromwell to r., laureate. Rev. PAX QV/ERITVR -
BELLO 1656. Crowned shield with arms, viz.: 1 and 4, cross of St.
George ; 2, cross of St. Andrew ; 3, Irish harp ; with an inescutcheon of
pretence bearing the Protector's paternal arms, a lion rampant ; edge
milled. AT! "15. Wt. 140-1.
Struck in 1656 only. The fifty shilling piece (Wt. 351J grs.) was
struck from the same dies as the broad ; but it has the edge
inscribed, * PROTECTOR L1TERIS LITERXE . NVMMIS . CORONA -
IT . SALVS.
692. Half-Broad. 1656. Same as the preceding ; but the obv. legend reads,
OLIVAR D G RP ANG SCO - HIB &c PRO. AT -9.
Wt. 70-6.
The reverse die for this coin, which is now at the Mint, is dated
1658, but no struck specimens of that date are known. There are
imitations of the half -broad, dated 1656 and 1658, made by John
Sigismund Tanner, engraver to the mint 17411775, which may be
easily distinguished by the omission of the &c. in the obverse legend.
693. Crown. 1658. Same type and legends as the Half-Broad ; but on the obverse SILVKK.
the bust of Cromwell is laureate and draped after the Roman style, date
1658: and the edge inscribed, ts HAS NISI PERITVRVS MIHI
A DIM AT NEMO. JRl'55. Wt.-464'2.
Of this date only. Most of the crowns have a flaw on the bust, the
obverse die having cracked after a few specimens were struck. It
128 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xxix. was also struck in gold, but only two examples are known. There are
SILVER, two varieties or imitations of this piece, one made by Tanner (see
No. 692), the other in Holland and commonly called " the Dutch Crown."
They vary from Simon's crown in the modelling of the bust and in the
shape of the letters.
Date xxx. 694. Half-Crown. 1658. Same as the Broad No. 691, but bust and edge as on
the preceding ; date 1 658. JR 1 3. Wt. 229-1.
Struck also in 1656. These differ from the 1658 pieces in reading
H I for H I B. There are no imitations of this coin.
695. Shilling. 1658. Same as the Crown, No. 693, but edge milled. JR 1-1.
Wt. 86-6.
Of this date only. There is an imitation by Tanner which can be
easily distinguished by the &c after HIB. being omitted. A similar
coin to the shilling, but differing slightly in the obv. legend, somewhat
larger in size, and weighing from 92 to 160 grs., has been attributed to
Simon, and supposed to have been intended for a two shilling piece.
There are imitations of this coin by Tanner, which vary only slightly
in the shape of the letters.
696. Sixpence. 1658. Same as the preceding. JR -85. Wt. 44-0.
Of this date only. Tanner made copies of this piece also, and
being somewhat larger in size they have wrongly been considered as
niiiepences.
TOPPER. 697. Farthing. Obv. OLIVAR PRO ENG SC IRL. Bust of Cromwell
to 1., laureate and draped. Rev. CHARITIE AND - CHANGE.
Crowned shield as on No. 691. JE "85.
There are three types of the farthing. The others have for reverse
types, three columns united by a cord or a ship.
Charles II. 1660-1685.
COINAGE. Hammered. Gold. Broad or Twenty Shillings, Half-Broad
or Ten Shillings, and Crown or Five Shillings. Silver. Half-Crown,
Shilling, Sixpence, Groat, Threepence, Half-Groat, and Penny. Milled.
Gild. Five Guineas, Two Guineas, Guinea, and Half-Guinea. Silcer.
Crown, Half-Crown, Shilling, Sixpence, and Maundy Groat, Threepence,
Half-Groat, and Penny. Copper. Halfpenny and Farthing. Tin.
Farthing,
ISSUES. The gold and silver coins of this reign are of two kinds or
classes, viz., the hammered money struck after the old fashion by the
hammer, and the milled money struck by the new process of the mill
and screw. Their issues and denominations were : HAMMERED.
Gold. Two: 1st issue (1660), Broad, Half-Broad, and Five Shillings,
without marks of value ; 2nd issue (1661), same denominations, but with
marks of value. Silver. Three : 1st issue (1660), Half-Crown, Shilling,
Sixpence, Half-Groat, and Penny, without marks of value or inner
circle; 2nd issue (1661), same denominations, with marks of value and
no inner circle; 3rd issue (1661-1662), same denominations and also
CO
Si
mi
CHAELES II. 129
Groat and Threepence, with marks of value and inner circle. MILLED. Plate xxx.
Gold. One : (1662-1684), Five Guineas, Two Guineas, Guinea, and
Half-Guinea. Silver. One : (1662-1684), Crown, Half-Crown, Shilling,
Sixpence, and Maundy Groat, Threepence, Half-Groat, and Penny.
The Copper coins, Halfpenny and Farthing, were first issued in 1672,
and the Tin coins, Farthings only, in 1684.
WEIGHT. The weight of the hammered gold coins was at the rate of
140f grs. to the broad and of the milled money at 13 Iff grs. to the
guinea till 1670, when it was reduced to 129ff grs. The current
value of the guinea was 20s. The silver coins throughout the reign
were at 7|f grs. to the penny, as since the reign of James I. The
copper coins were struck at the rate of 2Qd. to the pound avoirdupois,
and those of tin were ordered to be made of the same weight.
FINENESS. The gold money was 22 cts. fine to 2 cts. of alloy, known
as crown gold, and that of silver 11 oz. 2 dwts. fine to 18 dwts. of
alloy. This standard in both metals has remained unchanged to the
present day. The copper money was struck from pure Swedish metal.
Hammered Money (1660-1662).
698. Broad. 1st issue. Obv. CAROLVS II D G MAG BRIT FRAN . GOLD.
ET H1B REX ; m. m. crown. Bust of king to 1., laureate, hair long
in armour and mantle. Eev. FLORENT CONCORDIA REGNA.'
Oval shield crowned and garnished ; at sides, C R. A7 1-35. Wt. 140-7.
On his restoration Charles II adopted his father's types for his
coins. All the dies for the hammered money were made by Thomas
~ .mon, who had been chief engraver to the mint during the Common-
wealth. The mint-mark on the gold and silver coins is a crown. They
are the last pieces upon which any mint-mark occurs.
699
. Broad. 2nd issue. Same as the preceding, but mark of value XX (= 20s.)
behind bust. AT 1-25. Wt. 139-7.
The order for stamping the values on the gold and silver coins was
dated 28 Nov., 1661.
700. Half-Broad. 1st issite. Same as the Broad, No. 698, but of smaller size.
r AT 1-1. Wt. 69-9.
01. Half-Broad. 2nd issue. Same as the preceding, but behind bust X (= 10s.).
A/l-0. Wt. 70-7.
702. Crown. 1st issue. Same as the Broad, No. 698; but reading FR. for
FRAN., and smaller in size. AT -75. Wt. 35-0.
703. Crown. 2nd issue. Same as the preceding; but behind bust V (= 5s.).
A7 -75. Wt. 35-0.
These crowns only differ from each other in the abbreviations of the
words of the obverse legend.
704. Half-Crown. Is* issue. Obv. CAROLVS II D G MAG BRIT SILVER.
FRAN ET HIB REX; m. m. crown. Bust of king to 1., crowned,
hair long, in lace collar and armour. Eev. CHRISTO AVSPICE
REGNO. Square shield on cross fleury. ail-4. Wt. 231-5.
For varieties of the three issues of silver coins see under coinage abovo.
K
130 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xxx. 705. Half-Crown. 3rd issue. Same as the preceding, but obv. legend reading
SILVER BR : FR :, mark of value XXX (= 30d.) behind bust, inner circle on both
sides, and in. m. crown on rev. as well as on obv. JR 1'4. Wt. 231*0.
This third coinage extended from January 1661-2 to November
1662, when a warrant was issued for coining by the mill.
706. Shilling. 1st issue. Same as the Half-Crown, No. 704, but reading FR.
for FRAN. JR 1-25. Wt. 92-0.
707. Shilling. 3rd issue. Similar to the Half-Crown, No. 705 ; but legend on
obv. as the last, and mark of value XII (= 12d.). JR 1-25. Wt. 87-5.
708. Sixpence. 1st issue. Similar to the Half-Crown, No. 704. JR 1-05.
Wt. 46-5.
709. Sixpence. 3rd issue. Similar to the Half-Crown, No. 705, but obv. legend
reading BRI FRA -, and mark of value VI (= 6d.). JR 1-05. Wt. 47'0.
710. Groat. 3rd issue. Similar to the Half-Crown, No. 705, but mark of
value III I (=4d.). JR -95. Wt. 30'5.
Groats and threepences of the first and second issues are not known.
711. Threepence. 3rd issue. Same as the preceding, but obv. legend reading,
CAROLVS II D G M BR FR - ET HI REX, and mark of
value III (= 3d.), JR '75. Wt. 23-5.
712. Half-Groat. 1st issue. Similar to the Shilling, No. 706. M -1. Wt. 16 -0.
713. Half-Groat. 3rd issue. Similar to the Half-Crown, No. 705; but obv.
legend reading, CAROLVS II D : G : MAG : BRI : FRA : ET : HIB :
REX, and mark of value II (= 2d.). JR -1. Wt. 15-0.
714. Penny. 1st issue. Similar to the Half-Crown, No. 704, but obv. legend
reading, CAROLVS II D G - M BR F ET HI REX, and no
mint-mark. JR '55. Wt. 8'0.
715. Penny. 3rd issue. Similar to the Half-Crown, No. 705, but obv. legend
reading, CAROLVS II D : G : M : B : F : ET : HIB : REX, and
mark of value I (= Id.). JR -6. Wt. 7'2.
The marks of value on the current coins in gold and silver cease
fit? with this series, and have only been revived on a few denominations
* * struck since 1831.
^ 'J
^ 716-719. Maundy Money. Groat. Obv. CAROLVS .II-D-G-M-B-F-
Jf c & H - REX. Bust of king to 1., crowned, &c., as on No. 704; but it
descends to the edge of the coin, and divides the legend, which conmienpes
below on the 1. ; behind bust, III! (= 4d.). Rev. CHRISTO AVSPICE
REGNO; m. m. crown. Square shield on cross fleury. JR '75. Wt. 30'7.
The Threepence, Half-Groat, and Penny (Nos. 717-719) are all of
the same type as the groat, but vary in size and marks of value,
III, II, and I.
This is the first issue of the Maundy money. The coins are of
much neater work than the previous ones of the same denominations
and are the last specimens of the hammered money. They were
struck to supply the means of conforming to an ancient custom
of distributing the royal bounty on Maundy, or Holy Thursday, a
custom which exists to the present clay. They were not issued for
currency.
CHAELES II. 131
Milled Money (1662-1684).
720. Five Guineas. 1668. Obv. CAROLVS II DEI GRATIA. Bust of Plate xxxi.
king to r., laureate, hair long, no drapery; below, elephant. Rev. MAG GOLD
BR FRA ET HIB REX 1668. Pour shields, England, Scotland,
France and Ireland, each crowned, arranged in form of cross ; in centre, four
C's interlinked, from which issue four sceptres; on edge, <%* DECVS
ET TVTAMEN ANNO REGNI VICESIMO. a 1-45.
Wt. 644-0.
The dates of the five guineas are 1668-1673 and 1675-1684. The
elephant, or the elephant with a castle on its back, on the obverse is
the symbol of the African Company, whose charter gave them the
privilege of having coins struck in gold and silver at the mint from
metal imported by them. The gold came from Guinea, hence the
name given to the 20s. piece. Before 1675 the elephant is without
the castle. The regnal year of Charles II dates from the death of
Charles I, and not being concurrent with the Christian era, different
regnal years sometimes occur on coins of the same date. The in-
scription on the edge was suggested by Evelyn, he having seen it on a
vignette in Card. Richelieu's Greek Testament. It was placed on the
coins to prevent clipping. The dies for the milled money in all metals
were made by Jan Roettier, a native of Antwerp, who succeeded
Thomas Simon as chief engraver to the mint (see No. 726), and the
striking of the coins was entrusted to Peter Blondeau, who used the
mill and screw for this purpose.
721-723. Two Guineas. 1683. Similar to the preceding, but no elephant under
the bust, and date 1 683 ; edge milled. A/ 1 25. Wt. 257 8.
Dates 1664, 1675-1679, and 1681-1684.
The Guinea,* 1663, wt. 130-1 (No. 722), and the Half-Guinea, 1669,
. 64 '9 (No. 723), are of precisely the same type as the two guineas.
'ates, guinea, 1663-1668, and 1670-1684; half-guinea, 1669, 1670,
672, and 1675-1684. The bust of the king on the gold coins is
ried nearly throughout the reign, in having the truncation or lower
rt either pointed or rounded. The hair is also varied.
724. Crown. 1662. Obv. CAROLVS II DEI GRA. Bust of king to r., SILVER.
laureate, draped, hair long; below, rose. Eev. MAG BR FRA ET
HIB REX 1662. Four shields, each crowned, arranged in form of
cross, viz. : 1 and 3, England and France quarterly ; 2, Scotland ; and 3,
Ireland; in each angle two C's interlinked; in centre, Star of the Garter;
on edge, ^ DECVS ET TVTAMEN. JR 1-6. Wt. 463-0.
Dates 1662-1684. The rose under the bust denotes that the coin
was struck from silver supplied from the mines in the West of Eng-
land. It only occurs on the crowns of 1662. Other crowns of 1662
are without the rose under the bust, read GRATIA for GRA, and have the
date also on the edge. Crowns were the only silver coins struck in 1 662.
* As noted above (p. 129), the weight of the guinea till 1670 was 131ff grs. ; but
from that date 129jj$ grs. In the case of the 'milled silver the proportion was at
7|f grs. to the penny or 92f grs. to the shilling throughout the reign. As no
change took place in the weights of the coins in either metal till the great
re-coinage of 1816-1817, they will not be repeated ; any variation would solely
depend 011 the state of preservation of the individual specimen.
K 2
132 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xxxi. 725. Crown. 1663. Same as the preceding, but reading on the obv. GRATIA,
SILVER. an( i no rose under the bust ; and on the rev. the shields are arranged ; 1,
England; 2, Scotland; 3, France; and 4, Ireland ; date 1663; on edge,
^ DECVS ET TVTAMEN ANNO REGNI XV >f. jKl'55.
After the 18th year the date on the edge is given in full (ANNO
REGNI DECIMO NONO) and not in Roman numerals. The elephant
or elephant and castle also occurs under the bust ; the former being only
found on crowns, half-crowns and shillings of 1666, the latter on similar
pieces of 1681. This new arrangement of the arms on the shields was
adopted from this date on all the silver coins of this reign.
726. The Petition Crown. 1663. By Thomas Simon. Obv. Similar to No. 724, but
the hair more flowing ; the bust longer and more carefully modelled ; and
below the signature SIMON. Rev. Similar to the preceding, but in the
centre, St. George and the Dragon within the Garter; on edge, THOMAS
SIMON MOST HVMBLY PRAYS YOVR MAJESTY TO
COMPARE - THIS . HIS - TRYALL - PIECE - WITH THE -
DVTCH AND IF MORE TRVLY . DRAWN & EMBOSSED
MORE GRACE FVLLY . ORDER'D AND MORE ACCV-
RATELY ENGRAVEN - TO RELIEVE HIM; two C's interlinked,
crowned, and within two palm-branches at beginning of inscription.
Ml -55. Wt. 529-2.
At the Restoration Thomas Simon, who had held the post of
sole engraver to the Mint during the Commonwealth, was con-
tinued in office; but in 1662 his appointment was limited to that
of engraver of seals, and Jan Roettier, a native of Antwerp,
was made sole engraver of dies. Enraged at being supplanted
in this manner, Simon endeavoured to vindicate his cause by an
appeal to the king, in the form of the above coin, which was modelled
after Roettier's own coin, but which it far surpasses in general
execution and beauty of engraving. The appeal was unsuccessful.
The portrait of the king, both on Roettier's and Simon's coins, was
copied from a drawing made by Samuel Cooper, the king's limner.
727. Half-Crown. 1663. Same type as the Crown, No. 725, and same legends.
a 1-3. Wt. 231-5.
Dates 1663-1684, except 1665 and 1667. Varieties have the elephant
or elephant and castle under the bust (see No. 728), or the plume
(see No. 730). The same rule as to the legend on the edge of the
crown applies also to the half-crown (see No. 728).
728. Half-Crown. 1666. Same, but elephant under the bust and date on edge,
ANNO REGNI XVIII 2B1-25.
729. Shilling. Same as the Crown, No. 725; but the edge is milled, a I'O.
Wt. 91-0.
Dates 1663-1684, except 1664, 1665, 1667 and 1682. Some have
the elephant or elephant and castle under the bust, or the plume on
obv. or rev. or on both sides (see next piece).
730. Shilling. 1673. Same, but plume under bust and in centre of reverse.
at 1-0.
The plume indicates that the silver of which the coin was struck
came from the Welsh mines.
CHAELES II. 133
731. Sixpence. 1677. Same as the Crown, No. 725 ; but edge milled. 2R -85. Plate xxxi.
Wt. 45-4. SILVER .
Dates 1674-1684. There are no varieties of the sixpence except in
the date ; the elephant and plume do not occur on any of them.
732. Maundy Money. Groat. 1670. Same obv. type and legends as 011 the
Crown, No. 725 ; but on the rev. four C's interlinked in form of cross
and surmounted by crown ; in the angles, rose, thistle, lis, and harp ; date
1670; edge plain. 2R -7. Wt. 32-4.
The milled Maundy money was first struck in 1670, and occurs of
each year to 1684 (see note No. 716). The half -groat however occurs
of 1668.
733. Threepence. 1670. Same as the Groat, but reverse type, three C's inter-
linked and surmounted by crown, m '1. Wt. 22-0.
734. Half-Groat. 1670. Same as the Groat, but reverse type, two C's inter-
linked and surmounted by crown, .at 55. Wt. 15 5.
735. Penny. 1670. Same, but reverse type, one C crowned, s. *5. Wt. 8 '6.
736. Halfpenny. 1672. Obv. CAROLVS A CAROLO. Bust of king to 1., COPPER.
in armour. Eev. BRITANNIA. Britannia seated to 1., holding olive-
branch and spear ; her 1. arm on shield, with the combined crosses of St.
George and St. Andrew; in the exergue, 1672. M 1-2.
Copper halfpence and farthings were first issued for circulation in
1672. They were made of pure Swedish copper, and were coined at
the rate of 175 grs. to the halfpenny and 87^ grs. to the farthing;
thus making a pound of metal avoirdupois equal to 20d. The copper
currency of this reign previous to 1672 consisted of tradesmen's half-
penny and farthing tokens, similar to those struck during the later
years of the Commonwealth. The figure of Britannia on the reverse
of the new coinage is said to be a portrait of Frances Stewart,
ichess of Richmond. The dates of the halfpenny are 1672, 1673,
id 1675.
J. Farthing. 1671. Same as the Halfpenny, but the r. leg of Britannia is bare
and date 1671. M -9.
Dates 1671-1675 and 1679.
J. Farthing. 1684. Same as the preceding ; but no date on the reverse ; edge TIN.
inscribed, NVMMORVM FAMVLVS . 1684. St. -9.
In 1684 it was decided to strike coins, halfpence and farthings, in
i, a step which had already been proposed in 1679. The farthing
only however was issued. It is of the same weight as the copper piece
of that value, and in order to render counterfeiting more difficult a
square plug of copper was inserted in the centre. The inscription on
the edge, " the servant of the coinage," implies that these coins were
not to be considered a part of the regular coinage, but as representing
something of greater value than itself. There was a profit to the
mint of 40 per cent, on this issue, which during this reign was of
1684 only.
134 EN.GLISH COINS.
James II. 1685-1688.
Plate xxxi. COINAGE. Gold. Five Guineas, Two Guineas, Guinea, and Half-
Guinea. Silver. Crown, Half-Crown, Shilling, Sixpence, and Maundy
Groat, Threepence, Half-Groat, and Penny. Tin. Halfpenny and
Farthing.
ISSUES, &c. The gold and silver money of James II is of the same
denominations, weight and fineness as that issued by Charles II from
1670, when the guinea was reduced to 129^{j grs. That coin was still
current for 20s. No copper coins were issued, and the only base metal
money consisted of halfpence and farthings in tin, which continued to
be coined at the rate of 20c7. to the pound avoirdupois. The halfpenny
was of one type only ; but of the farthing there are two varieties.
The types generally of the coins of James II vary but slightly from
those of Charles II.
GOLD. 739. Five Guineas. 1687. Obv. IACOBVS II DEI GRATIA. Bust of
king to L, laureate, hair long ; no drapery ; below, elephant and castle (see
No. 720). Bev. MAG BR FRA - ET HIB REX 1687. Four
shields, each crowned, arranged in form of cross, with sceptre in each
angle, as on No. 720 ; but no initials of the king in the centre ; on edge,
* DECVS ET TVTAMEN ANNO REGNI TERTIO K A/ 1-5.
Dates 16861688. The elephant and castle only occurs on the five
guineas of 1687 and 1688, but those without are of each year. On the
five guineas of 1686 the sceptres are wrongly arranged, those terminating
in the harp and lis being transposed.
740. Two Guineas. 1687. Same as the Five Guineas, but no elephant and castle
under the bust, and the edge is milled. A; 1*2.
Dates 1686-1688. That only of 1686 has the elephant and castle
under the bust.
Plate xxxii. 741. Guinea. 1688. Same as the Two Guineas, but date 1688. A? 1-0.
Dates 1685-1688. The guinea was the only gold piece struck in 1685.
Specimens with and without the elephant and castle occur of each year.
742. Half-Guinea. 1686. Same as the Five Guineas, No. 739, with elephant and
castle under the bust, but date 1686 ; edge milled. A; -55.
Dates 1686-1688. The elephant and castle occurs only on the
half -guinea of 1686.
SILVER. 743. Crown. 1688. Obv. IACOBVS II - DEI GRATIA. Bust of king to L,
laureate and draped. Bev. Same as tho Five Guineas, No. 739, but date
1688; no sceptres; and in centre, Star of the Garter; on edge, J< DECVS
&c., ANNO REGNI QVARTO. M 1-55.
Dates 1686-1688. There are no special signs on the silver coins,
such as the elephant and castle, rose or plume, denoting the sources of
the metal.
744. Half-Crown. 1687. Same as the Crown, but date 1687; and on edge,
* DECVS &c., ANNO REGNI TERTIO. at 1-3.
Dates 1685-1688.
745. Shilling. 1686. Same as the preceding, but date, 1 686 ; edge milled. M 1 0.
Dates 1685-1688.
JAMES II. 135
746. Sixpence. 1687. Same, but date 1687. &, '85. Plate xxxIL
Dates 1686-1688. SILVER.
747-750. Maundy Money. Groat. 1687. Obv. IACOBVS - II DEI GRATIA.
Head to 1., laureate. Eev. MAG BR FRA ET HIB REX
1687. In centre, 111! (= 4d.), surmounted by a crown, st '75.
The Threepence (No. 748), Half-Groat (No. 749), and Penny (No.
750) are all of the same type ; but the marks of value on the
reverses are III II and I respectively. Sets are dated 1686-1688.
751. Halfpenny. 1685. Obv. IACOBVS SECVNDVS. Bust of king to r., TIN.
laureate and draped. Eev. BRITANNIA. Britannia seated to 1., with her
attributes as on No. 736; on edge, NVMMORVM FAMVLVS 1685.
St. 1-2.
Dates 1685-1687. The halfpenny and farthing always have a plug of
copper in the centre (see No. 738).
752. Farthing. 1685. Same as the Halfpenny ; but the bust of the king is in
armour. St. '95.
Dates 16851687. A variety of 1685 has the king's bust draped,
as on the halfpenny.
William and Mary. 1688-1694.
COINAGE. Gold. Five Guineas, Two Guineas, Guinea, and Half-
Guinea. Silver. Crown, Half-Crown, Shilling, Sixpence, and Maundy
Groat, Threepence, Half-Groat, and Penny. Copper and Tin. Half-
penny and Farthing.
ISSUES, &c. There was practically only one issue or type of each
denomination and metal with the exception of the half-crown, the
reverse of which is of two types, the change taking place in 1691 (see
Nos. 758 and 759). The reverse types of the coins differ generally
somewhat from those of the previous reigns, and a change took place,
not only in the arrangement of the arms on the shield, France and
England being quarterly, but also in the addition of those of Nassau,
generally on an inescutcheon (see No. 753). This alteration in the
position of the French and English arms did not occur till the latter
part of 1689, as the first half-crowns of that year have the English
arms in the 1st quarter and the French in the 4th (see No. 758). The
weight and fineness of the gold and silver money were the same as of
the last coinage (1670) of Charles II ; but on account of the deteriora-
tion of the silver coins through clipping and rough usage, the guinea,
nominally worth 20s., was received at 21s. 6c?., and in 1694 its value
rose to 30s. The base-metal coins, halfpennies and farthings, were
struck in copper as well as in tin, at the rate of 2ld. to the pound of
metal, instead of 20o?. to the pound as formerly.
753. Five Guineas. 1691. Obv. GVLIELMVS ET MARIA DEI GOLD.
GRATIA. Conjoined busts of the king and queen to r. ; no drapery:
he is laureate. Eev. MAG BR FR ET - HIB - REX - ET
REGINA 1691. Square shield, garnished and crowned: the arms
are 1 and 4, France and England quarterly ; 2, Scotland ; 3, Ireland ; and
136 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xxxii. those of Nassau on an inescutcheon of pretence; on edge, J DECVS
GOLD. ET TVTAMEN ANNO REGNI - TERTIO. AT 1-4.
Dates 16911694. The elephant and castle, the mark of the
African Company (see No. 720), occurs under the busts on each
denomination of the gold coins.
754. Two Guineas. 1694. Same as the Five Guineas, but date 1694, and edge
milled. &r 1-2.
Dates 1691, 1693, and 1694.
755. Guinea. 1689. Same, but shield not garnished, and date 1689. AI 1-0.
Dates 1689-1694.
756. Half-Guinea. 1692. Same as the Guinea, but elephant and castle under
the busts, and date 1692. AT -8.
Dates 1689-1692, and 1694.
SILVER. 757. Crown. 1691. Obv. Same as the Five Guineas, No. 753, but busts draped.
Rev. MAG BR FR - ET HI REX ET REGINA. Four
shields crowned and arranged in form of cross, viz. : 1, England ; 2, Scot-
land ; 3, France ; and 4, Ireland ; in centre, shield of Nassau surrounded
by the date 1691 ; in each angle formed by the shields W M in monogram ;
on edge, * DECVS &c., ANNO REGNI TERTIO. 2Rl'5.
Dates 1691 and 1692. The above is the reverse type for all the silver-
coins except the Maundy money from 1691 (see next coin).
Plate xxxiii. 758. Half-Crown. 1689. 1st type. Same as the Crown, but on the rev., square
shield crowned ; arms quarterly, viz. : 1, England ; 2, Scotland ; 3, Ireland ;
and 4, France; and on an inescutcheon, arms of Nassau ; date 1689; on
edge, ^ DECVS &c., ANNO REGNI PRIMO. JB 1-3.
Dates 1689-1691. The half-crown was the only current silver coin
struck during 1689-1690. This may have been caused by the great
scarcity of silver. Later half-crowns of 1689 and all of 1690 vary in
the arms, England and France being quarterly on the 1st and 4th
shields. Varieties have the caul and interior of the crown above the
shield frosted. These are of 1689 and 1690 only.
759. Half-Crown. 1691. 2nd type. Same as the Crown, No. 757, and same
inscription on edge, .a* 1-3.
Dates 1691-1693. This type remained unchanged till 1693; no
half-crowns of 1694 are known.
760. Shilling. 1692. Same as the Crown, No. 757; but date 1692, and edge
milled. 2R TO.
Dates 1692 and 1693.
761. Sixpence. 1693. Same as the Shilling, but date 1693. JR -85.
Dates 1693 and 1694.
762-765. Maundy Money. Groat. 1691. Obv. GVLIELMVS ET MARIA
D G. Conjoined busts of the king and queen to r. ; he is laureate ; no
drapery. Rev. MAG BR FR ET HIB REX ET REGINA
1691. In the centre the numeral 4, crowned. JR -75.
The Threepence (No. 763), Half-Groat (No. 764), and Penny (No.
765) are of the same type and date, but with marks of value 3, 2, and 1,
respectively. Sets are dated 1689-1694
1
WILLIAM AND MAEY. 137
766. Halfpenny. 1690. Obv. GVLIELMVS ET MARIA. Conjoined busts Plate xxxiii.
of the king and queen-to r. ; he is laureate and wears armour ; she is draped. XIN.
Rev. BRITANNIA. Britannia seated to 1., with her attributes as on
No. 736; in centre, plug of copper ; on edge, NVMMORVM - FAMVLVS
1690. St. 1-15.
Dates 1690-1692. Varieties have the date on the reverse as well
as on the edge.
7G7. Farthing. 1690. Same as the Halfpenny ; but the r. leg of Britannia is
bare, and the date is in the exergue on the reverse as well as on the edge.
St. -9.
Dates 1690-1692, which is the last year in which this tin money
was issued by authority. From March 1684 to January 1692 the
amount of tin coins struck was 344 tons in weight, of the current
value of 65,929 15s. 9(Z. In 1693, on account of the tin money not
being of intrinsic value and being easy to counterfeit, a patent was
granted to Andrew Corbet to strike copper halfpence and farthings of
English metal. But the patent was annulled in 1694, and it was
ordered that this money should be coined in the mint only.
768. Halfpenny. 1694. Same as the Halfpenny, No. 766, but the king has short COPPER.
hair, and the date, 1 694, is in the exergue on the reverse ; edge plain.
^1-15.
Date 1694. Andrew Corbet appears to have struck farthings only
in 1693, as no halfpence are known of that date. The copper money
was at the rate of 21 d. to the pound weight, and was of the best English
copper.
769. Farthing. 1694. Same as the preceding, but the r. leg of Britannia is bare.
& -85.
Dates 1693 and 1694. The copper farthing dated 1692, having the
king's hair long, may only be a proof from the dies of the tin farthing.
William III. 1694-1702.
COINAGE. On the death of Mary no change occurred in the denomi
nations of the gold, silver, and base metal coins, the latter being, how-
ever, of copper only. The weight and fineness too of the gold and
silver money remained unaltered, but greater uniformity was intro-
duced in the reverse types, thus assimilating them to the coinages of
Charles II and James II. For example, on the gold coins the arms
are placed on four shields, which are arranged in the form of a cross
instead of on one shield.
Owing to the wretched condition of the silver currency through the
clipping and defacement of the hammered money, which still remained
in circulation, it was decided in 1696 to withdraw it altogether, and to
issue a great recoinage of silver. One of the results of this re-coinage
was that the current value of the guinea, which in 1694 had stood at
30s., was gradually reduced by Act of Parliament to 28s., then to 26s.,
22s., and finally in 1698 to 21s. 6d., at which value it remained till
1717, when it was further reduced to 21s. (For further particulars
of this new silver coinage see No. 774.)
138
ENGLISH COINS.
GOLD.
Plate xxxiii. 770. Five Guineas. 1699. Obv. GVLIELMVS III - DEI GRA. Bust of
king to r., laureate, lovelock on shoulder ; no drapery; below, elephant and
castle. Rev. MAG BR FRA ET HIB REX . 1699. The four-
shields of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, each crowned, arranged in
form of cross (as No. 757) ; in the centre, that of Nassau, and in each angle,
sceptre; on edge, DECVS &c., ANNO REGNI . UNDECIMO A; 1-45.
Dates 1699-1701. Others are without the elephant and castle,
the mark of the African Company (see No. 720). The bust of the
king on the gold coins shows several varieties. It is with or without
a lovelock on the shoulder ; berries are sometimes introduced into the
wreath, and on some pieces the head is larger than on others.
771. Two Guineas. 1701. Same as the preceding, hut without elephant and
castle under the bust, and no lovelock on the shoulder; date 1701 ; and
edge milled. AT 1-25.
Dates 1699 and 1701. This denomination, and also the guinea and
half-guinea, show the same varieties as the five guineas.
772. Guinea. 1701. Same as the Two Guineas.
Dates 1695-1701.
A; 1-0.
773. Half-Guinea. 1695. Same as the Guinea, but date, 1695.
Dates 1695-1698 and 1700-1701.
A7 "8.
SILVER. 774. Crown. 1700. Obv. Same as the Five Guineas, No. 770 ; but bust wearing
armour and mantle; no elephant and castle below. Rev. Same as No.
770, but no sceptres between the shields ; date 1700; on edge, >^ DECVS
&c., ANNO REGNI DVODECIMO. JR 1-6.
Dates 1695-1697 and 1700. The bust of the king on the silver
coins is also varied. On the crowns of 1695 and early issue of 1696
the breast-plate is curved, afterwards it is straight. The half-crowns
are of the second type only. On the shillings the nose is more or less
aquiline and the hair more or less fine. The special marks on the
silver coins struck at the Tower mint of this reign are the elephant
and castle (see No. 775), which occurs on the half-crown of 1701 only,
roses for metal derived from the West of England, and plumes for
the Welsh metal (see Nos. 776 and 778). These marks do not occur
on the crowns. They are found usually on the reverse in the angles
of the shields. For exceptions see No. 779.
In order to facilitate the striking and ready circulation of the new
silver coinage of 1696, local mints were established at Bristol, Chester,
Exeter, Norwich, and York, these mints being distinguished by the
letters B, C, E, N, and Y or y, respectively, which are placed below the
bust (see No. 777). The denominations issued at these mints are half-
crowns, shillings and sixpences, and are dated 1696 and 1697 only.
775. Half-Crown. 1701. Same as the Crown ; but elephant and castle under the
bust; date 1701; and edge inscribed,^ DECVS &c., ANNO REGNI
DECIMO TERTIO. * 1'3.
Dates 1696-1701.
776. Half-Crown. 1701. Same as the preceding, bat no elephant and castle
under the bust, and plume in each angle of the shields on the reverse,
zi 1-3. (See No. 774.)
t
WILLIAM III. 139
777. Shilling. 1696. Bristol. Similar to the Crown, No. 774 ; but B (Bristol) Plateixxxiii.
under the bust, date 1696, and edge milled. M 1-0. - SILVER^
Dates with mint-letters, 1696 and 1697.
778. Shilling. 1699. Same as the preceding, but no letter under the bust, date
1699, and rose in each angle of the shields on the reverse. M I'O.
Dates without mint-letters, 1695-1701.
779. Sixpence. 1697. Same as the Shilling, No. 778; but no roses on the
reverse, and date 1697. M '8.
Dates without mint-letters, 1695-1701 ; with mint-letters 1696 and
1697. The shilling and sixpence of 1700 are the only silver coins
which have the plume under the king's bust. They are excessively
rare, only a few specimens being known of each.
780-783. Maundy Money. Groat. 1701. Same as the Sixpence, No. 779 ; but Plate xxxiv.
type of reverse, the numeral 4 crowned ; date 1701. & -75.
The Threepence (No. 781), Half-Groat (No. 782), and Penny (No.
783) are of the same type arid date, but have marks of value, 3, 2,
and 1 respectively. Sets are dated 1698-1701. There is however a
groat of 1702, which is the only coin known of that year of
William III.
784. Halfpenny. 1697. Obv. GVLIELMVS TERTIVS. Bust of king to r., COPPER.
laureate and wearing armour. Rev. BRITANNIA. Britannia seated to
1., with her attributes, as on No. 736 ; below, 1697. JE 1-15.
Dates 1695-1701. In 1699 the reverse type was slightly changed,
and Britannia, instead of holding up the olive-branch in her r. hand,
rests it on her knee. On some pieces struck between 1695 and
1699 the date follows the legend on the reverse. The copper money
was of the same weight and metal as that ordered in 1693 (see
No. 768).
785. Farthing. 1696. Same as the Halfpenny, No. 784 ; but the leg of Britannia
is bare; date 1696. M '9.
Dates 1695-1701. The farthing is of this type only, but as in the
case of the halfpenny, the date sometimes follows the legend.
Anne. 1702-1714.
COINAGE. Gold. Five Guineas, Two Guineas, Guinea, and Half-
Guinea. Silver. Crown, Half-Crown, Shilling, Sixpence, and Maundy
Groat, Threepence, Half-Groat, and Penny. Copper. Halfpenny and
Farthing (patterns only).
ISSUES, &c. There were two issues of gold and silver money, viz., that
struck before the Union with Scotland, 1702-1707, and that struck
after the Union, 1707-1714. The denominations, c., of both issues
were the same, and the principal difference consisted in the alteration
of the arms, those of England and Scotland being impaled on one
140 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xxxiv. shield after the Union. The shield of Nassau was obviously omitted.*
Of the copper coins there were several types (see Nos. 802-808), but
they are all patterns.
The weight and fineness of the gold and silver are the same as
ordered in 1670 (see p. 131 note), and the current value of the guinea
remained, as prescribed in 1698, at 21s. Gd.
GOLD. 786. Five Guineas. 1703. 1st issue. Obv. ANNA DEI GRATIA. Bust of
queen to 1., diademed and draped; lovelock on r. shoulder; below, VI GO.
Rev. MAG BR FRA ET HIB - REG 1703. The four shields of
England, Scotland, France and Ireland, each crowned, arranged in form of
cross ; in the centre, a rose from which issue four sceptres ; on edge,
fr DECVS &c., ANNO REGNI SECVNDO. A^l-15.
Dates (before the Union) 1703, 1705, and 1706 ; (after the Union)
1706, 1709, 1711, 1713, and 1714. The gold and silver coins of 1702 and
1703, with the word VIGO under the bust, were struck from bullion
taken from the Spanish galleons captured in Vigo Bay, 12th Oct.
1702. On all the gold coins struck after the Union the Star of the
Garter takes the place of the rose in the centre of the reverse, and the
order of the shields is shown on the next coin. No gold coins are known
of 1704.
787. Two Guineas. 1711. 2nd issue. Same as the Five Guineas, but without
VIGO under the bust; and on the rev. the legend reads BRI FR , and
the arms on the shields are : 1 and 3, England and Scotland impaled ;
2, France ; and 4, Ireland ; in the centre, the Star of the Garter ; date
1711 ; edge milled. AT 1-25.
Dates 1709, 1711, 1713, and 1714. Two guineas do not appear to
have been struck before the Union.
788. Guinea. 1714. 2nd issue. Same as the Two Guineas; but date 1714.
A7 I'l.
Dates (before the Union) 1702, 1703, and 1705-1707 ; (after the
Union) 1707-1714. The guinea is the only gold coin on which the
elephant and castle occurs. They are of 1707-1709.
789. Half-Guinea. 1702. 1st issue. Same as the Five Guineas, No. 786 ; but
without VIGO under the bust ; date 1702 ; edge milled. AT- -85.
Dates (before the Union) 1702, 1703, and 1705 ; (after the Union)
1707-1714.
SILVER. 790-791. Crown. 1703. 1st issue. Same as the Five Guineas, No. 786 ; but bust
without lovelock on the shoulder ; and in the centre on the rev., Star of
the Garter and no sceptres; date 1703; on edge, %< DECVS &c., ANNO
REGNI TERTIO. JR 1-55.
Dates 1703 and 1705-1707. This coin and Nos. 791-793 have the
legend VIGO under the bust (see No. 786). Varieties of each denomi-
* By the Act of Union with Scotland in 1707, it was ordered that the coinage
in gold and silver should be of the same standard and value throughout the
United Kingdom : and that the mint should be continued in Scotland (Edin-
burgh) under the same rules as the mint in England. No gold coins, however,
appear to have been struck at Edinburgh after this date, and the silver ones can be
distinguished by having the letter E, or E and a star, under the bust (see p. 211).
ANNE. 141
nation, crown to sixpence, of this and the next issue have plumes or Plate xxxiv.
roses and plumes on the reverse. The latter were struck from English SILVER.
and Welsh silver combined. The bust on the silver coins of both issues
shows several minor varieties.
The Half-Crown (No. 791) is of the same type, date, &c., as the crown.
Dates 1703-1707.
792-793. Shilling. 1703. 1st issue. Same as the preceding, but edge milled.
Ml-0.
Dates 1702-1707. The Sixpence (No. 793) is of precisely the same
type as the shilling. Dates 1703 and 1705-1707.
794-795. Crown. 1708. 2nd issue. Same as No. 790; but bust somewhat
larger; no inscription below; and on rev., legend reading BRI FR and
shields with arms as on No. 787 ; in each angle, plume; date 1708 ; and
on edge, & DECVS &c., ANNO REGNI SEPTIMO. M 1'55.
Dates 1707, 1708, and 1713. The Half-Crown, 1708 (No. 795), is of
the same type, &c., as the crown. Dates 1707-1710, and 1712-1714.
The crowns, half-crowns, shillings, and sixpences of 17071709,
with the E or E* under the bust, were struck at Edinburgh, and belong
to the Scottish series.
796-797. Shilling. 1708. 2nd issue. Same as the preceding, but edge milled.
M 1-0.
Dates 1707-1714. The Sixpence, 1708 (No. 797), is of the same
type. Dates 1707, 1708, 1710, and 1711.
798-801. Maundy Money. Groat. 1703. Obv. ANNA DEI GRATIA. Bust
of queen to 1., diademed and draped. Rev. MAG BR FR ET
HIB REG 1703 In the centre the numeral 4, crowned. M -75.
The Threepence (No. 799), Half -Groat (No. 800), and Penny (No. 801)
are of the same date and type, but with marks of value, 3, 2, and i
respectively. The legend on the reverse varies slightly at different
dates. They always read BRI FR after the Union. This is the only
change on the Maundy money. Sets are dated 1703, 1705, 1706, 1708,
1709, 1710, and 1713.
802. Halfpenny. 1713. Obv. ANNA DEI GRATIA. Bust of queen to 1., COPPER,
draped ; head bound with pearls. Rev. Same type, &c. as obverse ; on
edge, * DECVS ET - TVTAME - ANNO REGNI - DVODE.
M 1-1.
The abundance of copper money struck during the previous reign
rendered it unnecessary to issue any at the accession of Anne ; and no
further attempts appear to have been made in this direction till 1713,
during which year and the following one several dies were prepared at
the mint for striking halfpence and farthings, but none seem to have
been issued for circulation. The farthing however of 1714, being often
found in a worn state, is supposed to have been in circulation
for a short time before the queen's death, but there are no mint docu-
ments to support this suggestion. A variety of the above halfpenny
has the legend ANNA AVGVSTA on both sides. All the dies for the
copper coins were made by John Croker, the chief engraver at the mint.
142
ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xxxiv. 803. Halfpenny. Obv. ANNA - D : G - MAG : BR : FR : ET HIB : REG :
COPPER Bust of queen to L, draped, hair tied with fillet. Rev. Rose and thistle-
branches united on one stem and surmounted by a crown. JE 1-1.
A variety is without the crown on the reverse.
804. Halfpenny. Obv. Same as the preceding. Rev. Britannia seated to 1.,
holding branch in r. hand and sceptre in 1. ; her r. leg is bare, and her
1. arm rests on shield ; above, crown. JE 1 1.
A variety has for obverse type that of the reverse of the preceding.
Most of the above halfpence were also struck in silver.
805. Farthing. 1713. Obv. Same as No. 802. Rev. BRITANNIA 1713. Bri-
tannia seated to 1., as on the preceding, but her 1. hand is raised ; no crown
above. M -85.
806. Farthing. 1713. Same as the preceding, but on the reverse Britannia is
seated within a portico, and the date is in the exergue. JE -9.
Plate xxxv. 807. Farthing. 1713. Obv. ANNA AVGVSTA. Bust of queen as before.
Rev. PAX . MISS A PER ORBEM. Britannia holding branch and
sceptre in a biga to r. ; in the exergue, 1713. JE 1-0.
This type refers to the Peace of Utrecht.
808. Farthing. 1714. Same as No. 805 ; but the r. hand of Britannia is not
raised, her lower limbs are completely draped, and the date is in the
exergue. M -95.
This is the commonest of all the types, and this farthing is the one
which is supposed to have been in circulation for a short time.
Another piece, usually considered a farthing, has a similar ob v. to
No. 802, but the hair is bound with a fillet and there is a scroll ornament
below; and on the rev. Britannia stands, facing, holding branch and
long sceptre ; around, BELLO ET PACE ; in the exergue 1713 ;
legends incuse on both sides. This may, however, be only a medalet
commemorating the Peace of Utrecht.
The above descriptions give all the varieties of the halfpence and
farthings of Anne. Most of the farthings occur in gold and silver.
George I. 1714-1727.
COINAGE. Gold. Five Guineas, Two Guineas, Guinea, Half-Guinea,
and Quarter-Guinea. Silver. Crown, Half-Crown, Shilling, Sixpence,
and Maundy Groat, Threepence, Half-Groat, and Penny. Copper.
Halfpenny and Farthing.
ISSUES, &c. There was only one issue of the gold and silver coinages,
and as in the reigns of Anne and William III, &c., the reverse types
of both coinages were assimilated. The quarter-guinea, however, was
added to the list of gold pieces. The accession of the House of
Brunswick was accompanied by a change in the royal arms, those of the
Electorate being added. Their order was : 1, England and Scot-
laud impaled ; 2, France ; 3, Ireland ; and 4, the Electorate ; and in
the legends the king's German titles were added to his English ones
(see No. 809). The weight and fineness remained unchanged, being
as established in 1670 (see p. 131, note) ; but the current value of the
guinea was in 1717 reduced to 21s., at which it remained till its last
GEOEGE I. 143
year of issue in 1813. The copper coins were also of the same type Plate xxxv
as those issued by William III, &c., but their weight was much
reduced, being at 56 halfpence to the pound avoirdupois instead of 42
as previously.
809. Five Guineas. 1717. Obv. GEORGIVS D G M BR FR ET GOLD.
HIB REX F D. Bust of king to r., laureate, no drapery. Rev.
B'RVN ET - L DVX S R I A TH ET EL 1717. Four
shields, each crowned, arranged in form of cross, viz. : 1, England and Scot-
land impaled ; 2, Fraue-5 ; 3, Ireland ; and 4, the Electorate ; in the centre,
the Star of the Garter, from which spring four sceptres ; on edge, % DECVS
&c., ANNO REGNI TERTIO. AT 1-45.
Dates 1716, 1717, 1720, and 1726. The title "Fidei Defensor" now
occurs for the first time on the coinage, though it had been used on the
Great Seal since the reign of Henry VIII. The legend in full on the
reverse would be " Brunsvicensis et Lunenburgensis Dux, Sacri Romani
Imperii Archi-Thesaurarius et Elector."
810-813. Two Guineas. 1720. Same as the preceding; but date 1720, and edge
milled. A; 1-25.
Dates 1717, 1720, and 1726. The Guinea, 1717 (No. 811), Half-
Guinea, 1726 (No. 812), and Quarter-Guinea, 1718 (No. 813) are
also of the same type, legends, &c., as the two guineas. Their dates
are guinea, 1714-1727 ; half-guinea, 1717-1720, 1722, and 1725-
1727; and quarter-guinea, 1718 only. The guineas of 1721 and 1726
have the elephant and castle, the symbol of the African Company,
under the bust. It does not occur on any of the other gold coins,
or on any of the silver pieces. On the guinea of 1714 the words of the
legends are differently abbreviated, and that on the reverse ends
PR ET EL (Princeps et Elector). Hence it is known as the Prince
Elector guinea. The bust of the king shows several small varieties in
the hair, with and without lock on shoulder, in the tie of the wreath
having one or two ends, &c.
814-815. Crown. 1723. Same as the Five Guineas, No. 809 ; but the bust of the SILVER.
king is draped and in armour, and on the reverse, in the alternate angles
of the cross formed by the four shields, are the letters SS and C, instead of
the sceptres; on edge, >%* DECVS &o., ANNO REGNI DECIMO.
jRl-55.
Dates 1716, 1718, 1720, 1723, and 1726. The letters SS. C. are
the initials of the South Sea Company. They denote that the silver
of which the coins were struck was supplied by that company. They
are found on the silver coins from the crown to the sixpence of 1723
only. The roses and the plumes also occur on the coins of each
denomination from 1715 to 1727 (see No. 774).
The Half-Crown, 1723 (No. 815), is of the same type, legends, &c.,
as the crown. Dates 1715, 1717, 1720, 1723, and 1726.
816-817. Shilling. 1723. Same as the Crown, but edge milled. JR 1-0.
Dates 1715-1727. Besides the letters and marks alluded to above,
some shillings (17231726) have on the reverse, in the angles between
the shields, two C's interlinked and the plume alternately, and on
the obverse under the bust W. C. C. These letters are the initials of
144 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xxxv. the Welsh Copper Company, which was established during the reign
SILVER, of William and Mary. These letters do not occur on any of the other
silver coins. On some shillings of 1720 and 1721 the reverses are
plain, i.e., no letters or roses, &c., between the shields.
The Sixpence, 1723 (No. 817), is of the same type and variety as
the shilling. Dates 1717, 1720, 1723, and 1726 ; all except 1723 have
roses and plumes.
818-821. Maundy Money. Groat. 1723. Obv. GEORGIVS DEI GRA.
Bust of king to r., laureate, draped and in armour. Bev. MAG BRI
FR ET HIB - REX 1723 . In the centre the numeral 4, crowned.
JR -15.
The Threepence (No. 819), Half-Groat (No. 820), and Penny (No. 821)
are also of the same type and date, but have 011 the reverse the marks
of value 3, 2, and 1, respectively. Sets are only known of 1717, 1723,
and 1727.
COPPER.* 822. Halfpenny. 1718. Obv. GEORGIVS REX. Bust of king to r., laureate,
in armour. Bev. BRITANNIA. Britannia seated to 1., with her attributes,
similar to No. 736, but the olive-branch rests on her knee (see No. 784 note) ;
in the exergue, 1718. Ml'l.
Dates 1717-1724.
823. Farthing. 1719. Same as the preceding, but date 1719. as 9.
Dates 1717-1724. There are no varieties of the halfpence and
farthings.
George II. 1727-1760.
COINAGE. Gold. Five Guineas, Two Guineas, Guinea, and Half-
Guinea. Silver. Crown, Half-Crown, Shilling, Sixpence, and Maundy
Groat, Threepence, Half-Groat, and Penny. Copper. Halfpenny and
Farthing.
ISSUES, &c. There were two issues in each metal, gold, silver,
and copper, differing only in the portrait of the king : the first
issue having a young portrait ; the second an older one. There was no
alteration in the types of the silver and copper coins, which remained
the same as those of the previous reign ; but on those of gold the arms
are on a single shield instead of being on separate ones arranged in the
form of a cross. The change in the portrait of the king did not occur
simultaneously on the coins of the three metals. On the gold it took
place in 1739 ; on the silver in 1743 ; and on the copper in 1740. The
young portrait was the work of John Croker, who had also engraved
the dies for the coins of Anne and George I, but the old one was by
John Sigismund Tanner. There are no quarter -guineas of this reign.
The weight and fineness of the gold and silver were the same as the
milled coinage (1670) of Charles II, and the current value of the
guinea remained at 21s. as in the previous reign. The copper money
was coined at the rate of 46 halfpence to the pound avoirdupois, instead
of 56 as under George I.
GOLD. 824. Five Guineas. 1729. 1st issue. Obv. GEORGIVS II - DEI GRATIA.
Bust of king to 1., laureate, no drapery ; below. E I C (East India
Company). Bev. M B F ET H REX F D B ET L
GEOEGE II. 145
D-S-R-I-A-T-ET-E- 1729 (see No. 809). Shield, crowned Plate xxxv.
and garnished, with the royal arms quarterly, viz. : 1, England and Scot- <;,,,
land impaled; 2, Prance; 3, Ireland; and 4, the Electorate; on edge,
* DECVS &c., ANNO REGNI TERTIO. AT 1-45.
Dates, young head, 1729, 1731, 1738, and 1741 ; old head, 1746,
1748, and 1753. Though the old head was adopted on the gold in 1739,
the five guineas of 1 74 1 has the young head. The above coin was struck
from gold furnished to the mint by the East India Company. Other gold
and silver coins of 1745 and 1746, with the old portrait of the king, and
with LIMA under the bust, were struck from bullion taken by Admiral
Anson from the Spaniards in South America during his famous voyage
round the world (1739-1743). These are the only marks on the gold coins.
825. Two Guineas. 1738. 1st issue. Same as the preceding; but date 1738, and
edge milled. AT l - 25.
Dates, young head, 1727, 1729, 1735, 1738, and 1739 ; old head,
1739, 1740, 1746-1748, and 1753.
826-827. Guinea. 1747. 2nd issue. Same as the Five Guineas, No. 824, but
with the old portrait ; date 1747 ; edge milled. AT -95.
Dates, young head, 1727-1729 and 1731-1738; old head, 1739,
1740, 1743, 1745-1753, 1755, 1756, and 1758-1760.
The Half-Guinea, 1760 (No. 827), is of precisely the same type.
Dates, young head, 1728-1732, 1734, and 1736-1739; old head, 1740,
1745-1747, 1750, 1753, 1755, 1756, and 1758-1760.
828. Crown. 1732. 1st issue. Obv. GEORGIVS II DEI GRATIA. Bust SILVER.
of king to 1., laureate, draped and in armour, with lion's head on shoulder.
Rev. M B F - ET H REX -F-D-B-ET-L-D-S-R-
I A T ET E 1732. Four shields, crowned and arranged inform
of cross, viz. : 1, England and Scotland impaled ; 2, France ; 3, Ireland ;
and 4, the Electorate ; in the centre, the Star of the Garter ; and in alter-
nate angles, roses and plumes ; on edge, DECVS &c., ANNO REGNI
SEXTO. 2B1-6.
Dates 1732, 1734-1736, 1739, and 1741. The roses and plumes on
the reverse show that this coin was struck from Welsh and English
silver combined. Crowns, half-crowns, shillings and sixpences of 1739
and 1741 have roses only.
829. Half-Crown. 1732. 1st issue. Same as the preceding. M 1-3. Plate xxxvi.
Dates 1731, 1732, 1734-1736, 1739, and 1741.
830-831. Shilling. 1732. 1st issue. Same as the Crown, No. 828, but edge
milled. M 1-0.
Dates 1727-1729, 1731, 1732, 1734-1737, 1739, and 1741.
The Sixpence, 1732 (No. 831), is of the same type, &c., as the shilling.
Dates 1728, 1731, 1732, 1734-1736, 1739, and 1741. The shillings
and sixpences have also roses and plumes on the reverse, but on
some of 1728 the angles are plain, i.e., without either. Also some
shillings of 1727 and 1731 and sixpences of 1728 have plumes only.
832-833. Crown. 1746. 2nd issue. Same as No. 828, but with older bust, and
below it, LIMA (see No. 824), and on the rev. the angles between the
shields are plain; on edge, DECVS &c., ANNO REGNI DECIMO
NONO. jjl-55.
Dates 1743, 1746, 1750, and 1751.
L
146 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xxxvi. The Half-Crown, 1746 (No. 833), is of precisely the same type. Dates
SILVEK. 1743, 1745, 1746, 1750, and 1751.
834-835. Shilling. 1746. 2nd issue. Same as the Crown, No. 832, but edge
milled. M 1-0.
Dates 1743, 1745-1747, 1750, 1751, and 1758.
The Sixpence, 1746 (No. 835), is of the same type. Dates 1743, 1745,
1746, 1750, 1751, 1757, and 1758. The silver coins, crown to sixpence
of 1743, 1745, and 1747, with the exception of the " Lima" pieces, have
roses on the reverse ; the other dates are plain. Plumes do not occur
in this issue.
836-839. Maundy Money. Groat. 1729. Obv. Same as the Crown, No. 828;
Rev. MAG BRI FR ET HIB REX 1729. In the centre the
numeral 4, crowned. 5J * 75.
The Threepence (No. 837), Half-Groat (No. 838), and Penny (No. 839)
are of the same date and type, but with marks of value, 3, 2, and 1
respectively. Sets are known of 1729, 1731, 1732, 1735, 1737, 1739,
1740, 1743, 1746, and 1760. No change took place in the portrait of
the king, the young head being preserved throughout the series. His
English titles, too, are only given.
COPPER 840. Halfpenny. 1730. 1st issue. Obv. GEORGIVS II REX. Bust of
king to 1., laureate, in armour. Rev. BRITANNIA. Britannia seated to
1., with her attributes, similar to No. 736, but right hand, holding branch,
extended ; in the exergue, 1730. JE 1-15.
Dates 1729-1739. The copper coins throughout this reign were
struck at the rate of 46 halfpence, or 92 farthings, to the pound
avoirdupois. They were first issued in 1729 under the sign-manual of
Queen Caroline, when guardian of the realm in the absence of the king.
841. Halfpenny. 1746. 2nd issue. Same as the preceding, but with old head;
date 1746. JEl-15.
Dates 1740-1754.
842. Farthing. 1730. 1st issue. Same as the Halfpenny, No. 840. JE -9.
Dates 1730-1739, except 1738.
843. Farthing. 1746. 2nd issue. Same as the Halfpenny, No. 841. ^-9.
Dates 1741, 1744, 1746, 1749, 1750, and 1754.
George III. 1760-1820.
COINAGE. Gold. Guinea, Half -Guinea, Quarter-Guinea, Third-
Guinea or Seven Shillings, Sovereign, and Half-Sovereign. Silver.
Crown, Half-Crown, Shilling, Sixpence, and Maundy Groat, Three-
pence, Half-Groat, and Penny. Copper. Twopence, Penny, Halfpenny,
and Farthing.
ISSUES, &c. Gold. Four : 1st issue (1761-1786), Guinea, Half-
Guinea, and Quarter-Guinea. 2nd issue (1787-1800), Spade Guinea,
Spade Half-Guinea, and Third-Guinea. 3rd issue (1800-1813 after the
Union with Ireland), Guinea, Half -Guinea, and Third-Guinea, 4th issue
GEORGE III. 147
(1817-1820), Sovereign and Half-Sovereign. Silver. Four: 1st issue Plate xxx
(1763), Shilling. 2nd issue (1787), Shilling and Sixpence. 3rd issue
(1798), Shilling. 4th issue (1816-1820), Crown, Half-Crown, Shilling,
and Sixpence. Copper. Four : 1st issue (1770-1775), Halfpenny and
Farthing. 2nd issue (1797), Twopence and Penny. 3rd issue (1799),
Halfpenny and Farthing. 4th issue (1806-1807), Penny, Halfpenny,
and Farthing.
The Maundy money presents four varieties of obverse or reverse
types, which correspond to the dates 1763, 1792, 1795, and 1816 (see
Nos. 871-878).
The weights of the gold and silver coins down to 1813 were the
same as established in the last issue (1670) of Charles II : that of the
third-guinea being in the proportion of 43 146 grs. In the fourth issue,
however, the sovereign was struck at 123 T ^ 7 ^ grs., and the weight of
the shilling was reduced to about 87^ grs. The standard of fineness
remained as in previous reigns, viz. the gold at 22 cts. fine and 2 cts.
alloy ; and the silver 11 oz. '2 clwts. fine and 18 dwts. alloy.
The dearth of an official coinage in silver and copper during this
reign was in a certain degree met by the issue of counter-stamped
Spanish dollars and Bank tokens in silver, and by tradesmen's and
other tokens in copper as well as in silver. The former are mentioned
under Nos. 864870 : but the latter, of which there is an enormous
series, do not come within the scope of this work.
844. Guinea. 1761. 1st issue. Obv. GEORGIVS III - DEI GRATIA . GOLD.
Bust of king to r., laureate. Rev. M-B-F-ET-H-REX-F-D-
B ET L D . S - R - I A - T - ET E 1761. Shield crowned
and garnished, and with arms as on No. 824. A7 '95.
Dates 1761-1786, except 1762 and 1780. The dies for the earlier
gold coins to 1774 were made by Richard Yeo. They present a
youthful bust of the king. Those in use after that date to 1786 are
by Thomas Pingo, and they give an older bust of the king, which
divides the legend above. No change however took place in the
general type. The current value of the guinea remained at 21s.
845-846. Half-Guinea. 1st issue. Same as the preceding, but date 1764. AT *8.
Dates 1762-1766, 1769, 1772-1779, 1781, and 1784-1786.
The Quarter-Guinea, 1762 (No. 846), is of precisely the same type.
It was struck in that year only, and is the last issue of this denomina-
tion. Dies were also made by John Sigismund Tanner and Richard Yeo
for five and two guineas of this issue, but none were struck for circulation.
847-848. Spade Guinea. 1787. 2nd issue. Same as No. 844, but with larger
and older bust of king, and tbe shield on the reverse is pointed at the base,
i.e. spade-shaped; date 1787. A7 '95.
Dates 1787-1799 inclusive with the exception of 1796.
The Spade Half-Guinea, 1737 (No. 848), is of the same type. Dates
1787-1800 with the exception of 1792 and 1799.
The dies for these coins were engraved by Lewis Pingo. On them
the bust is smaller and does not divide the legend above as in the issue
of 1775-1786.
L 2
148 ENGLISH COINS.
, 849- Third-Guinea. 1797. 2nd issiie. Obv. GEORGIVS III DEI GRATIA .
Bust of king to r., laureate. Rev. MAG BRI FR . ET HIB -
REX 1797. Crown. AT -7.
Dates 1797-1800. Patterns for the third-guinea or seven-shilling
piece had been made in 1775 and 1776, but none were issued for
circulation till 1797. This coin was instituted to supply to a certain
degree the great lack of silver money. The dies were made by Lewis
Pingo.
850. Guinea. 1813. 3rd issue. Obv. GEORGIVS III DEI GRATIA. Bust of
king to r., laureate. Rev. BRITANNIARUM REX FIDEI DEFENSOR.
Small shield within the Garter with motto, crowned ; the arms are : 1 and 4,
England ; 2, Scotland ; 3, Ireland ; with inescutcheon, arms of the Elec-
torate, surmounted by the Electoral cap; below shield, 1813. A? I'O.
Struck in 1813 only. This was the last guinea coined. They are
said to have been specially issued for the troops, when embarking in
1813 for France. The earliest coins of this issue, half and third-guineas,
were struck in 1801, on the 1st of January of which year it was
ordered, as one of the consequences of the Act of Union between
England and Ireland of the previous year, that the title of the king
should henceforth be " Georgius Tertius, Dei Gratia, Britanniarum
Rex, Fidei Defensor." The order of the arms on the shield was changed,
and those of France together with the French title were abandoned.
The king's German titles were also no longer used. The dies for all the
gold coins of this issue were made by Lewis Pingo, who from 1804
took for the bust of the king a model by Marchant.
851. Half-Guinea. 1804. 3rd issue. Same as the preceding, but date 1804.
AT '&.
Dates 1801-1804, 1806, 1808-1811, and 1813. The bust of the
king as on the 2nd issue was used on the half -guineas and third-guineas
till 1804, when the above one was adopted.
852. Third-Guinea. 1804. 3rd issue. Same as No. 849, but bust of king and
titles as on No. 850; and date 1804 under crown, AT '65.
Dates as the half-guinea.
Platjxxsvii. 853. Sovereign. 1817. 4th issue. Obv. GEORGIUS III D : G : BRITANNIAR :
REX F : D : 1817. Head of king to r., laureate. Rev. St. George and
the Dragon within the Garter with motto; on ground B p (Benedetto
Pistrucci). AT -85. Wt. 123-0.
Dates 1817-1820. On account of the wretched state of the gold
and silver money, one of the consequences of the long series of wars in
which England had been involved for so many years, it was decided in
1816 to strike an entirely new coinage consisting of the sovereign and
half-sovereign in gold ; and the crown, half-crown, shilling and sixpence
in silver. The standard weight of the sovereign was to be at
l^TVoir grs. to be current for 20s., and that of the silver at about
87^ grs. to the shilling. At the same time gold was made the sole
standard measure of value and the only legal tender for sums over
two pounds. The coining of the silver which was most needed was put
in hand at once, and though some of the pieces are dated 1816 they
were not ready for issue till Jan. 1817. The earliest gold pieces are
GEOBGE III. 149
dated 1817 and were not struck till that year. No change has taken piatexxxvii.
1 1 lace in the weights of the coins down to the present time, and the GOLD.
fineness remained the same in both metals as in previous issues of this
reign. The dies for the gold coins and for some of the silver ones were
made by the Italian gem-engraver Benedetto Pistrucci, and it is said
that the reverse type of St. George and the Dragon was originally
intended for a gem, which that artist was engraving for Lord Spencer.
854. Half-Sovereign. 1817. Uh issue. Obv. GEORGIUS III DEI GRATIA 1817.
Head of king as on the preceding. Rev. BRITANNIARUM REX FID :
DEF : Angular shield surmounted by crown; arms as on No. 850, but the
inescutcheon of the Electorate is surmounted by an Electoral crown.
A7 '7.
Dates 1817-1820. The change of the Electoral cap into a crown
was in consequence of the Congress of Vienna of 1815, by which
Hanover was erected into a kingdom.
855. Shilling. 1763. 1st issue. Obv. GEORGIVS - III DEI GRATIA. SILVER.
Bust of king to r., laureate, draped and in armour. Rev. M B F
ET H REX -F-D-B-ET-L-D-S. R I-A-T-ET-
E 1763. Four shields crowned and with arms as on No. 809, arranged
in form of cross; in the centre, the Star of the Garter. M 1-0.
Date 1763. The silver coins, shillings only, of the 1st and 3rd issues
are of a special nature. The above is known as the Northumberland
shilling, from the circumstance of its having been specially struck for
distribution among the populace, when Hugh, Earl of Northumberland,
made his first public appearance in Dublin as Lord Lieutenant of
Ireland in 1763. Only 100 worth were coined. The dies were made
by Richard Yeo (see also No. 858).
856. Shilling. 1787. 2nd issue. Similar to the preceding, but the bust of the
king is larger and older, as on No. 847 ; and on the reverse the crown is
placed between each shield instead of over it ; and the inscription begins
from the bottom ; date 1 787. M 1 0.
Of this date only. A rare variety of this type has no dot over the
king's head; i.e. between the numerals Ml and DEI. This and the
sixpence of the same year are the only silver coins issued by authority
during this reign down to the year 1816 (see No. 853), and of these
only about seventy or eighty thousand pounds worth were struck.
.
7. Sixpence. 1787. Ind issue. Same as the preceding, .si '85.
Of this date and type only.
.
Shilling. 1798. 3rd issue. Same as the preceding, but no dot over the
king's head, and date on reverse, 1798. & 1*0.
Of this date only. This issue is also of a special kind. On account
of the extreme scarcity of silver money (see note to No. 856) the
firm of Dorrien and Magens in 1798 sent some bullion to the mint
to be coined into shillings according to the law. The whole was
actually coined, but on the day that the bankers were to receive the
coins an Order in Council forbad their issue, and at the same time
directed that they should be melted down. A few specimens however
escaped the crucible.
150 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xxxvii. 859. Crown. 1818. Uh issue. Obv. GEORGIUS III D : G : BRITANNIARUM
SILVFK REX F : D : 1818. Head of king to r., laureate ; below, PISTRUCCI. Rev.
St. George and the Dragon within the Garter with motto ; below, PISTBUCCI ;
on edge, DECUS &c., ANNO REGNI LVIII 2Rl'5. Wt. 434-8.
Dates 1818-1820. For particulars of this issue see note No. 853.
Both obverse and reverse dies of the above were by Pistrucci.
860. Half-Crown. 1816. Uhissue. Obv. GEORGIUS III DEI GRATIA. Bust of
king to r., laureate, undraped and turned from the spectator; below, 1816.
Rev. BRITANNIARUM REX FID : DEF : Garnished shield with arms
as on No. 854, within the Garter and Collar of the Order ; above, crown ;
the garniture of the shield is inscribed on 1., w w p (William Wellesley
Pole), and on r., w (Thomas Wy on), jjl-25. Wt. 218-0.
Dates 1816-1817. There are two varieties of the half-crown of this
issue (see next coin). The bust of the king with its broad bare
shoulder and the ferocious expression of the king's countenance was
not considered satisfactory ; and in making some change in the obverse
type, an opportunity was taken to modify, but not to improve, the
reverse also. It was generally assimilated to the type of the shilling.
The edge of the half-crown is milled and not inscribed. William
Wellesley Pole was master of the mint, and Thomas Wyon, who died
in 1818, was chief engraver.
861. Half-Crown. 1819. Similar to the preceding ; legends same, but head of
king to r., laureate ; date 1819 ; and on reverse, shield, not garnished, within
the Garter with motto ; above, crown ; on the buckle of the Garter
is inscribed, w w p (William Wellesley Pole), s. 1*25.
Dates 1817-1820.
862-863. Shilling. 1816. Obv. GEOR : III D : G : BRITT : REX F : D : Head
to r., laureate ; below, 1816. Rev. Garnished shield with arms, as on No. 854,
crowned ; and within the Garter with motto ; on the garniture to 1., w w p
(William Wellesley Pole) ; and to r., w (Thomas Wyon). M -9. Wt. 86-6.
Dates 1816-1820. The Sixpence (No. 863) is of precisely the same type
and dates. These two coins are considered amongst the neatest and best
executed of the present century, and having the edge slightly raised,
they were peculiarly fitted for the ordinary wear and tear of circulation.
864-865. Counterstruck Dollars of Charles IV of Spain dated 1793 and 1794.
In 1797 an attempt was made by the Treasury to supplement the
deficiency of silver coinage by the issue of Spanish dollars, and half,
quarter and eighth dollars, countermarked on the obverse with the bust
of George III, the stamp, a small oval one, being that used by the
Goldsmiths' Company for stamping the plate of this country. These
counterstamped dollars, <fec., have on one side the bust of Charles III
(or IV) of Spain, and on the other the Spanish arms. The dollar was to
be current at 4s. 9^., which gave rise to the saying " two kings' heads
not worth a crown." On account of the numerous forgeries of this
counterstamp, another one was adopted in 1804. It was somewhat
larger, octagonal in shape, and with the head of the king as on the
Maundy penny of the time. This stamp also was soon counterfeited.
In the same year the Bank of England received permission to issue a
dollar of the current value of 5s., and this permission was extended in
1811 to pieces of the value of three shillings and eighteen-pence. A
description of these tokens is given below. Dies were also prepared for
pieces of the value of 5s. 6d. and 9e?., but none were issued for circulation.
GEOEGE III. 151
866. Bank Dollar. 1804. Obv. GEORGIUS III DEI GRATIA REX. Bust of Plate xxxvii.
king to r., laureate, draped and in armour ; on shoulder, c. H. K. (C. H. SILVER
Kiichler). Rev. BANK OF ENGLAND. Within a band inscribed FIVE
SHILLINGS DOLLAR, and surmounted by mural crown, Britannia seated
to 1., with her attributes ; before her, bee-hive ; at her side, cornucopiae ;
below, 1804. si 1-65.
Of this date only. There are several other types of the dollar ; but
the above was the only one issued for circulation. This and the follow-
ing tokens remained in currency till 1818, when, on account of the
recent re-issue of gold and silver coins from the mint, their circulation
was prohibited. They were struck by Boulton at the Soho Mint,
Birmingham (see No. 881).
867. Three-Shilling Token. 1812. Obv. Similar to the preceding, but bust
slightly draped. Rev. Within oak- wreath, BANK TOKEN 3 SHILL.
1 81 2 in four lines ; radiate border on both sides. x, 1'35.
Dated also 1811. In 1812 the type was changed to the following one :
868. Three-Shilling Token. 1812. Similar ; but head laureate and no drapery,
and 011 the reverse the inscription is within a wreath composed of oak and
olive leaves ; no radiate borders. & 1 35.
Dates 1812-1816.
869. Eighteen-Pence Token. 1812. Same as the Three-Shillings, No. 867, but
value on rev. 1 s. QD. si 1 '05.
The dates of both series of the eighteen-pences are the same as those
of the three shillings.
870. Eighteen-Pence Token. 1814. Same as the Three-Shillings, No. 868 ; but
value on rev. Is. GD. and date 1814. M 1-05.
871-878. Maundy Money. Groat. 1763. Obv. GEORGIVS III DEI
GRATIA. Bust of king to r., laureate, draped and in armour. Rev.
MAG - BRI FR ET HIB REX 1763 - In the centre the numeral 4,
crowned. M '75.
The Threepence (No. 872), Half-Groat (No. 873), and Penny
(No. 874) are of the same date and type, but with marks of value 3, 2,
and 1 respectively. In 1792 the older bust of the king as on the
shilling of 1787 was adopted for the Maundy coins; but in that year
the numerals on the reverses are of the written form, and on account
of their thinness this issue is commonly known, as ' ' wire money "
(Nos. 875-878). In 1795 the older bust was retained, but a return
was made to the ordinary Arabic numerals before in use. In 1816 a
fourth change took place ; the bust of the king is as on the shilling
of that year, and the legends are " Georgius III Dei Gratia " and
" Britanniarum Rex Fid. Def." Sets are known of, 1st type, 1763,
1766, 1772, 1780, 1784, and 1786 ; 2nd type, 1792 ; 3rd type, 1795 and
1800; 4th type, 1816-1820.
879-880. Halfpenny. 1771. 1st issue. Obv. GEORGIVS III REX. Bust Plate xxxviii.
of king to r., laureate, in armour. Rev. BRITANNIA. Britannia seated to COPPER.
1., with her attributes as on No. 840; below, 1771. ^1-15.
Dates 1770-1775. The Farthing, 1771 (No. 880), is of the same
type as the halfpenny. Dates as on the halfpenny.
881-882. Twopence. 1797. 2nd issue. Obv. GEORGIUS III - D : G : REX.
Bust of king to r., laureate, draped and in armour; on shoulder K
152 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xxxviii. (Kiichler). Rev. BRITANNIA 1797. Britannia holding olive-branch
CoiTKi; and trident, seated to 1., on rock in sea, her shield at her side; in the
distance, ship ; below shield, SOHO. Ml- 6.
Of this date only. This is the only issue of the twopence in copper.
The Penny (No. 882) is of the same type and date, 1797 only. This
is also the first issue of the penny in copper. The inscriptions on both
sides of these coins are incuse and on a broad band, which has procured
for them the name of " cart-wheel " money. They were not struck
in London, but at the Soho mint near Birmingham, where Matthew
Boulton carried on his business as a medallist. This course was taken
because Boulton was able to obtain the copper at a cheaper rate than
the Government. This firm continued to strike the copper coins for
the Government till quite recent times. Dies of the same type were
also executed for the halfpenny and farthing, but only a few pieces
were struck as patterns ; they were never current. The dies for these
coins were engraved by C. H. Kiichler, a native of Flanders.
883. Halfpenny. 1799. 3rd issue. Obv. GEORGIUS III DEI GRATIA REX.
Bust of king to r., laureate, draped and in armour. Rev. BRITANNIA.
Britannia seated to 1., &c., as on No. 881, but the waves of the sea are cut
off in a semicircle; below, 1799. M 1*2.
Of this date only. On account of the high price of copper, Boulton
was allowed to coin these pieces at the rate of thirty-six halfpennies to
the pound. The halfpennies were therefore slightly less than half the
weight of the pennies of 1797.
884. Farthing. 1799. 3rd isstie. Similar to the preceding, but date under bust
of king on obv., and on rev. below Britannia, I FARTHING. ^'9.
Also of 1799 only. These are the only denominations of this issue.
In the proclamation of the 4th December, 1797, twopences and pennies
were also ordered ; but dies do not appear to have been executed for
these.
885-887. Penny. 1806. Uh issue. Obv. GEORGIUS III D : G REX. Bust
of king to r., laureate, draped and in armour ; on shoulder K (Kiichler) ;
below, 1806. Rev. Same as No. 881 ; but no date and on 1. of shield, K
(Kiichler). as 1-35.
The Halfpenny (No. 886) and Farthing (No. 887) are of the same
type as the penny. All three denominations bear the dates 1806 and
1807.
These pieces were struck at the rate of twenty-four pence to the
pound avoirdupois.
George IV. 1820-1830.
COINAGE. Gold. Double-Sovereign, Sovereign, and Half -Sovereign.
Silver. Crown, Half -Crown, Shilling, Sixpence, and Maundy Groat,
Threepence, Half-Groat, and Penny. Copper. Penny, Halfpenny, and
Farthing.
ISSUES, &c.Gold. Two: 1st issue (1821-1825), Double-Sovereign,
Sovereign, and Half-Sovereign. 2nd issue (1825-1830), Sovereign and
GEOEGE IV. 153
Half-Sovereign. Silver. Three : 1st issue (1820-1823), Crown, Half- Plate xxx
Crown, Shilling, and Sixpence. 2nd issue (1823-1825) and 3rd issue
(1825-1830), Half-Crown, Shilling, and Sixpence. Copper. Two:
1st issue (1821-1826), Farthing. 2nd issue (1825-1830), Penny,
Halfpenny, and Farthing (see descriptions).
The weights and fineness of the coins in all three metals were the
same as in the last issue in each metal of George III.
888. Double-Sovereign. 1823. 1st issue. Obv. GEORGIUS III! D : G : GOLD
BRITANNIAR : REX F : D : Head of king to 1. ; below, i. B. M.
(J. B. Merlen). Rev. St. George and the Dragon; below, w. w. p.
(William Wellesley Pole) and B. p. (Benedetto Pistrucci) ; in the
exergue, 1823; edge, DECUS ETTUTAMEN ANNO REGNI IV. vl-1.
Of this date only. The dies for the gold coins of the first issue were
made by Merlen and Pistrucci, the former executing those of the
obverse of the double-sovereign, and the reverses of the half-sovereigns
(both types). Pistrucci made all the others.
889. Sovereign. 1821. 1st issue. Similar to the preceding, but head of king
larger in proportion and laureate, and from a different model ; below, B. p.
(Benedetto Pistrucci) ; edge milled. AT -85.
Dates 18211825. Both obverse and reverse were by Pistrucci.
890. Half-Sovereign. 1821. 1st issue, 1st type. Obv. As the Sovereign. Rev.
Garnished shield with arms as on No. 854, crowned and surrounded by roses,
thistles and shamrocks, the letters w. w. p. (W. W. Pole) in the centre of
three of the shamrock leaves ; around, ANNO 1821. M -75.
On account of its resemblance to the sixpence, which was often
gilt (see No. 897), the half-sovereign of the above type was soon with-
drawn from circulation, and the following one issued in its stead.
891. Half-Sovereign. 1823. 1st issue, 2nd type. Same as the preceding ; but on
the rev., square shield, crowned ; arms as on No. 854; below, thistle and
shamrock issuing from rose ; around, ANNO 1823. AI '75.
Dates 1823-1825.*
Sovereign. 1826. 2nd issue. Obv. GEORGIUS IV DEI GRATIA.
Head of king to 1. ; below, 1826. Rev. BRITANNIARUM REX FID :
DEF : Garnished shield, crowned ; arms as on No. 854. A7 '85.
Dates 1825-1827 and 1829-1830. The obverse was designed and
executed by William Wyon, after a medallion by Sir Francis Chantry,
and the reverse by Merlen.
The Half-Sovereign (No. 893) is of the same type as the sovereign.
Dates 1826-1828. Five sovereign and two sovereign pieces of this type,
but with a mantled shield, were struck, but not issued for circulation.
894. Crown. 1821. 1st issue. Obv. GEORGIUS III! D : G : BRITANNIAR : SILVER.
REX F : D : Large head of king to 1., laureate; below, B. p.
(B Pistrucci). Rev. St. George and the Dragon, &c., as on No. 888 ; date
1821; edge, DECUS &c., ANNO REGNI SECUNDO. Ml'5.
Dates 1821 and 1822. There is a pattern of 1820.
* The half-sovereign and double-sovereign of 1823 might be considered as a
separate issue ; but as the types of the sovereign did not change and were in part
used for these coins they are included in the first issue.
154 ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xxxviii. 895-897. Half-Crown. 1820. 1st issue. Obv. Same as the Crown. Ecu. Garnished
SILVER. shield, crowned ; below, rose ; at sides, thistle and shamrock ; on the leaves
of the shamrock are the letters w. w. p. (William Wellesley Pole) ; around,
ANNO 1820; edge milled, a* 1-25.
Dates 1820, 1821, and 1823. The Shilling (No. 896) and Sixpence
(No. 897), both dated 1821, are of the same type. They are of 1820
and 1821, but those of 1820 may be patterns only. The obverses of
all these pieces were by Pistrucci, and the reverses by Merlen.
898. Half-Crown. 1823. 2nd issue. Obv. Same as the Half-Crown of the first
issue, No. 895. Rev. Square shield, crowned and encircled by the Garter
with motto and Collar of the Order; below, ANNO 1823. M 1-25.
Dates 1823-1825. The dies of the silver coins of this issue
were by Pistrucci, who did the obverses, and by Merlen, who did
the reverses.
899-900. Shilling. 1823. 2nd issue. Same as the preceding, but omitting the
Collar of the Garter on the reverse. 2R 9.
Dates 1823-1825. The Sixpence, 1824 (No. 900), is of the same type.
Dates 1824-1826. There are no crowns of this issue.
Plate xxxix. 901. Half-Crown. 1826. 3rd issue. Obv. Same as the Sovereign, No. 892. Rev.
BRITANNIARUM REX FID : DEF : Square shield slightly garnished,
surmounted by helmet crowned and with lambrequins ; below on scroll,
the motto of the Garter, .si -25.
Dates 1825, 1826, 1828, and 1829. There is a pattern dated 1824.
The obverses of all the coins of this issue were by William Wyon, and
the reverses by J. B. Merlen. Crowns of this type were also struck in
1825 and 1826, but not issued for circulation.
902-903. Shilling. 1826. 3rd issue. Obv. Same as the Sovereign, No. 892. Rev.
BRITANNIARUM REX FIDEI DEFENSOR. The royal crest, the lion
standing on the crown ; below, rose, thistle and shamrock united. Si ' 9.
Dates 1825-1829. The Sixpence (No. 903) is of the same type, date
and legends. Dates 18261829. These pieces are known as " Lion
Shillings and Sixpences." The reverses were by Merlen.
904-907. Maundy Money. Groat. 1823. Obv. GEORGIUS III! D. G.
BRITANNIAR. REX F. D. Head of king to 1., laureate, as on the
Crown, No. 894. Rev. Within oak- wreath the numeral 4, crowned and
dividing the date 1823. JR - 1.
The Threepence (No. 905), Half-Groat (No. 906), and Penny (No. 907)
are all of the same type and date, but with marks of value, 3, 2 and
1 respectively. This head by Pistrucci was preserved on the Maundy
money throughout the reign. The dies for the reverses were by
Merlen. Sets are known of 1821-1830 inclusive.
COPPER. 908. Farthing. 1821. 1st issue. Obv. GEORGIUS III! DEI GRATIA. Bustof
king to 1., laureate and draped. Rev. BRITANNIAR : REX FID :
DEF : Britannia, helmeted, seated to r. ; her r. hand holding branch rests
on her shield; in 1., trident ; at her side, lion; in exergue, 1821. JE '9.
Dates 1821-1826, except 1824. The dies for this coin were
engraved by Pistrucci. As no dies were made for the farthing of the
second issue till 1826, that date is found with the type of the first issue.
GEOBGE IV. 155
909-911. Penny. 1825. 2nd issue. Obv. GEORGIUS IV DEI GRATIA. Head Plate xxxix.
of king to 1., laureate; below, 1825. Rev. Same as the preceding, but COPPER.
Britannia without branch, and no lion ; below, rose, thistle and shamrock
united. Ml- 35.
Dates 1825-1827. The Halfpenny (No. 910) and Farthing (No. 911)
are of the same type. Dates, halfpenny 1825-1827, farthing
1826-1830. The dies were engraved by William Wyon. Half-
farthings and one-third farthings of the same type were struck for
colonial currency : the former for Ceylon ; the latter for Malta.
William IV. 1830-1837.
COINAGE. Gold. Sovereign and Half-Sovereign. Silver. Half-Crown,
Shilling, Sixpence, Groat, and Maundy Groat, Threepence, Half-Groat,
and Penny. Copper. Penny, Halfpenny, and Farthing.
ISSUE, tkc. One in each metal (see descriptions). The weights
and fineness of all the coins were the same as of the coinage of
George IV.
912-913. Sovereign! 1831. Obv. GULIELMUS III! : D : G : BRITANNIAR : GOLD.
REX F : D : Head of king to r. ; on neck w. w. (William Wyon). Eev.
Garnished shield, crowned; arms as on No. 854; below, ANNO 1831.
AT '85.
Dates 1831-1837. The Half-Sovereign, 1834 (No. 913,, is of the
same type. Dates 1834-1837. Two pound pieces of similar type to
the sovereign were struck but not issued for currency. They have
the shield on a mantle and are dated 1831. The obverses of all the
r~~ins were by Wyon, the bust of the king being done after a model by
hantry, and the reverses were by Merlen.
4. Half-Crown. 1834. Obv. Similar to the Sovereign. Eev. Plain square shield SILVER
on mantle, crowned ; at base, the Collar of the Garter ; below, ANNO 1 834.
al-26.
Dates 1831 and 1834-1837. That of 1831 was not issued for
circulation. Crowns of similar type were struck in 1831 and 1834,
but not for circulation.
5-916. Shilling. 1834. Obv. Same as the Sovereign. Eev. Within wreath of
laurel and oak, ONE SHILLING; above, crown; below wreath, 1834,
Dates 1831 and 1834-1837. That of 1831 was not issued for
circulation. The Sixpence (No. 916) is of similar type and date, but sub-
stituting the words SIX PENCE on the rev. Dates 1831 and 1834-1837.
17. Groat. 1836. Obv. Same as the Sovereign. Eev. FOUR PENCE.
Britannia seated to r., with r. hand on shield and trident in 1. ; in the
exergue, 1836. M '65.
Dates 1836 and 1837. The issue of the groat is said to have been
revived in 1836 at the instance of Mr. Joseph Hume; hence they
were nicknamed " Joeys." It was discontinued in 1856 (see next reign).
Its weight was about 29 grs. The silver three-halfpence with the
reverse 1 and the date within an oak-wreath was struck during this
and the next reign for currency in Jamaica and Ceylon.
156 ENGLISH COINS.
into xxxix. 918-921. Maundy Money. Groat. 1831. Obv. Same as the Sovereign. Rev.
SUM) Within oak -wreath the numeral 4, crowned, and dividing the date 1831.
JR -7.
The Threepence (No. 919), Half-Groat (No. 920), and Penny
(No. 921) are of the same type and date ; but have the marks of
value 3, 2 and 1 respectively. They all occur of 1831-1837.
Coi-i'EK. 922-924. Penny. 1831. Obv. GULIELMUS III! DEI GRATIA. Headofking
as on the Sovereign ; below, 1831. Rev. BRITANNIAR : REX FID :
DEF : Britannia seated to r., &c., as on No. 917; in the exergue, rose,
thistle and shamrock united. M 1-35.
Dates 1831, 1834, 1836, and 1837. The Halfpenny (No. 923) and
Farthing (No. 924) are of the same type and date. The dates of
the halfpenny are the same as those of the penny, but those of
the farthing are 1831 and 1834-1837. Half and one-third farthings
were struck for colonial currency as in the previous reign (see note
Nos. 909-911). The copper coins are of precisely the same weights
as those of George Ill's last issue and of George IV, viz., 24 pence,
48 halfpence, and 96 farthings to the pound avoirdupois.
Victoria. 1837.
COINAGE. Gold. Five Pounds, Two Pounds, Sovereign, and Half-
Sovereign. Silver. Crown, Double-Florin, Half-Crown, Florin, Shil
ling, Sixpence, Groat, Threepence, and Maundy Groat, Threepence,
Half-Groat, and Penny. Copper and Bronze. Penny, Halfpenny, and
Farthing.
ISSUES, &c. There were three issues in each metal, gold, silver, and
copper or bronze. Those of the gold and silver correspond in dates, but
the changes in the copper or bronze occurred at other periods. Gold and
Silver : 1st issue (1838-1887). Gold : Sovereign and Half -Sovereign.
Silver: Crown, Half-Crown, Florin, Shilling, Sixpence, Groat, and
Threepence. 2nd issue (1887-1892, Jubilee Coinage). Gold: Five
Pounds, Two Pounds, Sovereign, and Half-Sovereign. Silver : Crown,
Double-Florin, Half-Crown, Florin, Shilling, Sixpence, and Threepence.
3rd issue (1893-), same as the 2nd issue, but the Double-Florin
excepted, its issue being discontinued. Copper and Bronze : three
issues, viz. (1) 1837-1860, (2) 1860-1894, (3) 1895- : Penny, Half-
penny, and Farthing in each issue. The first is of copper, but the
second and third are of bronze (see descriptions).
The weights and fineness of the gold and silver coins remained the
same as during the previous reigns, or as the last coinage of George III ;
but in the base metal money the change from copper to bronze brought
with it a considerable diminution in weight ; the copper money being
struck at 24dL and the bronze at 48d. to the pound avoirdupois. In.
each metal the coins underwent some modifications in their types of
more or less importance.
925. Sovereign. 1838. 1st issue, 1st type. Obv. VICTORIA DEI GRATIA 1838.
Head of the Queen to 1., diademed ; on neck, w. w. (\V. \Vyon). Rev.
VICTORIA. 157
BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID : DEF : Shield crowned within laurel- Plate xxxix.
branches ; below, rose, thistle and shamrock united. AT -85. GOLU.
Dates 1838-1874, except 1840 and 1867. As the succession to the
throne of Hanover was limited to the male line, and devolved after the
death of William IV on his brother, the Duke of Cumberland, the
arms of that state are omitted on the royal shield.
926. Sovereign. 1871. 1st issue, 2nd type. Obv. VICTORIA D : G :
BRITANNIAR : REG : F : D : Head of the Queen as on the preceding.
Rev. St. George and the Dragon ; below, 1871. AT -85.
This reverse type, which was made by Pistrucci for the coinage of
1816, was adopted by Order in Council 14 Jan. 1871, and has remained
in use till the present day. Dates 1871-1887, except 1875, 1877,
1881, and 1882. This and the preceding type were struck concurrently
from 1871 to 1874.
927. Half-Sovereign. 1838. 1st issue. Same as the Sovereign, No. 925, but without
w. w. on neck of Queen, and on the reverse the shield is garnished and the
laurel-branches are omitted. AT 75.
Dates 1838-1887, except 1840, 1862, 1868, 1881, and 1882. The
live pounds of this issue with the reverse type Una and the lion was
only struck as a pattern.
C28. Crown. 1845. 1st issue. Similar to the Sovereign, No. 925 ; but date 1845, SILVKR.
and on neck w WYON R A : on edge, DECUS ET TUTAMEN
ANNO REGNI VIII. jRl'5.
Dates 1844-1847 and 1851. A crown similar in type to the florin
(No. 930), called " The Gothic Crown," was struck in 1846, 1847, and
1853, but though specimens are often met with, it was not issued for
circulation. There are several varieties, with and without roses, &c.,
on dress, and with the edge plain or inscribed. The dies were made by
William Wyon.
929. Half-Crown. 1845. 1st issue. Same as the Crown, but no artist's name
on neck and edge milled. JR 1'25.
Dates 1839-1851, 1862, 1864, and 1874-1887. That of 1839 was
not issued for circulation. Those of 1839, 1840, 1862, and 1864 have
w. w. on the neck.
930. Florin. 1849. 1st issue, 1st type. Obv. VICTORIA REGINA 1849. Bust
of the Queen to 1., crowned, dress decorated with roses, thistles and
shamrocks; behind, w. w. (William Wyon). Rev. ONE FLORIN ONE
TENTH OF A POUND. Four shields ; 1 and 3, England ; 2, Scotland ;
and 4, Ireland, crowned and arranged in form of cross ; in the centre, a
rose ; in the angles, two roses, a thistle and a shamrock, each under an
arched canopy. . 1*1.
On account of the absence of the words " Dei Gratia " in the legends
this coin is known as the " Godless or Graceless Florin." It occurs
only of 1848 and 1849, but the latter date was the first year in which
this denomination was struck for currency. Its type was then changed
to the following.
931. Florin. 1852. 1st issue, 2nd type. Same as the preceding, but the legends
on both sides are in Gothic letters, and that on the obv. reads i[trtaru tl :
S : font : rcg : f : 5 : mtlcrcltt. ; outside, border of arches and trefoils; on
the rev. there is a floriated cross instead of a rose in the centre. Si 1-15.
Dates 1851-1881 and 1883-1887. This coin is slightly larger in
158
ENGLISH COINS.
Plate xxxix. diameter than the florin of 1849. In 1868 the inscription was changed
SILVER, from brtt. to fcrttt.
932-933. Shilling. 1845. 1st issue. Obv. VICTORIA DEI GRATIA BRI-
TANNIAR:REG:F:D: Head of the Queen as on the Sovereign,
No. 925. Rev. Within wreath of laurel and oak, ONE SHILLING; above,
crown ; below, 1845. JR '9.
Dates 1838-1887. The Sixpence (No. 933) is of the same type and
date, but on rev. the value SIX PENCE. Dates as the shilling, but that
of 1848 was not issued for circulation.
934. Groat. 1845. 1st issue. Obv. VICTORIA D : G : BRITANNIAR :
REGINA F : D : Head of the Queen as on the Shilling. Rev. FOUR
PENCE. Britannia with her attributes seated to r. ; in the exergue,
1845. JR -65.
Dates 1838-1851 and 1853-1856. The issue of this coin was dis-
continued in 1856, but it remained in currency till 1887. The three-
pence is of the same type as the Maundy threepence. It was first
issued for general circulation in 1845.
Plate xl. 935-938. Maundy Money. Groat. 1838. Obv. Same as the preceding. Rev.
Within oak-wreath the numeral 4, crowned and dividing the date 1838.
a -7.
The Threepence (No. 936), Half-Groat (No. 937), and Penny (No.
938) are of the same type and date, but with marks of value, 3, 2
and 1 respectively. Sets are dated 1838-1887. The Jubilee bust was
not adopted on the Maundy money till 1888, as the new coinage did
not come into circulation till June, 1887.
COPPER. 939-941. Penny. 1841. 1st issue. Obv. VICTORIA DEI GRATIA. Head of
the Queen to 1., diademed; on neck, w. w. (W. Wyon) incuse. Rev.
BRITANNIAR : REG FID : DEF : Britannia seated to r. with her
attributes as on the Penny of William IV, No. 922 ; in the exergue, rose,
thistle and shamrock united. JE 1-35.
The Halfpenny (No. 940) and Farthing (No. 941) are of the same
type, &c. The dates are: penny 1841, 1843-1849, and 1851-1859;
halfpenny 1838, 1841, 1843-1849, 1851, and 1859 ; farthing 1838-1860.
These coins were struck at the rate of 24e. to the pound avoirdupois.
BRONZE. 942-944. Penny. 1860. 2?wZ issue. Obv. VICTORIA D : G : BRITT : REG :
F : D : Bust of the Queen to 1., laureate and draped ; on shoulder, rose,
thistle and shamrock united, the motto of the Garter, and L. c. WYON.
Rev. ONE PENNY. Britannia seated to r. with her attributes; behind,
lighthouse; before, ship; in exergue, 1860. ^1-2.
The Halfpenny (No. 943) and Farthing (No. 944) are of the
same type, but have their values on the reverse, HALFPENNY and
FARTHING. This new coinage was instituted in 1860 and the type
was continued till 1894 ; no change taking place in 1887 when the
Jubilee gold and silver were issued. The metal is composed of 95 parts
copper, 4 parts tin, and 1 part zinc, and the coins were struck at 48oL to
the pound avoirdupois. Dates 1860-1894 for each denomination.
GOLD. 945-947. Five Pounds. 1887. 2nd issue. Obv. VICTORIA D : G : BRITT :
REG : F : D : Bust of the Queen to 1., crowned with the imperial crown
and draped, wearing long veil falling down behind her head, Ribbon and Star
of the Garter and badge of the Imperial Order of the Crown of India ; on
shoulder, j. E. B. (Joseph Edgar Boehm). Rev. St. George and the Dragon,
VICTOKIA. 159
as on the Sovereign of George III, No. 853, but no Garter; below, 1887 Plate xl.
and B. P. (Benedetto Pistrucci). A/ 1-45. GOLD.
In 1887 it was decided to commemorate the Jubilee of Her Majesty the
Queen by the issue of a new coinage in gold and silver. The bust of the
Queen on the obverse was adopted from Boehm's medal commemorating
the Jubilee, and the reverse types are from various coins of this and
earlier reigns. The St. George and the Dragon is from Pistrucci's
original design made for the coinage of 1816.
The Two Pounds (No. 946) and Sovereign (No. 947) are of precisely
the same type as the five pounds. The edges of all are milled. The
five pounds and two pounds were struck in 1887 only.
948. Half-Sovereign. 1887. 2nd issue. Same as the Half-Sovereign of the 1st
issue, No. 927, but with bust of the Queen as on the preceding ; and on the
rev. the date 1887 below the shield, which is surmounted by the Imperial
crown. AT -75.
The dates of the sovereign and half-sovereign are 1887-1892.
949. Crown. 1887. 2nd issue. Same as the Five Pounds, No. 945 ; edge, milled. SILVER.
Ml- 5.
Dates 1887-1892.
950. Double-Florin. 1887. 2nd issue. Obv. VICTORIA DEI GRATIA. Bust
of the Queen as on No. 945. Rev. FID : DEF : BRITT : REG : 1887.
Four shields, 1 and 3, England ; 2, Scotland ; and 4, Ireland ; each
crowned and arranged in form of cross ; in centre, Star of the Garter, from
which spring four sceptres. M 1'4.
Dates 1887-1890. The reverse type is adapted from the five guineas
of Anne.
951. Half-Crown. 1887. 2nd issue. Obv. Same as the preceding. Rev. BRI-
TANNIARUM REGINA FID : DEF : 1887. Square shield, crowned and
encircled by the Garter with motto and Collar of the Order. JR I' 25.
Dates 1887-1892. The reverse type is adapted from the half-crown
of George IV (No. 898).
952. Florin. 1887. 2nd issue. Same as the Double-Florin, No. 950. & 1-15.
Dates 1887-1892.
953-954. Shilling. 1887. 2nd issue. Obv. VICTORIA DEI GRATIA BRITT:
REGINA F : D : Bust of the Queen, as on No. 945. Rev. Square
shield, crowned, within the Garter with motto; below, 1887. M '9.
Dates 1887-1892. The reverse type is adapted from that of the
shilling of George IV (see No. 899). The Sixpence (No. 954) is of the
same type; but as its reverse was so similar to that of the half-
sovereign (see No. 948), which led to frauds being perpetrated by
gilding, it was changed in the same year (1887) to the old type as
No. 933, i.e. SIX PENCE within a wreath, c. Dates 1887-1892.
955-958. Maundy Money. 2nd issue. Groat. 1888. Obv. VICTORIA D : G :
BRITANNIAR : REGINA F : D : Bust of the Queen as on No. 945.
Rev. Within oak-wreath the numeral 4, crowned and dividing the date
1888. M -7.
The Threepence (No. 956), Half-Groat (No. 957), and Penny (No. 958)
are of the same type and date, but with marks of value 3, 2 and 1
respectively.
The Maundy money of 1887 being struck before June of that year
has the bust of the Queen of the old type. Sets are dated 1888-1892.
160 ENGLISH COINS.
ri.-itrxi. 959_962. Five Pounds. 1893. 3rd issue. Obv. VICTORIA DEI GRA
GOLI-. BRITT REGINA FID DEF IND IMP Bust of the Queen
to 1., draped, and wearing veil over large crown, Ribbon and Star of the
Garter and necklet with pendant; below, T. B. (Thomas Brock). Rev.
St. George and the Dragon; below, B. p. (Benedetto Pistrucci), and date,
1893; edge milled. A7 1-4.
On account of the somewhat unfavourable reception by the public of
the Jubilee coinage of 1887, chiefly with reference to the portrait of
the Queen and its general execution, it was decided to issue in 1893 a
new one. With the exception of the discontinuation of the double-
florin the denominations remained the same : but considerable modifi-
cations took place in the types. Those of all the gold coins were
assimilated. A new model for the bust of the Queen was made by the
sculptor, Mr. Thomas Brock, and in the case of the half-crown, florin and
shilling new reverse types were adopted. No change took place in the
copper or bronze coinage at this time. This was not effected till 1895 ;
when the same bust and titles of the Queen were used as on the gold
and silver coins, and on the reverse the lighthouse and the ship were
omitted.
The Two Pounds (No. 960), Sovereign (No. 961), and Half-
Sovereign (No. 962) are all of the same type and date as the five
pounds. The reverses of all these coins are from the original model by
Pistrucci. The five and two pound pieces are of 1893 only ; but the
other pieces are of each succeeding year. Except that no sovereigns
are dated 1897.
SILVER. 963. Crown. 1893. 3rd issue. Same as the Five Pounds; but edge inscribed,
DECUS ET TUTAMEN ANNO REGNI LVII. * 1-5.
All the silver coins are dated with each successive year from 1893.
964. Half-Crown. 1893. Srdisstie. Obv. VICTORIA DEI GRA BRITT
REG Bust of the Queen, as on No. 959. Rev. FID DEF IND
IMP.-HALF CROWN ; below, 1893. Spade-shaped shield, crowned and
surrounded by the collar of the Garter, m 1'25.
The reverse was designed by Mr. T. Brock.
965. Florin. 1893. 3rd issue. Obv. Same as the Five Pounds. Rev. The three
shields of England, Scotland and Ireland, arranged in the form of a triangle,
and within the Garter with motto ; behind, two sceptres ; above, crown ; and
in the angles formed by the shields, a rose, a thistle, and a shamrock ; around
is inscribed, TWO SHILLINGS-ONE FLORIN-1893. jil-l.
The reverses of this coin and the next, the shilling, are by Sir E. J.
Poynter, P.R.A.
966. Shilling. 1893. 3rd issue. Similar to the preceding, but on the rev. each
shield is crowned ; there are no sceptres, and the inscription reads, ONE
SHILLING 1893. JR -9.
967. Sixpence. 1893. 3rd issue. Obv. Same as the Five Pounds. Rev. SIX
PENCE within a wreath of laurel and oak; above, a crown; below,
1893. M -75.
968-971. Maundy Money. 3rd issue. Groat. 1893. Obv. Same as the Five
Pounds. Rev. Within oak-wreath the numeral 4, crowned and dividing
the date 1893. a -7.
VICTOBIA.
161
The Threepence (No. 969), Half-Groat (No. 970), and Penny
(No. 971) are of the same type and date; but with marks of value
3, 2 and 1 respectively. Sets from 1893.
972-974. Penny. 1895. 3rd issue. Obv. Samej as the Five Pounds of 1893,
No. 959. Rev. ONE PENNY. Britannia seated to r., holding shield
and trident; in the exergue, 1895. M 1-2.
The Halfpenny (No. 973) and Farthing (No. 974) are of the same
tvpe and date; but vary in the legend on the reverse, HALFPENNY
or FARTHING. All are dated from 1895.
In this new issue it will be seen that on the reverse the representa-
tions of the lighthouse and the ship, which occur on the previous one,
are omitted.
Plate xl.
( 162 )
SCOTTISH COINS.
THE early currency in Scotland before the beginning of the 1 2th century
consisted mainly of Anglo-Saxon and English pennies and North-
umbrian stycas. Finds of such coins occur occasionally not only on the
mainland but also in the western and north-western islands. The
earliest coins which can be assigned to any Scottish ruler are pennies
of David I. Lindsay, in his Coinage of Scotland, has attributed imita-
tions of the " Crux " type pennies of Aethelred II to certain early
kings of the Hebrides, and he also assigns a coin to Malcolm III,
which has been clearly shown to be of Malcolm IV. Even after the
accession of David I there was a considerable preponderance of
English over Scottish coins in currency in Scotland, and this continued
until the reigns of Edward I, II, and III, at which time the ratio of
English to Scottish was about thirty to one. The types of the early
Scottish coins are similar to those of the contemporary coinage
of England ; those of David being almost identical with Stephen's.
Their weight too was about the same, ranging from about 24 to 22
grs. to the penny ; the normal weight being 22^ grs.
David I. 1124-1153.
COINAGE. Silver. Penny.
The weight of the penny was 224- grs., and its fineness Hy\j silver
and y 9 ^ alloy.
Plate xli. 1. Penny. Roxburgh. Obv. DAVIT RX (retrograde). Bust of king to r.,
SILVER crowned ; before, sceptre. Eev. ^h [hVSJO ON ROC h (Roxburgh). Cross
fleury with pellet in each angle. JR -95. Wt. 21-3.
The other mints of this reign are Berwick, Carlisle, and Edinburgh :
but on account of the blundered state of the legends the mint-names
are often illegible. This and the next coin appear to belong to the
early part of David's reign.
2. Penny. Uncertain mint. Similar to the preceding, but the legends are only
partly legible on the rev. 2R '9. Wt. 18 '7.
This is one of the class of coins which have been attributed to
Alexander I. There is only one other type of the coinage of this
reign. It has on the obverse the usual bust of the king in profile with
sceptre, and on the reverse a cross moline with lis in each angle. This is
one of the commonest types of the coins of Stephen. The mints of
this type are Edinburgh, Carlisle, and Roxburgh.
HENRY, EARL OF NORTHUMBERLAND. 163
Henry, Earl of Northumberland.* 1139-1152.
COINAGE. Silver. Penny. Plate xii.
The weight and fineness are as David I's coinage.
3. Penny. Uncertain mint. Obv. 3* HEI/IR COM. Bust to r., crowned; SILVER.
before, sceptre. Ecv. >$ : WILEL : M : O . . . Cross crosslet with
cross pattee in each angle, connected by a loop with the inner circle.
M '8. Pierced.-
The mint-name on this coin is effaced ; but coins of Earl Henry
are known of Bamborough and Corbridge. The type is copied from
coins of Stephen, whose bust is probably intended to be represented on
the obverse. Others of the Scottish type, similar to coins of David I
(Nos. 1 and 2), have been attributed to Henry, Earl of Northumber-
Malcolm IV. 1153-1165.
This king, who was the eldest son of Henry, Earl of Northumber-
land, struck pennies at Roxburgh and Jedburgh ?. They have on the
obverse the full-face bust with sceptre as on the contemporary coins of
Henry II of England, and on the reverse a cross fleury with a pellet
and a rosette in the alternate angles, or a lozenge fleury over a cross
fleury. A unique coin (Jedburgh 1) has the bust to r. with sceptre, and
on the reverse a cross pattee with a crescent and pellet in each angle,
and the legend FO . . . ALT O Nl CVT. The weight and fineness
are as the money of David I. The coins of Malcolm IV are very rare.
William the Lion. 1165-1214.
COINAGE. Silver. Penny and Halfpenny.
ISSUES, &c. Four. These are distinguished by the varieties of the
obverse and reverse types mentioned below (see descriptions).
The weight and fineness are as David I's coinage.
Penny. Roxburgh. 1st issue. Obv. ^ W I L ELM VS. Bust of king to r.,
crowned; before, sceptre. Eev. *%* FOL : FOLD ON ROC. Cross
potent with lis in each angle, xt "8. Wt. 22 '0.
This type is similar to that of the later coins of David I. There are
two varieties of this coin : on one the ends of the cross on the reverse
are larger and crutch-shaped : on the other the lis are attached to the
ler circle by two stalks. Each variety is unique and of Roxburgh.
Halfpenny. Roxburgh. 1st issue. Obv AM ... Head of king tor.,
crowned; no sceptre. Eev ROG. Cross potent with lis and pellet
in each angle. JR -6. Wt. 8 -3.
This coin, which appears to be unpublished, no mention being made
of it by Burns, Cochran-Patrick or other writers on Scottish coins,
* Son of David I ; was created by Stephen of England Earl of Northumberland
in 1139. He died before his father, but Malcolm and William, his sons, became
kings of Scotland.
M 2
164 SCOTTISH COINS.
Plate xii. belongs to the same issue as No. 4, though slightly differing in both
SILVER, obverse and reverse types. It is the earliest halfpenny of the Scottish
series and is unique.
6. Penny. Edinburgh. 2nd issue. Obv. ^ L Rl WILfiJTC. Head of king to
1., crowned; before, sceptre. Bev. ^ RDRJTi ON 6D6N6BV. Cross
potent with pellet and crescent in each angle, m '8. Wt. 22-9.
Struck also at Berwick, Perth, Roxburgh, and Stirling. The last
is unique. Some of this type are without the mint-name.
T.Penny. Perth. 3rd issue. Obv. * WILLLMVS R6X. Head of king to 1.,
crowned; before, sceptre. Eev. <% WSLT6R : ON : PR. Short double
cross with star in each angle. M '8. Wt. 22*9.
Struck also at Edinburgh and Roxburgh ; also without mint-name
(see next piece). Double names, such as " Peris Adam " and " Aimer
Adam," occur on coins of this type.
S.Penny. 3rd issue. Obv. * WILL6LMVS R. Same as the last. Rev. hV6
WALTER ON. Same as the last, m -8. Wt. 21'3.
There is a large series of coins of this moneyer without mint-name.
Others also without mint-name have the names " Raul Derlig " and
" Walter Adam " both of Roxburgh and " Henri le Rus," a Perth
moneyer. The coins with "Hue Walter " were probably struck at
Edinburgh and Roxburgh. There are numerous small varieties of this
series.
9. Penny. Eoxburgh. 4th issue. Obv. %< WILL6LMVS R6X : Same as
No. 7, but head to r. Bev. * PRIS RD7UTI ON RO. Same as No. 7.
2B -7. Wt. 22-5.
This type occurs of Roxburgh only.
Alexander II. 1214-1249.
COINAGE. Silver. Penny.
ISSUES, &c. All the coins of this reign have the same reverse type,
viz., the short double cross with star in each angle, similar to William
the Lion's 3rd issue ; but the obverses show the following varieties : (1)
bare head to 1., without sceptre ; (2) same, with sceptre ; (3) bare head
to r., with sceptre ; (4) crowned head to r., with sceptre ; (5) crowned
head to 1., with sceptre. (See also coinage of Alexander III.)
The weight and fineness are as David I's coinage.
10. Penny. Roxburgh. 2nd type. Obv. ALQSfiNDSR R9X. Head of king
to 1., bare; before, sceptre. Bev. J< PI6(R(S ON ROQ. Short double
cross with star in each angle, xt 7. Wt. 21 5.
11. Penny. Roxburgh. <lth type. Obv. Same as the last, but head of king to r.,
crowned ; before, sceptre. Bev. * fiNDRV : RIQftR : RDfiM ON RO.
Same as the last. JR -7. Wt. 21-5.
There are evidently three moneyers' names on this coin. Others
have the names of " Alain Andreu." The only other ascertained mint
of this reign is Berwick, of which only three specimens are known.
They are all of the 4th type and bear the joint names " Walter
Robert."
ALEXANDER III. 165
Alexander III. 1249-1285.
COINAGE. Silver. Penny, Halfpenny, and Farthing. Plate xii.
ISSUES, &c. Two. The first issue consisted of Pennies only of the
so-called "long double cross" type.* The second issue (A.D. 1279)
comprised Pennies, Halfpennies, and Farthings of the " long single
cross pattee " type.
The weight of the early pennies varies from 24 to 20 grs. ; but
those of the second issue show an average weight of 22^ grs. The
fineness of all is as the coinage of David I.
12. Penny. Aberdeen. 1st issue. Obv. RLSXRNDQR RG(X. Head of king to SILVER.
1., crowned; before, sceptre. Rev. TO5TIRS ON AN. Long double cross
pommee with star in each angle. JR 1. Wt. 19 3.
There are three varieties of obverse type of this issue, viz. (1) crowned
head to 1., with sceptre ; (2) crowned head to r., with sceptre ; (3) bare
head to r., with sceptre.
13. Penny. Edinburgh. 1st issue. Same as the preceding, but reading on the
rev. fil_e(X ON eCDQN. JR -7. Wt. 20-2.
14. Penny. Perth. 1st issue. Similar to No. 12; but with head of king
crowned to r. ; before, sceptre; and reading on the rev. ION QO ON
PSR. JR -1. Wt. 21-3.
The third variety has on the obverse the king's head to r., not
crowned and with the usual sceptre.
The mint-names on coins of this issue are Aberdeen, Berwick, Dun-
bar, Edinburgh, Forres, Glasgow, Inchaffray (?), Inverness, Kinghorn,
Lanark, Marchmont, Montrose, Perth, Renfrew (?), Ptoxburgh, St.
Andrews, and Stirling. This large number of mints and the variations in
the types show that the issue of this coinage must have extended over
a considerable period. This is another strong reason for not attributing
this type to Alexander II only.
15. Penny. 2nd issue. Obv. % ALEXANDER Dl SRft. Head of king to 1.,
crowned ; before, sceptre. Rev. XSSCtOSSIS : RSX. Long cross pattee
with mullet in each angle. JR -8. Wt. 21 '6.
16. Penny. 2nd issue. Same as the last, but reading on the rev. RX
SCOTORVM *. JR -8. Wt. 22-5.
The coins of this issue are without names of moneyers or mints
Stars instead of mulletsj occur sometimes on the reverse. These vary
* These coins are classed to Alexander III on the recent authority of Burns (see
Coinage of Scotland, vol. i. pp. 118-162). They were attributed by Cochran-
Patrick to Alexander II, and were supposed to have been issued between A.D. 1247
and 1249. This type was however not introduced into the English coinage till
1248, and as the types of the Scottish coins were generally adopted from the
English ones, it is not probable that this one made its first appearance in Scotland.
On the same principle, if only " the long single cross pattee " coins are given to
Alexander III, it would follow, that no coinage could have taken place in that
reign before 1279, the date at which this type was adopted for the English coins.
It is however not impossible that the " long double cross " type may have been
introduced by Alexander II during the last two years of his reign, and continued
without any alteration by his successor Alexander III.
f A mullet only differs from a star in being pierced in the centre.
166 SCOTTISH COINS.
Plate xii. in the number of points which they each have, from five to seven, and
SILVER, show an aggregate from twenty to twenty-eight. Farthings were now
issued for the first time, and these with the halfpennies became general.
17. Halfpenny. 2nd issue. Same as the preceding coin, but with mullet in
alternate angles only of the cross on the reverse ; the other two plain.
2R -55. Wt. 9-0.
This is the only type of the halfpenny.
18. Farthing. 2nd issue. Same as the Penny, No. 16, but reading on the obv.
& TXLGXTXNDeR R6X; and on the rev. SCOTORVM. jj -5. Wt. 6-8.
Farthings have always mullets of six points, not stars, on the reverse.
John Baliql. 1292-1296.
COINAGE. Silver. Penny and Halfpenny.
ISSUE, &c. One : but of two varieties : i.e. without and with mint-
name. The weight and fineness are as the second coinage of
Alexander III.
19. Penny. 1st var. Obv. * lOhANNQS DQI 6RR. Head of king to 1.,
crowned; before, sceptre. Rev. R6(X StfOTORVM >%<. Long cross pattee
with mullet in each angle. JR -75. Wt. 22-8.
As on the coins of Alexander III stars instead of mullets sometimes
occur on the reverse.
20. Penny. St. Andrews. 2nd var. Similar to the last, but reading on the rev.
OIVITfiS SfiNDRQQ. JR &. Wt. 19-2.
This is the only mint- name which is found on coins of this reign.
The legends on both obverse and reverse of this and the preceding
coin are slightly varied.
21. Halfpenny. Same as the Penny, No. 19, but with a mullet in alternate
angles only of tbe cross on the reverse. 2R *6. Wt. 12 -5.
A variety has a mullet in each quarter of the cross on the reverse.
No mint-name is found on the halfpennies and no farthings are known
of this reign.
Robert Bruce. 1306-1329.
COINAGE. Silver. Penny, Halfpenny, and Farthing.
ISSUE. One : in each denomination. The weight was at 21 grs. to
the penny, but the fineness remained as in the reign of David I.
22. Penny. Obv. & : ROB0RTVS : D6U : SRfi : Head of king to 1., crowned ;
before, sceptre. Rev. SCOTORVM R(X K Long cross pattee with
mullet in each angle, ai -8. Wt. 22-3.
No mint-names occur on any of the coins of Robert Bruce. The
penny is of the above type only. A slight reduction took place in the
weight of the coins; the penny being at 21* grs. instead of 22 grs.
Twenty-six shillings and three pence were struck to the pound instead
of twenty shillings as in the reign of David I.
EOBEET BRUCE. 167
23. Halfpenny. Same type, &c., as the Penny, but mullet in two angles only of piate xli.
the cross on the reverse. JR '55. Wt. lO'O. SILVER.
This is the only type of the halfpenny.
The farthing, of which there is no specimen in the National Collection,
is of the same type as the penny. It is extremely rare.
David II. 1329-1371.
COINAGE. Gold. Noble. Silver. Groat, Half-Groat, Penny, Half-
penny, and Farthing.
ISSUES, &c.Gold. One : Noble (circ. 1358). Silver. Three :
1st issue (1329-1358), Penny, Halfpenny, and Farthing. 2nd issue
(1358-1366), Groat, Half-Groat, Penny, and Halfpenny. 3rd issue
(1366-1371), Groat, Half-Groat, and Penny.
The weight of the noble was 120 grs., and of the silver, the 1st and
2nd issues were at 18 grs. to the penny, and the 3rd issue at 17 grs. to
the penny. The gold was 23 1 cts. fine and ^ ct. alloy, and the
fineness of the silver as the money of David I.
24. Noble. Obv. >k D7XVID : D6(l : (oRfi : RQX : SCXOTORVm (stops, GOLD.
crosses) ; m. m. lis. The king crowned, standing facing in a ship, holding
sword and shield with arms of Scotland. Rev. *% lhC( AVT6UTI
TRfillCdeUIS P - meCDIVm ILLORVm - IB7XT. Cross fleury within
a tressure of eight arches, trefoil in each spandril ; lion and crown in each
angle of cross and cinquefoil in central compartment with lis at each
angle. M 1-35. Wt. 119 -6 grs.
This coin is an imitation of the noble of Edward III of England,
first struck in 1344. There are no records connected with the issue
of these first Scottish gold coins, but it must have occurred soon after
David's return from captivity in 1357. It was probably connected
with the first issue of the groat in 1358. The weight and fineness
correspond with the nobles of the 4th issue (1351) of Edward III.
Only five specimens are known and of two slight varieties in the
obverse and reverse legends and in the stops between the words ; one
having crosses and pellets ; the others saltires, annulets, and crosses.
25. Penny. 1st Issue. Obv. * D7WID DQ! SRACdfi. Head of king to 1., SILVER.
crowned ; before, sceptre. Rev. RSX SCCOTTORVHl. Cross pattee with
mullet in each angle, jj -7. Wt. 15 '6.
These are of the same type as the coins of Robert Bruce, with the
exception of the introduction, in most cases, of the Old English STL and
n for the Roman M and N. No mint-names occur on this issue.
A variety reads R6(X saOTORVM.
The halfpenny is similar to the penny ; but has mullets in two
angles only of the cross on the reverse. A variety has a mullet and
three pellets in alternate angles.
26. Farthing. 1st issue. Same as the Penny, but the legend on the rev. reads
RQX SaOTORVM. JR -5. Wt. 4-7.
A curious variety of the farthing is of the same type, but has on the
obverse the legend MONSTS RQSIS D and on the reverse AVID
SaOTTOR.
168 SCOTTISH COINS.
Plate xlii. 27. Groat. Edinburgh. 2nd issue. Obv. ^ D7WID : D6U SRfi : RSX
SILVER. QOTORVfll : (sic) (stops, crosses). Bust of king to 1., crowned and dividing,
below, the tressure which consists of six arches ; before, sceptre. Rev.
I ons : pracxTOR ms . z LIBATOR ms__vii_Lfi e(DiriBVR6h
(in two concentric circles ; stops, crosses). Long cross pattee dividing
legends with mullet in each angle. JB 1-1. Wt. 72*6.
The groat and half -groat were first struck in Scotland in 1358,
the year following David's return from captivity at Durham. The
type of the reverse was no doubt copied from the English groat,
which first circulated in 1351. On some the letter D occurs in one
of the quarters of the reverse ; it may be the initial of Donatus
Mulekyn, an employe at the mint.
28. Half-Groat. Edinburgh. 2nd issue. Same as the Groat, but the legend on
the obv. ends SC(OTORV ; and on the rev. the outer one reads DftS
pROTQcrroR mecvs. * -9. wt. 31-5.
29. Penny. Edinburgh. 2nd issue. Obv. * D7WID RQX - SCCOTORVJTl
(stops, crosses). Bust of king to 1., crowned; before, sceptre. Rev.
VILLA 6(DinBVR6h. Long cross pattee with mullet in each angle.
^ -75. Wt. 17-5.
Groats, half-groats, and pennies of this issue were also minted at
Aberdeen. This and Edinburgh are the only mints of this reign.
The halfpenny of this issue is similar in type to the penny, but has
a mullet in two angles only of the cross. It is of Edinburgh only, and
appears to be unique. It is figured by Snelling, Silver Coins of Scot-
land, PI. I., No. 32.
30. Groat. Edinburgh. 3rd issue. Same as No. 27, but the bust is larger, the
handle of the sceptre is ornamented with a star ; there is a trefoil in each
spandril of the tressure; and the obv. legend ends SQOTORVttl. m I' 15.
Wt. 63-5.
The coins of this issue differ but slightly from those of the previous
one, but they are of coarser workmanship ; and the portrait of the
king is similar to that of Kobert II. The groat was also minted at
Aberdeen.
31. Half-Groat. Edinburgh. 3rd issue. Same as No. 28, but with same varieties
as on the last coin ; the obv. legend ends StfOTORVJTl. st. -9. Wt. 33-0.
Struck only at Edinburgh.
The penny is the same as that of the second issue, but has a similar
bust to No. 30, and there is generally a star at the handle of the
sceptre. It is of Edinburgh only.
Robert II. 1371-1390.
COINAGE.* Silver. Groat, Half-Groat, Penny, and Halfpenny.
ISSUES, &c. One in each denomination. The weight and fineness
are as the third coinage of David II.
* The gold coins, viz., the so-called St. Andrews of 39 grs. and lions of 38 grs.
to 18 grs., formerly attributed to Robert II, are here all classed to Robert III (see
note No. 38).
EOBEET II. 169
32. Groat. Edinburgh. Obv. * ROBQRTVS : DQI . <3RA : RQX : SaOTTORV Plate xlii.
(stops, crosses). Bust of king to 1., crowned and dividing, below, the tressure SILVER.
of six arches ; before, sceptre with saltire at handle ; behind B (Bonagio) ; *
a trefoil in each spandril of tressure. Rev. J DR'S : PT9C(TOR JTl'S
Z LIBATOR ttl'S VILLA QDIRBVRSh (in two concentric circles;
stops, crosses). Long cross pattee dividing legends, mullet in each angle.
JR1-1. Wt. 55-0.
33. Groat. Perth. Same as the last, but star at handle of sceptre ; no letter
behind king's head, and reading SCtOTORVM, and mint VILLA D6(
PQRTh #. jjl-15. Wt. 59-8.
Groats were also struck at Dundee. On most of the coins of this
reign the handle of the sceptre ends in a saltire or a star. The bust
of the king is very similar to that on the last coinage of David II.
All the Dundee coins are very rare.
34. Half-Groat. Edinburgh. Obv. <% ROB6(RTVS : DSI : 6RA : R9X : SCXO
(stops, saltires). Bust of king to 1., crowned, &c., as on No. 32 ; but
behind crown, a saltire. Eev. * DRS PROTeWTOR JTie(VS_VILLA
QDIRBVRSh (in two concentric circles). Long cross pattee. &c., as on
No. 32. JR -9. Wt. 32-6.
35. Half-Groat. Perth. Same as the last, but star at handle of sceptre ; no
saltire behind the crown, and reading on obv. SGOTORV5TI for SCXO, and
on rev. the mint is VILLA DQ PQRTh *. 2B -85. Wt. 31-5.
Struck also at Dundee. The half-groats and pennies, like the
groats, of all three mints have sometimes the letter B behind the head
of the king. (See No. 32.)
36. Penny. Edinburgh. Obv. * ROBQRTVS - RSX SCXOTTOR' (stops,
crosses). Bust of king to 1., crowned; before, sceptre. Rev. VILLA
QDIRBVRSh. Long cross pattee with mullet in each angle, m -75.
Wt.17-0.
Struck also at Dundee and Perth.
37. Halfpenny. Edinburgh. Similar type to the Penny, but the legends read ;
obv. * ROB9RTVS R3X ; rev. VILLA SDIRBVG. M -6. Wt. 7'0.
Struck also at Dundee, but none are known of Perth. The supposed
Roxburgh halfpenny in the British Museum is a double-struck coin of
Edinburgh.
Robert III. 1390-1406.
COINAGE. Gold. St. Andrew or Lion, and Demi-Lion or Demy.
Silver. Groat, Half-Groat, Penny, and Halfpenny. Billon.^ Penny
and Halfpenny.
ISSUES, &c. Gold. Two : 1st issue, St. Andrew or Lion (61-59^
grs.) and Demi-Lion or Demy (30 grs.). 2nd issue, St. Andrew or Lion
(38 grs.) and Demi-Lion or Demy (19 grs.). Silver. Two: 1st issue,
Groat, Half-Groat, Penny, and Halfpenny, at 48 grs. to the Groat. 2nd
issue, Groat only, at 30 grs.
The standard of the gold was 22 cts. fine and 2 cts. alloy, and
that of the groats and half -groats 11 T V fine silver and T 9 alloy (as
* Bonagio, or Bonachius, was a Florentine engraver, who was employed at the
Scottish mint during the reigns of David II and Robert II and III.
t As no mention is made in the records of the coinage of a billon money, these
pieces may be only very base silver coins.
J These two issues in gold and silver are known as the heavy and the light
coinages.
170
SCOTTISH COINS.
Plate xiii. David I's money), but the other denominations were 2 pts. fine and
1 pt. alloy.
GOLD. 38. St. Andrew or Lion. Istissue. Obv. * ROBQRTVS | DQI : <3RA | R9X :
SGOTORVJTl : (stops, partly pellets and partly lis and crescents). Shield,
arms of Scotland, crowned. Rev. XPC( RQGIlftT XPC( VlftCUT XPa
I5TCP7X. St. Andrew extended on the cross, which reaches to the edge
of the coin ; on either side, lis. A; 1*05. Wt. 59 '6.
A variety has the cross on the reverse, reaching only to the inner
circle. The St. Andrew or lion was current for 5s., and the demi-lion
for 2s. Gd.
The gold coins till recently assigned to Robert II were the light
St. Andrews of 38 grs. with the reverse legend " Dominus Protector," &c.
(see next coin), and all the demi-lions, wrongly called lions, of from
38 to 19 grs. There are, however, no records of any gold money
having been coined by Robert II, and this wrong attribution
appears to have arisen out of a mistaken nomenclature ; the St.
Andrews being known when in circulation as lions, and their halves,
now called lions, being denominated as demi-lions or demies.* The
differences in the weight of the St. Andrew and of its half were caused
by a change in the standard, which occurred about the middle of the
reign of Robert III. The precise date is not known, but it must have
been simultaneous with the change in the standard of the silver coins
(see No. 41). Thus the heavy demi-lion is the half of the heavy
St. Andrew, and the light demi-lion the half of the light St. Andrew.
39. St. Andrew or Lion. 2nd issue. Obv. ^ ROB9RTVS : DQI
RQX SQOT : (stops, crosses). Shield crowned, &c., as on the preceding.
Eev. * DRS : PTQCTTO : MS : Z : LIBQR : M : (stops, crosses). St.
Andrew extended without the cross; his hands and feet reaching beyond the
inner circle ; on either side, lis. AT - 9. Wt. 37'0.
A variety of the light St. Andrew has the reverse legend as on
No. 38.
40. Demi-Lion or Demy. 1st issue. Obv. >fr ROBQRTVS
SQOTO (stops, partly pellets and partly lis and crescents
Scotland, not crowned. Rev. XPQ : RQ6R7XT : XPC(
DQI : 6 ; RQX
Shield, arms of
SILVER.
. VIRC(T (stops as
on obv.). A St. Andrew's cross extending to the edge; lis and trefoils in
alternate angles, u -75. Wt. 30 -0.
The light demi-lions (19 grs.) are of the same type, but on some the
legend " Dominus Protector," &c., occurs as on the light St. Andrews.
The latter are excessively rare.
41. Groat. Perth. 1st issue. Obv. & ROBQRTVS DQI <3RA RQX
SQOTTORV5U. Bust of king, facing, crowned, dividing tressure of seven
arches. Rev. * DRS : PTSC(TOR MQ Z LIBfiTOR JUS VILLA :
DQ : PQRTh *%* (in two concentric circles; stops, pellets and saltires).
Long cross pattee dividing legends, three pellets in each angle. & 1*05.
Wt. 42-0.
This is a precise copy of the contemporary English groat, Those of
the 1st issue, heavy money, were struck at Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and
Perth. And those of the 2nd issue, light money, are of Aberdeen,
Dumbarton, and Edinburgh. The light groats are of the same type as
Burns, Coinage of Scotland, vol. i., p. 283.
EGBERT III. 171
the heavy ones, but the portrait of the king is similar to James I's. Plate xlii
The date of the change in the silver standard is uncertain. SILVER.
42. Half-Groat. Edinburgh. 1st issue. Obv. p ROBQRTVS | D6U | (3 \
R6(X SC(OTOR. Bust of king, facing, &c., as on the Groat, but surrounded
entirely by the tressure, which has seven arches. Rev. %< DdS
PJSCXTOR : MS : LIBATO VILLA : QDIRBVR6 (in two concentric
circles ; stops, pellets and saltires). Long cross pattee, &c., with pellets in
angles as on the Groat. 2R -85. Wt. 21-5.
Struck also at Perth. No half-groats, pennies or halfpennies of the
2nd issue, light money, are known.
43. Penny. Edinburgh. 1st issue. Obv. * ROBQRTVS R3X SCXOTOR.
Bust of king, facing, crowned. Rev. VILLA SDIftBVRSh. Long cross
pattee with three pellets in each angle. JR '7. Wt. 12 -5.
Struck also at Aberdeen and Perth. A variety is without the mint-
name, and reads obv. ROBSRTVS D6U 6RACXIA; re0.~R6(X SC(OTORVm.
The pennies and halfpennies of very base silver, and by some considered
as billon money, are of the same type as the above. These pennies are
of Aberdeen and Edinburgh, but the halfpennies are of Edinburgh
only.
44. Halfpenny. Edinburgh. 1st issiie. Same type, &c., as the Penny, but the
obv. legend reads *% ROB3RTVS RSX SO(O JR -5. Chipped.
Struck also at Perth. Like the penny, a variety is without the
mint-name and reads RSX SQOTORVm. An example of this coin is
figured in Cardonnel, Num. Scot., PI. IV., No. 2 ; but no specimen
appears now to be known.
James I. 1406-1437.
COINAGE. Gold. Demy and Half-Demy. Silver. Groat. Billon.
Penny and Halfpenny.
ISSUES, &c. One only in each metal.
The weight of the demy was from 53 to 50 grs., that of the groat
from 36 to 30 grs.,. and that of the billon penny 16 grs. The gold was
22 cts. fine, but the fineness of the silver and billon is not recorded.
. Demy. Obv. IACXOBVS DQI 6RACUA RQX S (stops, lis) ; m. m. Plate xliii.
crown. Arms of Scotland on a lozenge-shaped shield. Rev. %< SA LVV5TI : GOLD.
FAC( POPVLVm TVVm Dft - (stops, saltires and lis). A smaU St.
Andrew's cross with the letter I (Jacobus) in centre, between two lis and
within a floriated compartment of six curves, termed an orle ; in each
curve, a quatrefoil. A/ '85. Wt. 51 '0.
The demy and half-demy are sometimes known as the lion and half-
lion. The current value of the demy at first appears to have been 9s.
The derivation of its name is somewhat uncertain. It is supposed
to have received it from having been of the same current value in Scot-
land as the contemporary English half-noble.
The St. Andrews and half-St. Andrews, formerly attributed to
James I, are now classed to James II. (See No. 50.)
4G. Half-Demy. Obv. IAC(OBVS D6U : SRAC(IA R : (stops, saltires and
lis) ; m. m. crown. Arms of Scotland, &c., as on the preceding. Rev.
172
SCOTTISH COINS.
Plat xliii. ^ SfiLVVm : FfiC( POPVLVm TV : A small St. Andrew's cross within
G01D an orle, &c., as on the preceding, but above, the letter I (Jacobus), and
below, a saltire. A7 -65. Wt. 26'0.
The demy, of which there are many small varieties, is very common,
but the half-demy is very rare.
SILVER. 47. Groat. Edinburgh. Obv. * iTXtfOBVS . D9I . 6R7XC(m R6(X SC(OTOR .
(stops, lis). Bust of king, facing, crowned, undraped ; sceptre and saltire to
1., and I (Jacobus) to r. ; two saltires on breast ; all within tressure of seven
arches, fleured. Rev. * DRS PT6(C(TOR - mS Z LIBfiTOR IU :
VILL7\ QDIRBVRSh (in two concentric circles; stops, lis and saltires).
Long cross pattee with lis and three pellets in alternate angles ; but in the
third angle, a saltire on each side of the lis. jRl'O. Wt. 33-8.
Struck also at Linlithgow, Perth, and Stirling. A variety which is
rare, has the sceptre on the king's 1., i.e. to r. From their type these
groats are known as " fleur-de-lis groats." The issue was a very large
one, and the coins are remarkable for the variety of small ornaments on
both sides, consisting of lis, trefoils, saltires, crescents, &c. This is the
only denomination in silver known of this reign, although it would
seem, from certain regulations regarding a new coinage in 1451, that half-
groats of this type had been issued, and also that in 1435 silver coins of
small denominations, pennies and halfpennies, were ordered to be struck.
BILLON. 48. Halfpenny. Edinburgh. Obv. * I7\C(OBVS D6U SRft RSX. Bust
of king, facing, crowned. Rev. %* VILLfi SDIftBV. Long cross pattee
with three pellets in each angle. Bil. '6. Chipped.
Struck at Edinburgh only. The penny, which is of the same type,
was issued at Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Inverness. These coins are,
as a rule, of fine billon, being about half silver and half alloy.
James II. 1437-1460.
COINAGE. Gold. Demy, Lion, and Half -Lion. Silver. Groat, Half-
Groat, and Penny. Billon. Penny.
ISSUES, <fec. Gold. Two : 1st issue (1437-1451), Demy. 2nd issue
(1451-1460), Lion and Half-Lion. Silver. Three : 1st issue (1437-
1451), Groat (fleur-de-lis type). 2nd issue (after 1451), Groat, Half-
Groat, and Penny (crown and pellet type). 3rd issue, Groat (same, but
bust draped). Billon. One: Penny (after 1451).
The weight of the demy was from 53 to 50 grs., as during the pre-
vious reign, and that of the lion 54 grs. The silver coinage was at 36 to
30 grs. to the groat for the first issue, and 59 grs. for the second and
third. The gold coins were 22 cts. fine, but of the silver the fineness
of the first issue is not recorded, whilst that of the second and third
was 11 T V fine silver to f^ alloy, as David I's coinage.
GOLD. 49. Demy. Obv. IfiCtBVS : D6(l : SRfiCUA : R0X : SC( (stops, annulets);
m. m. crown. Arms of Scotland on a lozenge-shaped shield as on No. 45.
Rev. * S7\LWm FfiC( POPVLVHl : TVVJTl : DRS : (stops, annulets).
A St. Andrew's cross between two lis and within a floriated compartment
similar to No. 45. AT -95. Wt. 50 -8.
The demies of James II are very similar in type to those of the
previous reign; but they may be distinguished by certain small
varieties. The stops between the words are generally annulets ; the
JAMES II. 173
letter I in the centre of the cross on the reverse is usually omitted, piate xiiii.
and the workmanship is somewhat neater in style. The demy was GOLD.
current for 9s. at first, but in 1451 it was reduced to 6s. 8^., and in
1456 again raised to 10s.
50. Lion. Obv. IfiCOBVS D6U SR7\ : RQX : SCOTTORVHl (stops, saltires) ;
m. m. crown. Shield of arms, crowned, and between two lis. Rev. XPC :
RQSriTVT : XPC : VinCIT : XP (stops, saltires); m. m. crown. St.
Andrew nimbate and extended on cross reaching to the edge of the coin ;
crowned lis on either side, fj I'O. Wt. 51*5.
A variety with open C's in the legends as above has a crown instead
of a lis at each side of the shield on the obverse. The early pieces
have the closed (X. The lion and half-lion, commonly called the St.
Andrew and half-St. Andrew from their type, were ordered to be struck
on the 25th October, 1451. The lion was at first current for 6s. 8d.,
but in 1456 it was raised to 10s.
51. Half-Lion. Obv. I7XCOBVS D' SRA RQX SCOTOR; m.m. crown. Shield
of arms, not crowned. Rev. Similar to the Lion, but the Saint is between
two crowns ; m. m. crown. AT '75. Wt. 26'0.
The half-lion is very rare ; only a few specimens being known.
52. Groat. Edinburgh. 2nd issue. Obv. IACOBVS DQI SRfi RQX SILVER.
SCOTORVJTl; m. m. crown. Bust of king, facing, crowned, no drapery,
within tressure of nine arches. Rev. DHS PTQCTOR JUS Z
LIBERATOR MS VILLA SDIRBVR6 (in two concentric circles;
crown before each legend). Long cross pattee with three pellets enclosing
an annulet and a crown in alternate angles. M 1*0. Wt. 57 '0.
This type is known as the crown, and pellet type. Groats were
issued at Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Perth, Roxburgh, and Stirling.
The first issue of silver coins of this reign, previous to 1451, con-
sisted of groats only of the fleur-de-lis type, and similar to the coinage
of James I, from which they may be distinguished by having the bust of
the king usually draped, and by the words of the legends being generally
divided by two annulets or crescents. They were struck at Edinburgh,
Liiilithgow, and Stirling. During this reign the groat was at first
current at 8c, but it was raised in 1456 to I2d.
53. Half-Groat. Edinburgh. 2nd issue. Similar to the preceding, but the
obverse legend reads ^ I7\C(OB' 06(1' SRAC(IA : RQX : SC(OTOR'
(stops, saltires). M -9. Wt. 25-8.
This coin is known only of Edinburgh. Very few specimens exist.
The penny of the second issue has the crowned bust on the obverse
between two crosses, and on the reverse the usual long cross pattee
with three pellets in each angle and an additional small cross in one.
The mint-mark is a crown on both sides. It is of Edinburgh only and
extremely rare if not unique.
The third issue of silver consisted of groats only, which are similar
in type to those of the second, but the king's bust is draped. The
only mint is Edinburgh. By some numismatists these groats were
considered as intermediate between the first and second issues.
54. Penny. Edinburgh. Obv. ^ IfiQOBVS Dl 6Rfi RQX. Bust of king, BILLOX.
facing, crowned. Rev. <fc VILLA QDIftBVRS. Long cross pattee with
three pellets in each angle. Bil. '55. Wt. 6-5.
Minted also at Aberdeen. A variety has pellets in two angles of
]74 SCOTTISH COINS.
Plate xiiii. the cross only. The fineness varies considerably, some being f silver
BILLON, to $ alloy. Halfpennies appear to have been ordered, but none are
known.
James III. 1460-1488.
COINAGE. Gold. Lion, Half-Lion, Rider, Unicorn, and Half-
Unicorn. Silver. Groat, Half-Groat, and Penny. Billon. Penny,
Plack, and Half-Plack. Copper. Farthing.
ISSUES. Gold. Three : 1st issue (1460), Lion and Half-Lion.* 2nd
issue (1473), Rider. 3rd issue (1486), Unicorn and Half-Unicorn.
Silver. Five : 1st issue, Groat and Half -Groat (obv. large bust and
crown of three lis ; rev. mullets of six points and pellets). 2nd issue,
Groat, Half -Groat, and Penny (as 1st issue, but bust smaller und crown
with five lis). 3rd issue (1475), Groat, Half-Groat, and Penny (rev.
mullets with five points). 4th issue (1483), Groat f (obv. crown of nine
points ; rev. crown and pellets in alternate angles of cross). 5th issue
(1485), Groat (crown with three lis, and on rev. crown, lis and pellets
in angles of cross). :f Billon. The issues of the Penny appear to
correspond with those of the silver coins. The Placks and Half-Placks,
first issued about 1468, are of two varieties (see descriptions). Copper.
Farthing, first struck in 1466, two varieties (see descriptions).
WEIGHT. Gold. Lion, 54 grs. ; Rider, 80 grs. ; Unicorn, 59 grs.
Silver. Groat, early issues, 39 '4 grs. ; later issues (after 1483), 47} grs
Billon and Copper. Not recorded.
FINENESS. Gold. Lion, 22 cts. ; Unicorn, 21 cts. ; Rider not recorded.
Silver. 11 T V fine silver to T 9 ff alloy, as David I's coinage.
GOLD. 55. Lion. Obv. IACOBVS : D' GRTCCIA : RQX : SCOTOR' : (stops,
crosses) ; m. m. crown. Crowned shield between two crowns. Rev
^ SfiLVVm : FAa POPVLVm, : TVVm (stops, saltires). St. Andrew
on his cross, which extends to the edge of the coin ; lis on each side. tJ 1 0.
Wt. 52 -5 grs.
A variety has the obverse and reverse legends transposed. Another
variety, by some attributed to the next reign, shows on the obverse the
Saint standing to 1., and bearing his cross, and on the reverse a
crowned shield between two lis. The legends are the same as on the
above; but the stops are stars as on the next coin. The lion was
current for 12s. and the half -lion for 6s.
56. Half-Lion. Obv. I7U*OBVS : D6U : 6RfiC(lrt : R6(X : SCXO : (stops,
stars) ; m. m. crown. Crowned shield between two crowned lis. Eev.
S7XLVVM : FACT PPLV TV DH (stops, saltires). St. Andrew on his
* Called by Cochran-Patrick, the St. Andrew and half-St. Andrew. Burns
classes the former to James II and the latter to James IV.
f This is Cochran-Patrick's arrangement, but Burns gives these groats to
James IV.
J Burns also classes to James III the " thistle-head and mullet " groats and
half-groats (see No. 86), and also the early issues of the three-quarter face coins
(see James IV).
JAMES III. 175
cross, which extends to the edge of the coin ; a crowned lis on either side. Plate xliii
A7 -85. Wt. 25-8. GOLD> *
If correctly attributed this and the preceding coin were struck early
in the reign. Frequent issues of gold coins are recorded between
1460 and 1473, about which time the rider was first struck. They are
called Scuta from their type, and must therefore be lions or half-lions.
It is quite possible also that the dies for the lions made during the
reign of James II were continued in use during that of James III.
57. Rider. Obv. IACXOBVS : D6(l : SRA : R6(X SaOTOR : (stops, saltires) ;
m. m. lis. King on horseback, galloping to r. ; sword in r. hand. Rev.
STXLVVm FACX POPVLVJYl TVVm DRS. Crowned shield on long cross
pattee. *r '9. Wt. 76*0.
Though the precise date is not known when the rider was first issued,
it must have been shortly before 1476, as in the records of that year
mention is made of the new money commonly called riders. Its
current value in 1491 was 23s. There are no half or quarter-riders
of this type, i.e. with horseman to r. Those, as well as the riders
with horseman to 1., are given to James IV (see Nos. 7072).
58. Unicorn. Obv. lfiC(OBVS : D6(l : SRTUXIfi : RSX : SC(OTR (stops, stars) ;
m. m. lis. Unicorn to 1. with crown on its neck, supporting a shield ; a
chain with ring under the feet. Rev. SXVRSAT : DQ' 9T : DISIPSNT :
N IJftlQIQ (stops, stars); m. m. lis. A floriated cross, on which is a large
waved star. AT -95. Wt. 57 '5.
The unicorn and half -unicorn were first struck in 1486. The
standard weight of the unicorn was 58 '89 grs., it was 21 cts. fine,
and was current for 18s. A variety has the reverse legend on both
sides. Others have saltires, V shaped ornaments, lis or plain stops
itween the words. Some of these may have been struck in the early
rears of the reign of James IV, though the records do not mention the
me of unicorns in that reign till 1496. Other mint-marks are a
:oss fleury, a cross pattee, a coronet, &c.
Half-Unicorn. Similar type to the Unicorn, but legends; obv. I7XCCOBVS :
D6U : SRfiCUfi : RQX : SCOT : rev. SXVR67\T : DS : 6[T :
DISIPGdlT : I nil I : (stops, stars); m. m. lis on both sides. A: -75.
Wt. 29-5.
On the half-unicorn the stops are varied as on the unicorn.
60. Groat. Berwick. 1st issue. Obv. ^ IfiCtOBVS : D : (oRfi : RflX : SILVER.
SflOTOR (stops, saltires). Bust of king, facing, and wearing crown of
three lis, within tressure of eight arches ; on 1. of neck T (Tod) ; on r. L
(Livingstoun). Rev. & DftS PTQOTOR MS : Z : LB7TTOR :_
V VILLA : BQRWIQhl (stops, saltires). Long cross fourchee with three
pellets, enclosing annulet, and mullet of six points in alternate angles.
JBl-0. Wt. 36-7.
Struck also at Edinburgh (see next coin). Thomas Tod and
Alexander Livingstoun were the king's coiners. Their initials also occur
on groats of Edinburgh. The early groats of this reign were current
for 12d., but they subsequently rose to 14d. The half -groat of this
issue, which is of Berwick and unique, has a cross at each side of the
king's neck, no annulets between the pellets on the reverse, and
apparently the numeral 3 after the king's name. These are the only
denominations of this issue.
176 SCOTTISH COINS.
Plate xiiii. Some numismatists have attributed to this reign groats, half -groats
SILVER, and pennies of the same type as the second issue of James II, and
consider them to be the first coinage. This attribution is however very
doubtful.
61. Groat. Edinburgh. 1st issue?. Obv. ^ IACXOBVS : D6U : SRA : RQX :
SQOTORVm (stops, saltires). Bust of king as on the preceding, but smaller
and within tressure of nine arches ; cross saltire on each side of neck. Rev.
k ons : PTSCTTOR : ms = z : LIBRATO * VILLA : efoiaBVRSh
(stops, saltires). Long cross pattee with pellets and mullets in the angles
as on the preceding, but no annulets within the pellets. , -9. Wt. 37*0.
This appears to be an intermediate type between the 1st and
2nd issues. The king's crown is the same as on the preceding coin,
but the style and fabric are as the next one.
62. Groat. Berwick. 2nd issue. Obv. * IAC(OBVS : D6(l : 6RA : RQX :
SCXOTORm (stops, saltires). Bust of king, facing, and wearing crown of
five lis, within tressure of ten arches. Rev. <%* DftS : PT(JC(TOR mS Z
LIBSRAT :_ !< VILLA : BQRWIQ hi (stops, saltires). Long cross pattee,
&c., as on the preceding. M -9. Wt. 37 '3.
Struck also at Edinburgh. The half -groat and penny of this issue
are described below. Burns (Coin, of Scot., vol. ii., p. 112) places
between the 1st and 2nd issues the three-quarter face groats and half-
groats with thistle-heads and mullets on the reverse (see No. 86).
This attribution seems somewhat out of place.
Plate xliv. 63. Groat. Edinburgh. 3rd issue. Obv. * IAC(OBVS DQI 6RA R6(X
SCtOTORm; m. m. cross fleury. Bust of king, facing, and wearing crown
of five lis, within tressure of seven arches, divided below by the bust. Rev.
ons PTQCTTOR mss z LIBSATVR m VILLA aoediBaovRsa;
m. m. cross fleury. Long cross pattee with mullet of five points and three
pellets in alternate angles. M '95. Wt. 37 -9.
All the coins, groats, half-groats and pennies, of this issue are of
Edinburgh only. The pennies vary from the other pieces in having
three lis only in the king's crown. The halfpenny was ordered, but
does not appear to have been issued.
64. Half-Groat. Berwick. 2nd issue. Obv. ^ IAC(OBVS : DSI : 6RA : RQX :
SQOT (stops, saltires). Bust of king, facing, and wearing crown of three
lis, within tressure of eight arches. Rev. DftS P6(RT6(C(TOR ms Z
LI I BSR ATVILLA BSRVViaCChll. Long cross pattee with mullet of
six points and three pellets in alternate angles, x. -7. Wt. 18-3.
Struck also at Edinburgh. There are no half-groats of the other
issues in the National Collection. As Berwick was made over to
Scotland in 1461, but recaptured by the English in 1483, all the coins
of that mint belong to the earlier issues of this reign.
65. Penny. Edinburgh. 2nd issue. Obv. * IAC(OBVS : D6( : 6RA : RQX :
SO (stops, saltires). Bust of king, facing, wearing crown of three lis
or five points. Rev. { VILLA : SDQINBOVR (stops, saltires). Long cross
pattee, &c., as on the last. M -6. Wt. 10-0.
The penny was struck only at this mint.
66. Penny. Edinburgh. 3rd issue. Similar to the preceding, but reading S
for SO, and with mullets of five points on the reverse, as on No. 63.
* -55. Wt. 8-7.
Struck only at Edinburgh.
f"
'"
JAMES III. 177
There are no coins, groats, in the National Collection which have been f lft te xiiv.
classed to the fourth and fifth issues of this reign. The former have &UVKR.
a bust, facing, in surcoat and armour and a crown of nine points,
and on the reverse three pellets and a crown in alternate angles
of the cross. On the latter the king wears a crown with three
fleurs de lis, and on the reverse a crown and a lis are in opposite angles
of the cross, and in the other two, three pellets joined by an annulet.
Both issues are of Edinburgh only, and the groat weighs 47^ grs.
67. Plack. Edinburgh. Obv. ITXaOBVS : D6U : 6R7UXIA : R6(X : SCXOTORV; BILLOX
m. m. crown. Shield within quatrefoil ; above and at sides, a crown.
Bev. VILLA : D6( : 3DIHBVR6; m. m. crown. Floriated cross with
open compartment in centre enclosing a saltire ; a crown in each angle.
Bil. 1-0. Wt. 25-6.
Placks and half-placks of this type are by some attributed to the
next reign. Another issue, probably of earlier date, has on the obverse
the shield within a tressure of three arcs, a crown above and a cross
fourchee at each side, and a trefoil in each of the upper angles of the
tressure. The reverse is the same as the plack of the later issue. The
half-placks are of the same types as the placks. They are all of the
Edinburgh mint only. The weight of the plack varies from 44 to
28 grs., and it was current for 3d. The name is derived from plaque, a
thin piece of metal.
The billon pennies are similar in type to the silver coins of that
denomination, except that on the reverse the cross is cantonned with
three pellets only. Like the silver pieces they show several varieties in
the king's crown, which has three or five lis. They are of Aberdeen
and Edinburgh, and vary in weight from 15 to 5 grs. The lighter
ieces may have been intended for halfpence.
The copper farthings, called " Black Farthings," are of two types : COPPER.
(i) obv. crown ; rev. St. Andrew's cross with saltire on each side ;
(ii) obv. I. R. crowned ; rev. St. Andrew's cross with crown on upper
portion, a small saltire at each side and one below. On both the king's
name is on the obverse and the name of the mint, Edinburgh, on the
reverse. They weigh from 9 to 7 grs. The Act authorizing this
money, which is the first copper coinage of the Scottish series, was
passed 9 Oct. 1466. These pieces appear to have been current originally
T halfpennies, but circulated subsequently as farthings, quadrantes.
James IV. 1488-1514.
COINAGE.* Gold. Lion, Half-Lion, Rider, Half-Rider, f Quarter-
Rider, Unicorn, and Half-Unicorn. Silver. Groat, Half-Groat, and
Penny. Billon. Plack and Penny.
* The occurrence of numerals or letters after the king's name or titles, showing
that he was the 4th king of Scotland of the name of James, identifies some of the
coins of this reign; but on account of the scarcity of records relating to the
coinage, the classification of such pieces as are without these numerals or letters
is difficult, and has led to much diversity of opinion.
t Cochran-Patrick and other Scottish numismatists give the divisions of the
Rider as Two-Thirds and One-Third Riders; but Burns, who appears to be
correct from the evidence afforded by their weights, divides them into Half and
Quarter-Riders. The same may be said of the Lion and Half-Lion.
N
178 SCOTTISH COINS.
Plate xiiv. ISSUES. Gold. Two : 1st issue (1488), Unicorn, Half-Unicorn,
Lion, Half-Lion, Rider, Half-Rider, and Quarter-Rider. 2nd issue
(1496-1512), Unicorn and Half-Unicorn. Silver. Five : 1st issue
(1488), Groat arid Half-Groat (obv. three-quarter face bust ; rev. crown
and pellets). 2nd issue (1489), Groat and Half-Groat (same rev. type ;
but obv. bust facing). 3rd issue, Groat, Half-Groat, and Penny (obv.
bust facing; rev. mullet and pellets and legend SfiLVVJTl FfiC( &c.).
4th issue (1512), Groat and Half-Groat (as 3rd issue, but , QT, QRA
or MM in obv. legend). 5th issue, Groat (similar to last, but 4 after
king's name; rev. legend EXVRGAT DEVS, &c., and Roman letters).
, Billon. Plack, two issues (1504-6 and 1512-14), see descriptions.
Penny, two types, see also descriptions.
WEIGHT. Gold. Unicorn, 59 grs. ; Lion, 52 ^ grs. ; Rider, 81 grs.
Silver. Groat, 47^ grs., but 4th and 5th issues 40 to 35 grs. Billon.
Not recorded.
FINENESS. Unicorn, 21 cts. ; Lion and Rider, 23 cts. Silver. As
James Ill's coinage. Billon. Not recorded.
The only mint-names of this reign are Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
They are not found on any of the gold coins.
GOLD. 68. Lion. Obv. I7\C(OBVS - D6(l 6R7V RQX - SaOTTORVm I 111 (stops,
stars); m. m. crown. Shield crowned between two lis. Rev. SfiLVVJft
F7\a PPLVV TVV DR6C (stops, stars); m. m. crown. St.
Andrew on cross extending to edge of coin; lis on either side. AT 1-05.
Wt. 51-0.
There seems little doubt that this is the coin which was ordered
to be struck in Jan. 1488-9, and to be of the weight of the French
crown. It was to be current at 14s., and to have the word quartus
added to the king's name, and so to be distinguished from similar
pieces of the previous reign. The gold coinage ordered in the
previous October, which was to consist of fine gold of the same weight
and fineness as the rose noble, with its divisions the two-thirds and
one-third, was never issued.
69. Half-Lion. Similar to the preceding, but there is no m. m. on the rev.", and
the legends read SaOTTORV for SaOTTORVJTl and S7YLVV for
AT -8. Wt. 22-8.
The previous coin and this one are often denominated as two-
thirds and one-third St. Andrews. It is much more probable from
their weights that they are lions and half-lions, more commonly called
St. Andrews and half-St. Andrews.
70. Rider. Obv. I7\C(OBVS OS I SRfi RQX SCCOTTORVJTl. Crowned shield
on long cross pattee. Eev. SfiLVVM : F7XC( : POPVLVM : TVVm :
DOJTilRQ ; m. m. cross floury. King on horseback galloping to 1. ; sword
in 1. hand. At 1-05. Wt. 79 -5.
As no mention is made in the records of this issue of the rider and
its divisions, the half and quarter-rider, under James IV, they have
been assigned by some to the previous reign and considered to be
only a variety of the rider to r. (see No. 57). The current value of
the rider was in 1491 fixed at 23s.
f
JAMES IV. 179
71. Half-Eider. Same as the Rider ; but with stops between the words of Plate xliv.
the legends on both sides. AT '75. Wt. 38-5. GOIJ)
The weights of this and the next coin show that they are the half
and quarter of the rider, and not the two-thirds and one-third as
generally supposed.
72. Quarter-Rider. Same as the Rider, No. 70; but reading SCCOTORV and
DOfllin,, and in. m. on rev. a cross pattee. AT '6. Wt. 18' 5.
This coin is extremely rare.
73. Unicorn. Zndissue. Obv. IACOBVS 4 : DEI GRfi REX SCOTORVM -
(stops, mostly stars) ; in. in. crown. Unicorn to 1., with crown on its
neck, supporting shield. Rev. EXVRSfiT DEVS Z Dl SI PENT
INI MIC I EIV- (stops, stars). A floriated cross on which is a waved star.
Arl-0. Wt. 59-0.
The numeral 4 after the king's name and the Roman letters in the
legends show that this coin belongs to the latter part of the reign of
James IV. For the unicorns and half-unicorns which may be assigned
to the early period, see No. 58. Half-unicorns similar to the above
with Roman letters are without the numeral after the king's name, and
have the ring and chain under the unicorn.
There is in the British Museum a pattern known as the six-angel
piece. It is of the same type but slightly larger than the English
angel, and weighs 49 1 grs. The legends are in Roman characters ;
that on the obverse being as 011 No. 73 with the numeral 4 after the
king's name, and that on the reverse SALVfiTOR : IN : HOC : SIGNO :
VICISTI. It was struck at the end of the reign of James IV, at
which time the English angels were current in large numbers in
Scotland. It is evidently a pattern for a coinage which was never
carried out. The coin is unique.
Groat. Edinburgh. 1st issue. Obv. + IfiCXOBVS DGC 6RfiC(lfi : R6(X : SILVER.
SCCOTORV (stops, saltires). Bust of king, within a dotted circle,
three-quarters to 1., draped and wearing arched crown ; before, saltire
and L (Livingstoun) ; behind, lis. Rev. DftS PROTQTOR fll 6(T
LIB9R7XTO JTi __ . VI LLft QDIftBVR (stops, annulets; m. m. cross
fleury before each legend). Long cross pattee with crown and three
pellets, enclosing an annulet, in alternate angles. ^ 1'05. Wt. 46-5.
Struck also at Aberdeen. This coinage, formerly given to James II,
and subsequently to James IV, was however supposed by Burns (Coinage,
of Scotland, vol. ii., p. 133) to have commenced in the reign of James III
but continued by his successor. Alexander Livingstoun and Thomas
Tod are mentioned in the records as the king's coiners (see No. 60).
The half-groat is the only other denomination of this issue (see No. 76).
In 1488 the current value of the groat was declared to be 14d. For
groats of 2nd and 3rd issues see Nos. 77 and 78.
75. Groat. Edinburgh. tth issue. Obv. lfiC(OBVS DQI SRrt R6(X
StfOTTORVm MM; m.m. crown. Bust of king facing, not draped,
crowned, within tressure of nine arches ; mullet on each side of neck. Rev.
SALwm F7\a ppLwm - jvvm - one(_. VILLTX aoediBOVRsec
(stops, stars). Long cross fourchee with mullet of five points and three
pellets in alternate angles, .si 1-05. Wt. 35 -7.
Coins of this issue, groats and half-groats, are of Edinburgh only.
On other groats the king's titles are followed by R ( = 4), or QT, QR or
N 2
180 SCOTTISH COINS.
Plate xiiv. QRA (= Quartus). The half -groats have only the numerals Mil. The
SILVER, change in the reverse legend on the silver coins took place in the
previous issue (see No. 78).
76. Half-Groat. Edinburgh. 1st issue. Obv. + lACOBVS D6U 6RACUA
R6(X (stops, annulets). Bust of king, three-quarters to 1., &c., as on No. 74.
Rev. + Dins PBorerroB m err C(BA_+ VILLA aoiriBvi. Long
cross pattee with crowns and pellets in the angles, &c., as on No. 74.
M -75. Wt. 23-7.
Struck only at Edinburgh. As on the English coins of the same
period the letter R is often represented by a B.
77. Half-Groat. Edinburgh. 2nd issue. Obv. * IACCOBVS : DG(I : 6RA :
R6(X : SQOTORVJft : Q : Bust facing, not draped, crowned, within
tressure of ten arches. Rev. 3* BUS LBfiTGC 6(T B me(Vm_J< VILLA
flDinBVS. Long cross pattee with lis in centre, and crown and three
pellets, enclosing an annulet, in alternate angles. M 8. Wt. 21 5.
The second issue, which consisted of groats and half-groats only, is of
two varieties : the first (1489) has no lis in the centre of the cross on
the reverse ; the second (1490) has the lis. The half-groat only of the
second variety has the letter Q (Quartus) after the king's titles. The
groats have the bust bare, five lis to the crown, and twelve or
thirteen arches to the tressure. These coins are of Edinburgh only.
78. Half-Groat. Edinburgh. Srdissue. Obv. IACCOBVS D6U <3RA - RG(X
SQOTTOR ; m. m. crown. Bust of king, facing, crowned, within tressure
of seven arches; mullet on each side of neck. Rev. SALVV FAC(
POPVLVV TV DRef' -VILLA emnBVRSa. Long cross fourchee
with mullet of five points and three pellets in alternate angles. M *8.
Wt. 18-0.
The groat and half-groat of this issue are of Edinburgh only. The
penny (see next coin) has no mint-name. With this issue a change
takes place in the legend on the reverse. Hitherto it has without
exception been " Domiiius Protector et Liberator meus," more or less
abbreviated. It is now replaced, for a short period only, with " Salvum
fac populum tuum Domine." The cross pattee is also changed for a cross
fourchee on the groats and half-groats. The third issue only differs
from the fourth in not having Q, QRA, Mil, &c., after the king's titles.
79. Penny. 3rd issue. Obv. IAC(OBVS D6(l - 6RA RSX SCXOTTO ;
m. m. crown. Bust of king, facing, crowned. Rev. SALVV FACT
PPLVV TVV Dn.8 (stop, star). Long cross pattee with mullet of five
points and three pellets in alternate angles. M -65. Wt. 11 -0.
This is the only penny issue of this reign. It is extremely rare.
The coins of the fifth issue are groats only. They are similar in
type to those of the fourth issue (see No. 75), but the numeral 4
follows the king's name, the legend on the reverse reads " Exurgat
Deus et dissipentur inimici," and the letters are Roman. The bust
of the king also is clothed and bearded. They are of Edinburgh only.
BILLON. 80. Plack. Edinburgh. 2nd issue. Obv. I7XCOBVS DEI' SRK REX
SCOTTORVM (stops, trefoils); m. m. crown. Shield within a trefoil;
above and at each side, a crown. Rev. VILLA DE : EDINBVRG (stops,
JAMES IV. 181
trefoils). Cross fleury with voided centre containing a mullet ; in the Plate xliv.
angles, a crown and a St. Andrew's cross alternately. Bil. 1-0. Wt. 28 '7. BILLON.
The placks of this reign are of Edinburgh only. There were two
issues. The first issue can be easily distinguished from similar coins of
James III in having the legends often in Roman letters, and with QRfi
or 4 after the king's name. Those of the second issue, as described
above, vary in the reverse type, and being without the numeral after
the king's name, are by some considered to have been struck by Queen
Margaret, widow of James IV, during the regency (15141515), i.e.
during the reign of James V. The two issues appear to correspond to
the dates 1504 and 1512.
81. Penny. Edinburgh. Obv. IfiCXOBVS D6U <3R* RQX SCXOT; m.m. crown.
Bust of king, facing, crowned. Rev. + VILLA D9 6(DinBVR. Long
cross pattee with lis and crown in alternate angles. Bil. '7. Wt. 11-2.
These pennies are sometimes given to James III, but they were
more probably struck by his successor. Another type has the usual
three pellets in each angle of the cross on the reverse. They are all of
Edinburgh only.
James V. 1514-1542.
COINAGE.* Gold. Unicorn, Half -Unicorn, Ecu or Crown, Bonnet
Piece, Two-Thirds Bonnet Piece, and One-Third Bonnet Piece. Silver.
Groat, Half-Groat, and One-Third Groat. Billon. Bawbee, Half-
Bawbee, and Penny.
ISSUES. Gold. Three : 1st issue (1517), Unicorn and Half-Uni-
corn. 2nd issue (1525), Ecu. 3rd issue (1539-1540), Bonnet Piece,
Two-Thirds and One-Third Bonnet Piece. Silver. Three : 1st issue
(1514), Groat and Half-Groat (06?;. three-quarter face ; rev. thistle-heads
and mullets). 2nd issue (1525), Groat (obv. profile bust with double-
arched crown; rev. shield, VILLA, &c.). 3rd issue (1527), Groat and
One-Third Groat (similar to 2nd issue, but with single arched crown,
and rev. OPPIDVM, &c.). Billon. There appears to have been only one
issue each of the Bawbee, the Half-Bawbee, and the Penny ; the dates
are uncertain.
WEIGHT. Gold. Unicorn, 59 grs. ; Ecu, 52^ grs. ; Bonnet Piece,
grs. Silver. Groat, 1st issue, 33 grs. ; 2nd and 3rd issues, 43 grs.
Billon. Bawbee, 29^ grs. ; Penny, about 9 grs.
FINENESS. Gold. Unicorn, 21 cts. ; Ecu, 21^ cts. ; Bonnet Piece,
23 cts. Silver. 1st issue, 11 pts. fine to 1 pt. alloy; 2nd and 3rd
issues, 5 pts. fine to 1 pt. alloy. Billon. 3 pts. fine to 9 pts. alloy.
Edinburgh is the only mint-name of this reign, and it is found only
on the silver and billon coins.
82. Ecu or Crown. Obv. IfiCOBVS .-. 5 .-. DEI .-. GRfi .-. REX .-. Plate xlv
SCOTORV; m. m. star. Crowned shield between two St. Andrew's GOLD.
* Most of the coins of this reign in gold, silver and billon have the numeral 5
after the king's name, showing that be was tbe fifth king of Scotland of tbe name of
James. Tbose without tbe numeral, on account of their similarity of type to
issues of previous reigns, present difficulties in their classification, as was tbe case
witb tbe coinage of James IV (see note p. 177).
182
SCOTTISH COINS.
Plate xlv. crosses. Rev. .-. CRVCIS .-. 7\RMfi .-. SEQyfiMVR; m. m. crown.
GOLD Cross fleury with quatrefoil in centre and thistle in each angle. A? 1'05.
Wt. 52-5.
The ecu was current for 20s. A variety has on the reverse the legend
" Per lignum crucis salvi sumus." Others have the shield with
pointed instead of rounded base as on the above, and annulets instead
of pellets between the words of the legends. They are sometimes called
"Abbey Crowns."
The only unicorns and half-unicorns which can be attributed to
James V are of the same type as those of the preceding reign, but
there is no numeral after the king's name ; the legends are in Roman
characters, and the reverse has a pellet or mullet on the star in the
centre, and a heraldic cinquefoil countermarked in one angle of the
cross. The mint-mark is generally a crown. Others have X or
XC (XPICTOC P) under the unicorn on the obverse. Unicorns are
mentioned in several Acts from 15171519.
83. Bonnet Piece. 1539. Obv. IACOBVS 5 DEI - G R SCOTORV
1-5-3-9 ; m. m. St. Andrew's cross. Bust of king in profile to r., wearing
bonnet and open coat; behind, pellet. Eev. + HONOR REGIS
IVDICIVM DILIGIT. Shield, crowned, upon a cross with foliated ends.
AT -9. Wt. 88-3.
Current for 40s. and dated also 1540. Issues of the bonnet pieces
took place during 1541 and 1542, but neither of these dates appears
on the coins. These are the first dated coins of the Scottish series.
No dates were put on English coins (silver) before 1547.
84. Two-Thirds Bonnet Piece. 1540. Obv. IfiCOBVS D G R SCOTORVM
1-5-4-0; m.m. lis. Bust of king similar to the preceding; but behind,
annulet. Eev. + HONOR REGIS IVDICIVM - DILIGIT. Crowned
shield, dividing I 5. AT -8. Wt. 59-4.
This coin and the one-third bonnet piece are of this date only.
They are extremely rare.
85. One-Third Bonnet Piece. 1540. Similar to the preceding coin ; but pellet
behind head of king; open crown above shield on rev., and the legends
read, obv. IRCOBVS D G R SCOTOR 1540; m. m. lis.; rev.
+ HON REGIS IVDICIV DILIGIT. A7 -6. Wt. 28-2.
There exists in the Antiquaries' Museum at Edinburgh a pattern for
a, ducat dated 153?. It has on the obverse the Scottish shield crowned,
surrounded by the ,ollar of thistle-heads and the letters SS. and the
legend + lACOBVfe 5 DEI G R SCOTORV 1 539 ; and on the
reverse a St. Andrevv 's cross encircled by a crown, and between I and R ;
above the crown is a thistle-head and below, a lis ; around, the legend
HONOR - REGIS IVDICIVM DILIGIT; m. m. crown. Wt. 88 grs.
There is no record of the order for the striking of this coin. Its
resemblance to the bawbee may have been the cause of its non-issue.
It is unique.
SILVER. 86. Groat. Edinburgh. 1st issue. Obv. + lfiC(OBVS : DG(I : 6RA : RQX :
SQOTORVni (stops, saltires). Bust of king, three-quarter turned to r.,
crowned and draped, within tressure of eight arches. Rev. + VILLA :
JAMES V. 183
tJDIUBVRGh (stops, saltires). A long cross with foliated ends, a mullet of Plate xlv.
six points and a thistle-head in the alternate angles. M '95. Wt. 32-4. SILVER.
The date of this issue is uncertain. Cochran-Patrick calls it " an
uncertain coinage, but probably issued during Albany's regency, and
known as the Duke's Testoons." Burns, however, attributed it to
James III, and supposes these to be the so-called " alloyed groats."
The omission of the outer legend on the reverse is against an early
attribution. Only groats and half -groats (No. 88) are known of this type.
87. Groat. Edinburgh. 3rd issue. Obv. + IfiCOBVS .-. 5 .-. DEI .-. GRfi .-.
REX .-. SCOTORV. Bust of king to r., in profile, wearing crown with
single arch and open coat. Rev. .-. OPPIDV .-. EDINBVRSI. Shield on
long cross fourchee. M I'O. Wt. 41-5.
These are known as " Douglas Groats," because they were struck
while Sir Archibald Douglas of Kilspindie was Lord High Treasurer
of Scotland. A variety of this issue shows the bust wearing a closed
coat. The words of the legends on both sides are divided by two
annulets. Only groats of this variety are known (see also No. 89).
Groats of the second issue vary from the above in showing the king
wearing a double-arched crown and a closed coat, and in reading on the
reverse VILLA for OPPIDVM. The words of the legends on both sides
are divided by two annulets.
During this reign the groat was current for I8d.
88. Half-Groat. Edinburgh. 1st issue. Similar to the Groat, No. 86, but
reading SCCOTOR on obv., and 0DIHBVR6 on rev. JR -75. Wt. 16 -0.
89. One-Third Groat. Edinburgh. 3rd issue. Same as No. 87, but reading
R : SCOTOR (stops, two pellets after each word on both sides). M '7.
Wt. 12-5.
The groats and one-third groats of this issue and type were struck
under a contract dated 6 Oct., 1527, with Joachim Hochstetter and
his brothers. Permission was also granted to them to strike two-thirds
groats, but none appear to have been issued.
90. Bawbee or Plack. Edinburgh. Obv. + IACOBVS - D G REX
SCOTORVM. A crowned thistle dividing I 5. Rev. OPPIDVM .-.
EDINBVRGI ; m. m. lis. A St. Andrew's cross with crown in centre, and
lis on either side. Bil. -95. Wt. 28-0.
Cochran-Patrick places the issue of the bawbees and half-bawbees as
late as 1542. Varieties have an annulet over the letter I in the field
on the obverse or at the side of the crown. The current value of the
bawbee was Ud. The name is derived from bas billon.
91. Half-Bawbee or Half-Plack. Edinburgh. Same type, &c., as the Bawbee,
but the legend on the obv. reads R for REX : there is an annulet over the
letter I in the field, and no lis at the sides of the cross on the rev. Bil. '7.
Wt. 12-5.
Varieties are without the annulet over I or with it over the numeral.
The billon pennies, sometimes attributed to this reign, have the
usual full-faced bust crowned on the obverse with IACOBVS DEI GRfi -
REX S, and on the reverse a floriated cross fourchee with a quatrefoil in
each angle. They read VILLA EDINBVRG.
184 SCOTTISH COINS.
Mary. 1542-1567.
Plate xiv COINAGE. Gold. Ecu, Twenty Shillings, Lion, Half-Lion, Ryal,
Half-Ryal, Ducat, and Crown. Silver. Testoon, Half-Testoon, Ryal,
Two-Thirds Ryal, and One- Third Ryal. Billon. Bawbee, Half-Bawbee,
Penny, Plack, Twelve Penny Groat or " Non Sunt," and Lion or
Hardhead.
ISSUES. The coinage of this reign may be divided into five periods,
which in date correspond with the principal epochs of Mary's life.
These with their issues and denominations are as follows : i. (1542-
1558, before her marriage with Francis). Gold. Ecu, Twenty Shil-
lings, Lion, Half -Lion, Ryal, and Half-Ryal. Silver. Testoon and
Half-Testoon (three issues). Billon. Bawbee and Half -Bawbee (1544-
1553), Penny (1554 and 1556-7), Hardhead and Plack (1555-1558).
ii. (1558-1561, after her marriage with Francis). Gold. Ducat.
Silver. Testoon and Half-Testoon (two issues). Billon. Twelve Penny
Groat or " Non Sunt," and Hardhead, iii. (1561-1565, during her
first widowhood). Gold. Crown. Silver. Testoon and Half-Testoon.
iv. (1565-1567, after her marriage with Darnley). Silver. Ryal,
Two-Thirds Ryal, and One-Third Ryal. iv. (1567, after Darnley's
death). Silver. As period iv. (see descriptions).
WEIGHT. Gold. Ecu, 52^ grs. ; Twenty Shillings, 43 grs. ; Lion,
78 j grs. ; Ryal and Ducat, 11 7f grs. Silver. Testoon, period i, 1st issue,
78^ grs. ; 2nd issue, 1 17|^ grs. ; 3rd issue and subsequent periods, 94^ grs. ;
and Ryal, 472^ grs. Billon. Bawbee, 29^ grs. ; Penny, 11^ grs. ; Hard-
head or Lion, 16 T 9 ^ grs. (1555), 26 grs. (1556-1558), 14 j grs. (1558-
1560) ; Plack, 29^ grs. ; and Twelve Penny Groat. 26^ grs.
FINENESS. Gold. Ecu, 21 cts. ; Twenty Shillings, 23 cts., and all the
rest 22 cts. Silver. All 1 1 pts. fine to 1 pt. alloy except Testoon and
Half -Testoon of 2nd issue, period i., which were 3 pts. fine to 1 pt.
alloy. Billon. Bawbee and Half-Bawbee, 3 pts. fine to 9 pts. alloy ;
Penny, 1 pt. fine to 11 pts. alloy (1554); 1 pt. fine to 15 pts. alloy
(1555-1558) ; Hardhead or Lion, 1 pt. fine to 11 pts. alloy (1555-1558) ;
1 pt. fine to 23 pts. alloy (1558-1560) ; Plack, 1 pt. fine to 11 pts.
alloy ; and Twelve Penny Groat, equal pts. of silver and alloy.
The only mint-names of this reign are Edinburgh and Stirling, and
these are only found on some of the billon coins. That of Stirling
occurs only on the bawbee of the first issue (No. 103).
PERIOD I. 1542-1558.
(Before Mary's marriage with Francis.")
GOLD. 92. Ecu. Obv. MARIA DEI - GRA - REGINA - SCOTORVM ; m. m.
star. Shield, crowned, between two cinquefoils. Rev. CRVCIS ARMA
SEQVAMVR; m. m. crown. Cross fleury with quatrefoil in centre and
thistle in each angle. AT -95. Wt. 53-0.
The ecu was struck in 1543. It is the only undated gold coin of
UKS rei^n. It was originally cur: cut for 20*., but its value must have
MARY.
185
been increased on the issue of the twenty shilling piece, which Plate xiv.
weighed 9^ grs. less. It is generally known as the "Abbey Crown," GOLD.
as it was struck at Holy rood.
93. Twenty Shillings. 1543. Obv. MARIA D G R SCOTORVM .
1 -5-4-3; m. m. cross. Crowned shield. Ecv. ECCE ANCILLA -
DOMINI ; m. m. star. Monogram of M R ; above, crown; below, cinque-
foil. A; -8. Wt. 43-5.
Struck in 1543 only.
94. Lion. 1553. Obv. ^ MARIA DEI GRA - R SCOTORVM. Crowned
shield between I G. Rev. DILIGITE IVSTICIAM 1553. Mono-
gram of " Maria Regina " ; above, crown ; on either side, cinquefoil.
jtfl-05. Wt. 79-2.
Others differ in the abbreviation of the obverse legend, and a rare
variety has a cinquefoil on each side of the shield. The letters I G
(Jacobus Gubernator) on the obverse are the initials of James, Earl of
Arran, the Regent or Governor. The lion is also dated 1557, but this
piece varies in having the initials M R (Maria Regina) instead of I G
on the obverse, and a cross potent crowned at each side of the mono-
gram "Maria" on the reverse. The date 1557 occurs at the end of
the legend on both sides. This coin is unique, the only specimen being
in the British Museum. The lion was current for 44s. ; and in fact this
coin and its half were originally designated according to their current
values.
95. Half-Lion. 1553. Similar to the Lion, but reading D. G. on the obverse
and no cross before the legend, and on the reverse the monogram is
composed of the letters M R only. A7 -85. Wt. 38 '3.
The half-lion is of this year only. It was current for 22-s. A very
rare variety has the crown with two arches on both sides, and an open
cinquefoil on either side of the monogram.
Byal. 1557. Obv. MARIA D G SCOTOR REGINA Bust of queen
to 1., not crowned, wearing necklace and low bodice, her hair bound with
jewels. Rev. IVSTVS FIDE VIVIT-1557. Crowned shield. A/1-05.
Wt. 117-5.
Dated also 1555 and 1558. Current for 60s., and therefore formerly
called the " three pound piece." In the treasurer's accounts these
coins are designated as nobles.
. Half-Byal. 1558. Obv. MARIA DEI - G SCOTOR REGINA. Bust of
queen to 1., as on the preceding. Rev. Same as the preceding, but date
1558. AT -95. Wt. 57-5.
Dated also 1555.
98. Testoon. 1553. 1st issue. Obv. MARIA DEI GRA - R SCOTORVM; SILVER,
m. m. cinquefoil. Bust of queen to r., in profile, crowned and draped.
Rev. * DA PACEM DOMINE - 1553. Shield between two cinque-
foils; above, crown. M 1-2. Wt. 73-7.
There were three issues of the testoon during the 1st period corre-
sponding to the dates 1553, 1555 and 1556-8 (see the following). It
was current for 4s. The dies for the testoon of 1553 were made by
John Achesoun, engraver to the Scottish mint. He also made a half
testoon for this year. It has on the obverse the bust of the queen and
186 SCOTTISH COINS.
Plate xiv. the legend similar to the ryal, and on the reverse a crowned shield between
SILVER. M R and around, IN - IVSTICIA - TVA LIBER A - NOS - ONE . 1553.
A unique example of this coin is in the British Museum. It is probably
a pattern, as no mention of this piece is made in the records of that time.
99. Testoon. 1555. 2nd issue. Obv. %* MARIA DEI G SCOTOR REGINA
1555. Crown above the letter M ; on either side, crowned thistle. Rev.
DILICIE DNI COR HVMILE. Shield on cross potent, xt 1-1.
Wt. 113-5.
Current for os. The dies were made by an Englishman named John
Misserwy or Misharwy. A variety reads DILICI. Many of these and
other silver coins of Mary were countermarked with a crowned thistle
during the next reign, and re-issued at an enhanced current value (see
No. 134).
Plate xlvi. 100. Half-Testoon. 1555. 2nd issue. Same as the preceding. st '95.
Wt. 58-7.
The testoon and half-testoon of this type are of this date only.
101. Testoon. 1556. 3rd issue. Obv. * MARIA DEI G SCOTOR REGINA
1556. Shield, crowned, between M R. Rev. fc IN VIRTVTE TVA
LIBERA ME 1556. Cross potent with plain cross in each angle, zil'05.
Wt. 94-1.
Current for 5s. as the testoon of 1555, but it is of finer silver.
102. Half-Testoon. 1557. 3rd isstie. Same as the preceding, but dated 1557.
M -95. Wt. 44-6.
The testoons and half-testoons of this issue occur of the years
1556, 1557, and 1558. There are several small varieties.
BILLON 103. Bawbee. Stirling. Obv. + MARIA D G REGINA SCOTORV.
Thistle-head, crowned, between M R. Rev. OPPIDVM STIRLINGI;
m. m. crown. Cross potent with plain cross in each angle. Bil. '85.
Wt. 27-3.
Struck also at Edinburgh, but it differs from the Stirling piece in
having on the reverse a plain or fluted St. Andrew's cross encircled
in the centre by a crown between two cinquefoils ; around, OPPIDVM
EDINBVRGI. There are several small varieties of the bawbee, which
was at first current for l^r?., but soon rose to Qd.
During this period (15421558) there were three separate issues of
billon coins consisting of i. (1544-1553), the bawbee and half -bawbee ;
ii. (1554), the penny; and iii. (1555-1558), the hardhead, penny, and
plack.
104. Half-Bawbee. Edinburgh. Obv. + MARIA D - G R - SCOTORVM.
Thistle-head, crowned, between M R. Rev. OPPIDVM EDINBVRGI;
m. m. lis. St. Andrew's cross encircled in centre by crown ; below, mullet.
Bil. -7. Wt. 14-5.
Struck only at Edinburgh. This is the only type of the half-
bawbee.
105. Penny. Edinburgh. 1st issue. Obv. MARIA D G R SCOTORVM;
m.m.lis. Youthful head of the queen, facing, crowned. Rev. OPPIDVM
EDINBVRG Cross fourchee with crown and lis in alternate angles.
Bil. -6. Wt. 13-3.
Struck only at Edinburgh and of the year 1554 (see No. 103). A
variety has cinquefoils instead of lis in the angles of the cross.
MARY.
187
106. Hardhead or Lion. 1558. Obv. >fr MARIA D G SCOTOR REGINA. Plate xlvi.
The letter M crowned. Rev. VICIT VERITAS 1558. Lion crowned, IULLON
rampant, to 1. Bil. -65. Wt. 13 -0.
Struck also in 1555 and 1556. The issue of 1558 was continued
after Mary's marriage with Francis. The hardheads are sometimes
counterstruck with a heart and star, the badge of James, Earl of
Morton, who was Regent on the accession of James VI. They were
current for 1-g-c?., and in consequence were commonly called " three-
half pences."
107. Penny. 1556. 2nd issue. Obv. * MARIA D G - SCOTOR REGINA.
Cross potent with plain cross in each angle. Rev. VICIT VERITAS 1556
in three lines; above, crown. Bil. '55. Wt. 8*8.
Struck only in this year and between the months of March, 15567
and June, 1557. None, however, are dated 1557.
108. Plack. 1557. Obv. * MARIA DEI . G SCOTOR - REGINA 1557.
Crowned shield between M R. Rev. SERVIO ET VSV TEROR
1557; m. m. lis. Cross with centre voided lozenge-shaped and enclosing
small cross; crown in each angle. Bil. '9. Wt. 30-3.
Struck in this year only. Current for 4d. Like the lion (No. 106)
the plack is sometimes countermarked on the obverse with the heart and
star, the badge of the Earl of Morton.
PERIOD II. 1558-1561.
(After Mary's marriage ivith Francis.}
109. Ducat. 1558. Obv. FRAN ET MA D G R R SCOTOR GOLD.
DELPHIN VIEN. Busts of Francis and Mary, face to face; above,
crown. Rev. * HORVM TVTA FIDES 1558. Cross, each
limb consisting of two dolphins intertwined and crowned ; centre voided and
enclosing St. Andrew's cross ; in each angle, double-barred cross, ki 1 2.
Wt. 113-5.
Of this date only. Current for 60s. Only two specimens of the
ducat are known ; the above and one in the collection of the Society of
Antiquaries of Scotland. Half -ducats were ordered of the same type,
but none have been met with.
110. Testoon. 1559. 1st issue. Obv. FRAN - ET MA DEI - G R - R SlLVEB -
SCOTOR D D VIEN; m. m. crown. Shield, arms of the Dauphin
and Scotland impaled, on cross potent. Rev. %< FECIT VTRAQVE
VNVM 1559. Monogram of F M between two double-barred crosses;
above, crown, m 1-15. Wt. 93-0.
Dated also 1558, and current for 5s. There were two issues of the
testoon and half-testoon during this period, viz., during 1558-59 and
1560-61. Those of the second issue were struck after Francis's accession
to the French throne. (See No. 112.)
111. Half-Testoon. 1558. 1st issiie. Same as the preceding, but reading D for
DEI, and date 1558. M 1-0. Wt. 46-7.
Same dates as the testoon.
112. Testoon. 1560. 2nd issue. Obv. * FRAN - ET MA D G R R
FRANCO SCOTOR B. Crowned shield, arms of France and
Scotland impaled, between a plain cross and a St. Andrew's cross. Rev.
188 SCOTTISH COINS.
Plate xlvi. VICIT LEO - DE TRIBV . IVDA 1560; m. m. St. Andrew's cross.
SILVEK Monogram of F M crowned, and between a lis and a thistle, both crowned.
281-15. Wt. 92-4.
Dated also 1561. The half-testoon, which is of the same type,
appears to be dated 1560 only. The contraction B on the obverse legend
is for Cj (= QVE), which also occurs.
BILLON. 113. Twelve Penny Groat or " Non Sunt." 1559. Obv. ^ FRAN ET MA -
D G - R R SCOTOR D D VI EN. Monogram of F M crowned,
between dolphin and thistle both crowned. Rev. A rectangular compart-
ment enclosing legend, 1AM NON SVNT DVO - SED VNA -
CARO ; above, cross potent; on either side, cross with double bar; below,
1559. Bil. '85. Wt. 24-0.
Dated also 1558. The inscription on the obverse in full would be
" Francis et Maria, Rex et Regina Scotorum, Delphinus (et) Delphina
Viennenses."
114. Lion or Hardhead. 1558. Obv. ET- MA- D G R R SCOT -
D D VI EN ; m. m. cross potent. Monogram of F M crowned, between
two dolphins. Bev. VICIT VERITAS 58; m.m. as on obv. Lion to 1.,
rampant, crowned. Bil. -6. Wt. 13 -8.
Dated also 1559 and 1560. Current for l^d. The omission of the
name of Francis in the obverse legend is only a blunder of the die-
engraver. No billon coins were struck during this reign after 1560.
PERIOD III. 1561-1565.
(During Mary's first widowhood.)
GOLD. 115. Crown. 1561. Obv. + MARIA DEI GRA SCOTORVM REGINA -
1561. Crowned shield, arms of France dimidiated by those of Scotland.
Bev. EXVRGAT DEVS ET DISCIPENTVR INIMICI 1561;
m. m. star. Four crowned M's, crosswise, with star in centre ; in each angle,
thistle. M 1-05. Wt. 50-3.
Of this date only, and to be current for 23s. It is the last gold
coinage issued during this reign : but no mention is made of it in the
records. As this specimen is unique, it may therefore be a pattern.
Plate xlvii. H6. Testoon. 1561. Obv. MARIA DEI GRA SCOTORVM REGINA.
Bust of queen to 1., draped and wearing close-fitting cap ; below, on tablet,
1561. Bev. SALVVM - FAC - POPVLVM TVVM - DOMINE.
Crowned shield with arms as on the preceding coin between two M's,
both crowned. 2B 1-2. Wt. 92-5.
Dated also 1562, and current for 5s. The portrait of the queen is
supposed to have been taken from a miniature by the French artist,
Janet.
117. Half-Testoon. 1561. Same as the preceding, but reading MARI. si 1-0.
Wt. 47-8.
Like the testoon dated also 1562. The dies for all the coins of this
period were by John Achesoun, who was with Mary in France during
1560-61. No coins were issued between 1562 and 1565.
MARY.
189
PERIOD IV. 1565-1567.
(After Mary's marriage with Darnley.}
118. Ryal. 1566. Obv. MARIA & HENRIC' DEI GRA R - & R Plate xlvii.
SCOTORV. Shield with Scottish arms only, crowned, and between two SILVER.
thistles. Rev. EXVRGAT - DEVS & DISSIPENT R INIMICI . El'
in. m. thistle. A palni-tree, up the stem of which a tortoise is creeping
above, crown; across the tree is a scroll inscribed, DAT GLORIA VIRES
below the scroll, 1 566, divided by the tree. 2B 1-65. Wt. 468-0.
Dated also 1565 and 1567. Current for 30s. This coin is commonly
known as the Crookston dollar ; the tree on the reverse being supposed
to represent the famous yew-tree at Crookston Castle, under which
Mary and Darnley are said to have courted. The story, however, is a
myth, since neither Mary nor Darnley ever resided at Crookston, and
in the indenture for the striking of this coin the tree is specially called
a palm-tree.
The extremely rare ryals dated 1565, with the uncrowned busts of
Henry and Mary face to face on the obverse, and a crowned shield
between two thistles on the re verse, and with legends, obv. HENRICVS-
<& MARIA D : GRA R & R SCOTORVM ; rev. QVOS DEVS
COIVNXIT HOMO NON SEPARET, have been generally con-
sidered to be patterns, but from certain State Papers recently dis-
covered it appears that they were struck and issued for circulation but
almost immediately recalled.
No gold or billon coins were struck during this and the next period.
119. Two-Thirds Ryal. 1565. Same as the preceding, but dated 1565. .Bl-5.
Wt. 317-0.
Same dates as the ryal. Current for 20s.
120. One-Third Ryal. 1566. Same type as the Ryal, No. 118, but legends, obv.
MARIA - ET HENRICVS DEI
ET
GRA - R ET - R - SCOTORVM ;
DISSIPENTVR - INIMICI . El'.
rev. EXVRGAT DEVS
JB, 1-25. Wt. 156-4.
Dated also 1565. Current for 10s. The above are the only
enominations issued between 1565 and 1567.
PERIOD V. 1567.
(After Darnley's death.}
121. Ryal. 1567. Obv. MARIA DEI GRA SCOTORVM REGINA.
Crowned shield between two thistles, as on No. 118. Rev. EXVRGAT
DEVS & DISSIPENTR - INIMICI - El'. Palm-tree with scroll, &c.,
as on No. 118 ; but date, 1 567. M 1 7. Wt. 461 4.
Of this date only. This coinage is only a continuation of that of
Mary and Darnley ; but with the latter's name omitted. For the
countermark, a crowned thistle, on this coin, see No. 99.
122. Two-Thirds Ryal. 1567. Same as the preceding. M 1-55. Wt. 316-0.
The one-third ryal is dated 1566 as well as 1567. That of 1566
has the reverse struck from a die of Mary and Darnley's coinage.
SILVER.
190 SCOTTISH COINS.
James VI. 1567-1625.
Plate xivii. COINAGE. The Scottish coinage of this reign, which is very
remarkable, not only for its numerous issues and denominations, but
also for the extraordinary variety of types introduced, is of two
periods : (i.) that struck previous to James's accession to the
English throne (1567-1603), and (ii.) that struck after that event
(1603-1625).
PERIOD I. 1567-1603.
(Before James's accession to the English Throne.)
Gold. Twenty Pound Piece, Ducat or Four Pound Piece, Lion
Noble, Two-Thirds Lion Noble, One-Third Lion Noble, Thistle Noble,
Hat Piece, Rider, Half-Rider, Sword and Sceptre Piece, and Half-
Sword and Sceptre Piece. Silver. Ryal or Thirty Shilling Piece,
Two-Thirds Ryal or Twenty Shilling Piece, One-Third Ryal or Ten
Shilling Piece, Noble or Half Merk, Half-Noble or Quarter-Merk,
Double-Merk or Thistle Dollar, Merk or Half-Thistle Dollar, Sixteen
Shilling, Eight Shilling, Four Shilling, and Two Shilling Pieces,
Forty Shilling, Thirty Shilling, Twenty Shilling, and Ten Shilling
Pieces, Balance Half-Merk, Balance Quarter-Merk, Ten Shilling Piece,
Five Shilling Piece, Thirty Penny Piece, and Twelve Penny Piece
(with bare head), Thistle Merk, "Half-Thistle Merk, Quarter-Thistle
Merk, and Eighth-Thistle Merk. Billon. Plack, Half-Plack, Hardhead
or Lion, Half -Hardhead, and Saltire Plack. Copper. Twopence and
Penny.
ISSUES. Gold. Seven : 1st issue (1575-6), Twenty Pound Piece.
2nd issue (1580), Ducat or Four Pound Piece. 3rd issue (1584-8), Lion
Noble, Two-Thirds Lion Noble, and One-Third Lion Noble. 4th issue
(1588), Thistle Noble. 5th issue (1591-3), Hat Piece. 6th issue (1593-
1601), Rider and Half-Rider. 7th issue (1601-3), Sword and Sceptre
Piece and Half-Sword and Sceptre Piece. Silver. Eight : 1st issue
(1567-71), Ryal or Thirty Shilling Piece, Two-Thirds Ryal or Twenty
Shilling Piece, and One-Third Ryal or Ten Shilling Piece. 2nd issue
(1572-80), Noble or Half-Merk, and Half-Noble or Quarter-Merk. 3rd
issue (1578-80), Double-Merk or Thistle Dollar, and Merk or Half-
Thistle Dollar. 4th issue (1581), Sixteen Shilling, Eight Shilling, Four
Shilling, and Two Shilling Pieces. 5th issue (1582-5), Forty Shilling,
Thirty Shilling, Twenty Shilling, and Ten Shilling Pieces (with crowned
head). 6th issue (1591-4), Balance Half-Merk and Balance Quarter-
Merk. 7th issue (1593-1601), Ten Shilling Piece, Five Shilling Piece,
Thirty Penny Piece, and Twelve Penny Piece (with bare head). 8th
issue (1601-4), Thistle Merk, Half -Thistle Merk, Quarter-Thistle Merk,
and Eighth-Thistle Merk. Billon. Four : 1st issue (1583-8), Plack and
Half-Plack. 2nd issue (1588-9), Hardhead. 3rd issue (1588), Hard-
head and Half -Hardhead. 4th issue (1593), Saltire Plack. Copper.
One : (1597), Twopence and Penny. (See descriptions.)
JAMES VI. 191
WEIGHT. Gold. Twenty Pound Piece, 472J grs. ; Ducat, 94^ grs. ; Plate xlvii.
Lion Noble, 78 grs. ; Two-Thirds Lion Noble, 52^ grs. ; One-Third Lion
Noble, 26^ grs. ; Thistle Noble, 117| grs. ; Hat Piece, 70 grs. ; Rider, 78
grs. ; and Sword and Sceptre Piece, 78| grs. Silver. Ryal, 472^
grs. ; Two-Thirds Ryal, 315 grs. ; One-Third Ryal, 157 grs. ; Noble,
105 grs. ; Double-Merk, 343^ grs. ; Sixteen Shilling Piece (4th issue),
166 grs. ; Forty Shilling Piece (5th issue), 47 2 grs. ; Balance Half-
Merk, 7 If grs. ; Ten Shilling Piece (7th issue), 94^ grs. ; Thirty Penny
Piece, 23 grs. ; Twelve Penny Piece, 11| grs. ; and Thistle Merk, 105
grs. Billon. Plack, 28 grs. ; Hardhead or Lion, 23 grs. ; and Saltire
Plack, 23^ grs. Copper. Twopence, 59 grs. ; and Penny, 29 grs. All
the divisions in proportion.
FINENESS. Gold. Twenty Pound Piece, 22 cts. ; Ducat, 21 cts. ; Lion
Noble and its divisions, 21 J cts. ; Thistle Noble, 23 T V cts. ; and Hat
Piece, and subsequent issues, 22 cts. Silver. All 11 pts. fine to 1 pt.
alloy except Noble and Half Noble (2nd issue), 1 pt. fine to 1 pt.
alloy to 1576, and 2 pts. fine to 1 pt. alloy from that date ; and Balance
Half and Quarter Merk (1591-4), 10J pts. fine to 1J pts. alloy. Billon.
1st issue, 1 pt. fine to 3 pts. alloy ; 2nd and 3rd issues, 1 pt. fine to
23 pts. alloy ; 4th issue, 1 pt. fine to 11 pts. alloy.
Edinburgh is the only mint-name of this reign. It occurs on billon
and copper coins only.
123. Twenty Pound Piece. 1576. 1st issue. Obv. IACOBVS 6 DEI GRA GOLU.
REX SCOTOR Half-length figure of king to r., in armour and
crowned ; sword in r. hand ; branch in 1. ; below on tablet, I N
VTRVNQVE PARATVS 1576. Eev. PARCERE SVBIECTIS <&
DEBELLARE SVPERBOS. Shield of Scotland, crowned. AT 1-6.
Wt. 468-0.
Dated also 1575. This fine coin weighed one ounce Scottish. This
is the earliest gold issue of James VI, and from their size and rarity
these coins were regarded as medals. Half and quarter-pieces of the
twenty pounds are mentioned in the contract for the coinage with
Achesoun, the master coiner, but none are known.
124. Ducat or Four Pound Piece. 1580. 2nd issue. Obv. IACOBVS 6 DEI
GRA REX SCOTORVM ; m. m. crown. Youthful bust of king to 1.,
in armour, mantle and ruff, bead bare. Rev. EXVRGAT DE' ET
DISSIP INIMICI EIVS. Shield of Scotland, crowned, dividing
date 1580. N 1-1. Wt. 93-1.
This coin is usually called the noble. It was issued of the above
date only, and five were struck to the Scottish ounce.
125. Lion Noble. 1586. 3rd issue. Obv. POST 5 <& 100 PROA'
INVICTA MANENT HEC; m. m. quatrefoil. Lion sejant, crowned,
holding sword and sceptre (tbe crest of Scotland). Rev. DEVS
1VDICIVM TVVM REGI DA 1586; ?H. ra. as on oZw. Four crowned
cipbers of I R, arranged in form of cross; in centre, S. AT 1-05.
Wt. 80-2.
Dated also 1584, 1585 and 1588 ; none are known of 1587. Current
for 3 15s. The two-thirds lion noble and one-third lion noble are of the
same type and legends. The dates of the former are 1584, 1585, and
1587 ; but of the latter that of 1584 only is known. The lion noble was
192 SCOTTISH COINS.
Plate xivii. also sometimes called the Scottish angel, on account of its corresponding
GOLD. in size and weight to the English coin of that name : and its divisions,
the crown and half-crown. Only two specimens of the one-third
lion noble are known.
Plate xlviii. 126. Thistle Noble (1588). Uh issue. Obv. IACOBVS 6 DEI - GRATIA
REX SCOTORVM ; m. m. quatrefoil. Ship on sea; in centre, crowned
shield with arms of Scotland ; below, thistle ; flags at prow and stern
inscribed I 6. Rev. FLORENT SCEPTRA PUS REGNA HIIS IOVA
DAT NVMERATQ; m. m. as on obv. Within an ornamented quatre-
foil two sceptres in saltire, with crown at each end ; thistle in centre ;
outside the quatrefoil, thistle-head in each spandril, and inside in each
arch, crowned lion. A7 1'4. Wt. 116-5.
This coin was also known as the Scottish rose noble and its
original current value was fixed at 7 6s. Sd. It is not dated and was
only issued in 1588. The dies were engraved by Thomas Foulis.
Half-thistle nobles were ordered, but do not appear to have been
struck.
127. Hat Piece. 1591. 5th issue. Obv. IACOBVS 6 D G R SCOTORVM ;
m. m. cinquefoil. Bust of king to r., wearing high-crowned hat ; behind,
thistle. Rev. TE SOLVM - VEREOR 1591; m. m. as on obv. Lion
sejant to 1., crowned, holding sceptre which points to clouds with
" Jehovah " in Hebrew letters. AT 1-1. Wt. 76 -6.
Dated also 1592 and 1593. Current for 4. The half -hat piece
was not issued though ordered. In 1591, with the exception of the
thistle noble, all the gold money in circulation was called in.
128. Rider. 1594. 6th issue. Obv. IACOBVS 6 D G R SCOTORVM ;
m. m. quatrefoil. King in armour riding to r., sword in r. hand ; below,
1594. Rev. SPERO ME LI OR A; m. m. as on obv. The shield of Scotland
crowned, v 1'05. Wt. 78-4.
Dated also 1593, 1595, 1598, 1599, and 1601. Current for 5.
The Act which ordered the striking of the riders and half-riders,
again directed the calling in at current prices of all the gold money
both " propir and foreigne."
129. Half-Eider. 1593. 6th issue. Same type and legends as the Rider ; but
dated 1593. A? '85. Wt. 39-0.
Same dates as the rider. Current for 50s.
130. Sword and Sceptre Piece. 1601. 1th issue. Obv. IACOBVS 6 D G
R SCOTORVM ; m. m. quatrefoil. Shield of Scotland crowned. Rev.
SALVS POPVLI SVPREMA - LEX ; m. m. as on obv. A sword and
a sceptre in saltire between two thistles ; above, crown ; below, date 1 601 .
Afl-15. Wt. 75-6.
Dated also 1602-1604. Current for 6. There are' silver gilt
forgeries of this coin dated 1611. By some they are considered to be
patterns ; but the fact of their being always gilt is against this view.
131. Half-Sword and Sceptre Piece. 1601. 7th issue. Same type and legends as
the Sword and Sceptre Piece. A; -85. Wt. 37 -6.
Same dates as the preceding. Current for 3.
-IIVEB 132. Ryal or Thirty Shilling Piece. 1570. 1st issue. Obv. IACOBVS 6
DEI GRATIA REX SCOTORVM. Shield of Scotland crowned
between I R, both crowned. Rev. PRO ME SI MEREOR IN
JAMES VI. 193
ME. Sword erect with a crown above, dividing hand and mark of value Plate xlvlil
X X X and date 1570. 2R 1 7. Wt. 471 0. SILVBB.
The ryal and its divisions, the two-thirds and one-third ryal, are all
dated 1567-1571. The ryal is more commonly known as the sword
dollar ; but this appellation appears to be of recent origin.
133. Two-Thirds Ryal or Twenty Shilling Piece. 1567. 1st issue. Same type and
legends as the Ryal, but mark of value XX and date 1567. Ml'7.
Wt. 315-0.
134. One-Third Ryal or Ten Shilling Piece. 1567. 1st issue. Same type and
legends as the Ryal, but mark of value X and date 1567. M 1-25.
Wt. 157-4.
On account of the rise in the price of silver the ryal and its parts in
1578 were received at the mint at the rate of 32. Qd. to the ryal, and
being countermarked with a crowned thistle they were re-issued at
36s. 9d. to the ryal. The testoons of Mary were countermarked in a
similar way and re-issued at an advanced value of lOd. each (see No. 99).
135. Noble or Half-Merk. 1572. 2nd issue. Obv. IACOBVS 6 - DEI
GRATIA REX SCOTORVM. Shield of Scotland, crowned, between mark
of value 68 (= 6s. 8d.). Bev. SALVVM FAC POPVLVM TVVM
ONE 1572. An ornamented and foliated cross with voided centre
enclosing star ; in alternate angles, thistle and crown, a 1-2. Wt. 103-8.
Dates 1572-1577 and 1580. This was a debased coinage struck " for
payment of the charges of the present civil and intestine war."
From 1572 to 1576 it was only half silver and half alloy; but from
that date its standard was raised to f fine silver and ^ alloy.
136. Quarter-Merk or Forty Penny Piece. 1572. 2nd issue. Same type and
legends as the Half-Merk, but shield on obv. between mark of value 3 4
(=3s. 4d.). JRl'O. Wt. 53-7.
Dates 1572-1574, 1576, 1577, and 1580. This piece was commonly
called the half -noble.
137. Double-Merk. 1579. 3rd issue. Obv. IACOBVS -6-DEI-G-REX.
SCOTORVM. Shield of Scotland, crowned. Rev. NEMO ME -
IMPVNE LACESSET 1579; m. m. crown. Thistle with leaves
between I R. JR 1-55. Wt. 342-3.
Dates 1578-1580. Current for 26s. 8d. This coin is commonly
known as the thistle dollar. Its half, the merk or half-thistle
dollar, is of precisely the same type and has the same legends. It
bears the dates 1579 and 1580. The famous motto on the reverse,
now used for the first time, is said to have been suggested by George
Buchanan, the statesman and poet.
138. Sixteen Shilling Piece. 1581. tth issue. Obv. IACOBVS 6 DEI
GRATIA REX SCOTORVM. Shield of Scotland, crowned. Rev.
NEMO ME IMPVNE LACESSET 1581. Crowned thistle with
leaves between I R. 2R 1-3. Wt. 162-2.
139. Four Shilling Piece. 1581. 4th issue. Same type and legends as the Six-
teen Shilling Piece, but reading SCOTOR for SCOTORVM. JR -95.
Wt. 41-5.
The eight shilling and two shilling pieces of this issue are
of the same type ; the inscriptions only varying slightly. This
coinage was struck in 1581 only, and on account of its similarity to
194 SCOTTISH COINS.
Plate xiviii. the double-merk it was considered a part of that series. The records
SILVER, however show that it was a separate coinage. Though its issue was
only ordered in July 1581, it was withdrawn from circulation in the
following October, being rated at too high a current value, and a new
issue consisting of forty, thirty, &c., shilling pieces took place.
140. Forty Shilling Piece. 1582. 5th issue. Obv. IACOBVS 6 . DEI
GRATIA REX SCOTORVM ; ra.ra. cross. Half-length figure of king
to 1., in armour and crowned; sword in r. hand. Rev. HONOR REGIS
IVDICIVM DILIGIT 1582. Shield of Scotland, crowned, between
I R and mark of value XL S. x, I' 65. Wt. 466-0.
Though this issue lasted till 1585 the forty shilling piece is dated
1582 only, and of these but few specimens are known. The dies were
made by Thomas Foulis, and the portrait of the king was drawn by
Lord Seyton's painter.
Plate xlix. 141. Thirty Shilling Piece. 1585. 5th issue. Same type, &c., as the Forty
Shilling Piece, but reading on rev. IVDITIVM for IVDICIVM, and mark of
value X X X S. Jil-45. Wt. 275-0.
Dates 1582-1585.
142. Twenty Shilling Piece. 1582. 5th issue. Same type, &c., as the Forty
Shilling Piece, but mark of value XX S. s. 1'35. Wt. 231-0.
Dates 1582-1584.
143. Ten Shilling Piece. 1582. 5th issue. Same as the last, but mark of value
X S. JBl-25. Wt. 116-5.
Dates 1582-1584. Coinages of these pieces are said to have
taken place in 1586 and 1587, but the amounts must have been small
as no specimens are known.
144. Balance Half-Merk. 1591. 6th issue. Obv. IACOBVS 6 D G R
SCOTORVM 1591; m. m. cinquefoil. Shield of Scotland, crowned,
between two thistle-heads. Rev. HIS DIFFERT REGE TYRANNVS ;
ra. m. as on obv. A balance, behind which is a sword. M 1 15. Wt. 67 7.
Dates 1591-1594. Current for 6s. 8d. The balance quarter-merk
is of the same type and legends ; but the only dates are 1591 and 1592.
No silver money was issued between 1585 and 1591. The coinages of
that period consisted of gold and billon money only.
145. Ten Shilling Piece. 1593. 7th issue. Obv. IACOBVS 6 D G R
SCOTORVM ; m. m. quatrefoil. Bust of king to r., in armour, head bare.
Rev. NEMO ME IMPVNE LACESSIT 1593; m. m. as on obv.
A triple-headed thistle with leaves ; above, crown. M 1 25. Wt. 87 5.
Dates 1593-1595 and 1598-1601. The Act of 17 Jan. 1593-4,
which ordered this coinage, directed the calling in of all the gold, silver
and alloyed money, except the pence, twopences and placks. This was
done in order to raise the coinage above its real value, and for the
profit derived therefrom. The new gold coins issued were the rider
and half-rider (see Nos. 128 and 129).
146. Five Shilling P;ece. 1598. 1th issue. Same type, &c., as the Ten Shilling
Piece, but date 1 598. JR 1 0. Wt. 45 2.
Dates 1593-1595 and 1598-1599.
JAMES VI.
195
147. Thirty Penny Piece. 1601. 7th issue. Same type, &c., as the Ten Shilling Plate xllx.
Piece, but date 1601. .R -8. Wt. 22-6. SILVER
Dates 1593-1595, 1598, 1599, and 1601.
148. Twelve Penny Piece. 1595. 7th issue. Same type, &c., as the Ten Shilling
Piece, but date 1 595. M -6. Wt. 9 -3.
Dates 1593-1596 and 1598. It will be seen from the above dates
that no issue of this coinage took place in 1597. Dies altered from
1596 to 1598 are known, which would make it appear that there was no
coinage between those dates.
149. Thistle Merk. 1602. 8th issue. Obv. IACOBVS 6 D G R
SCOTORVM. Shield of Scotland, crowned. Rev. REGEM IOVA
PROTEGIT 1602. A leaved thistle, crowned. *l-3. Wt. 103-9.
Dates 1601-1604. Current for 13*. 4=d. In 1601 another general
recoinage of gold and silver money was ordered, and all the currency
in those metals was again called in. The gold coins of this new issue
consisted of the sword and sceptre piece and its half, and the silver
of the thistle merk and its divisions. The current values of all the
coins were again raised. This was the last coinage before James's
accession to the English throne ; when the thistle merk was ordered to
be received in England at the rate of thirteen pence halfpenny, its
exact proportion to the English shilling.
150. Half-Thistle Merk. 1602. 8th issue. Same type, &c., as the Thistle Merk.
-sil-05. Wt. 51-5.
Dates 1601-1604. Current for 6s. 3d.
151. Quarter-Thistle Merk. 1602. 8th issue. Same type, &c., as the Thistle
Merk. JR -85. Wt. 25-2.
Dates 1601-1604. Current for 3s. 4d.
152. Eighth-Thistle Merk. 1602. 8th issue. Same type, &c., as the Thistle Merk.
JR -65. Wt. 12-3.
Dates 1601-1603. Current for Is. Sd.
153. Plack (1583-1588). 1st issue. Obv. IACOBVS 6 D G R SCOTOR.
Shield of Scotland, crowned. Rev. OPPIDVM-EDINBVRGI. A leaved
thistle, crowned. Bil. -8. Wt. 26-4.
Current for Sd. On account of the plague in 1585 the mint at
Edinburgh was moved to Dundee and later on to Perth ; but, though
ordered, no placks with those mint-names are known. They are some-
times called "Atkinsons," after Thomas Achesoun the engraver.
Some specimens have the mint-name abbreviated. The half-plack is of
the same type ; but the legends are more abbreviated.
BILLON.
154. Hardhead (1588). 2nd issue. Obv. IACOB - 6 - D G - R SCOTO ;
m. m. quatrefoil. The letters I R crowned. Rev. VINCIT VERITAS.
Shield of Scotland, crowned. Bil. -8. Wt. 24-5.
Current for 2d. This coin was issued under an order of the Privy
Council, dated 30 Aug. 1588, professedly for the benefit of the poor;
but nevertheless it produced a profit of about one hundred per cent.
2
196
SCOTTISH COINS.
Plate xlix. 155. Hardhead (1588).
BILLON.
3rd issue. Obv. IACOB 6 D
G R SCO ; m. w.
cross. Same type as the preceding. Eev. VINCIT VERITAS ; m. m. as
on obv. Lion rampant to 1., crowned; behind, two pellets, for mark of
value (= 2d.). Bil. -7. Wt. 24-3.
This coin is sometimes called the Lion. On account of the confusion
of the hardhead of the 1st type with the plack of 1583-1588 through
similarity of weight, &c., the type was changed in Nov. 1588 to the
above.
156. Half-Hardhead (1588). 3rd issue. Same type, &c., as the Hardhead,
2nd type, but no pellets behind the lion on the rev. Bil. '55. Wt. 12-4.
Current for Id. These coins were, in the Act ordering their issue,
called twopences and pennies from their current values.
157. Saltire Plack (1593). Uh issue. Obv. IACOB 6 D G R - SCO';
m. m. quatrefoil. A leaved thistle over two sceptres in saltire. Rev.
OPPID' EDINB' ; m. m. as on obv. A lozenge with a thistle-head at
each point. Bil. -85. Wt. 21-0.
Current for 4d. This was the last billon money issued in Scotland.
Its place was subsequently supplied by a copper currency (see
No. 158).
COPPER. 158. Twopence (1597). Obv. IACOBVS 6 D G R SCOTORVM. Bust
of king to r., in armour, head bare. Rev. OPPIDVM EDINBVRGI.
Three thistle-heads. M '85. Wt. 55 '8.
The penny of this issue is of the same type ; but it has a pellet for
mark of value behind the king's head. These are the only copper
coins of this reign. They were struck in pursuance of an order dated
13 May 1597. They were to be made of copper unmixed with any
other kind of metal ; and the twopence was to weigh three deniers =
58 '06 grs.j and the penny one denier twelve grains = 29 '53 grs. By
means of a new process invented by Achesoun, the engraver, for rolling
the metal to an even thickness, these coins were struck of more
uniform module and of smoother surface than other coins of the same
period.
PERIOD II. 1603-1625.
(After James's accession to the English Throne.)
COINAGE. Gold. Unit or Sceptre, Double-Crown, Britain Crown,
Half-Crown, and Thistle Crown. Silver. Sixty Shillings, Thirty
Shillings, Twelve Shillings, Six Shillings, Two Shillings, Shilling, and
Half-Shilling. Copper. Turner or Twopence and Half-Turner or
Penny.
ISSUES. Gold. Two: 1st issue* (1605), Unit, Double-Crown,
Britain Crown, Half-Crown, and Thistle Crown. 2nd issue (1610),
same denominations as 1st issue, but type slightly varied (see below).
* By an Order of Council, 15th November, 1604, it was enacted that the Scottish
coinage was to conform precisely to that of England, in type, quality and weight,
and to consist of the same denominations. It was, however, to have one special
mark, the thistle mint-mark, which was to be placed before the inscription on all
the coins except the sixpence on which there were no inscriptions.
JAMES VI. 197
Silver. Two: 1st issue (1605), Sixty Shillings, Thirty Shillings,
Twelve Shillings, Six Shillings, Two Shillings, Shilling, and Half-
Shilling. 2nd issue (1610), same denominations, but, as in the gold,
the type slightly varied (see below). Copper. Two : 1st issue (1614),
Turner or Twopence and Half-Turner or Penny. 2nd issue (1623),
same denominations, but varied in legends, &c. (see descriptions).
WEIGHT. Gold. Unit (both issues), 154ff grs., and its divisions in
proportion; Thistle Crown, 30f grs. Silver. Sixty Shillings (both
issues), 464 ^f grs., and its divisions in proportion. Copper. Turner (1st
issue), 37f grs. ; (2nd issue), 29|- grs.
FINENESS. Gold. All denominations 22 cts. fine. Silver. All deno-
minations 11 pts. silver to 1 pt. alloy (both issues).
The first issue of the gold and silver coins (16051610) is of precisely
the same types and legends as the English coins of the same period *
(see Nos. 533-537 and 555-561, pp. 101 and 104-5), except that the king
wears the Scottish crown, which differs from the English one in having
in the centre a lis between wo crosses instead of a cross between two
lis. The arms on the shield are as on the English coins. In the
second issue (1610-1625) the king wears the same crown, but the
arms on the shield are arranged : 1 and 4, Scotland ; 2, France and
England quarterly ; and 3, Ireland. The types, otherwise, and legends
are the same as those of the first issue. On account of similarity of
type the following descriptions are limited to the coins of the second
issue. With two exceptions the mint-mark is always a thistle. The
exceptions are the thistle crown and the half -shilling, on some of which
there is a lis mint-mark.
159. Unit. 2>uZ issue. Obv. IACOBVS D G - MAG BRIT - FRAN
& HIB REX; in. m. thistle. Half-length figure of king to r. in GOLD.
armour, and wearing the Scottish crown ; holding sceptre and orb. Rev.
FACIAM EOS IN GENTEM VNAM; m. m. thistle. Square
garnished shield (Scottish arms), crowned between I R. AI 1'5.
Wt. 152-6.
Current for <12 Scottish or 20s. English. The proportionate
current value of the Scottish and English coins at this time was at
12 to 1. Thus the unite or twenty shillings English was equivalent
to 12 Scottish, and the English shilling to the twelve shillings
Scottish. In both issues the unit is common, but the other denomina-
tions are very rare.
160. Double-Crown. 2nd issue. Obv. IACOBVS D G MAG BRIT
FRAN ET HIB REX; m. m. thistle. Bust of king to r., in armour,
crowned. Rev. HENRICVS - ROSAS REGNA - IACOBVS; m. m. as
on obv. Square shield, crowned, between I R. AT 1*15. Wt. 77 '5.
Current for 6 Scottish or 10s. English. For explanation of the
reverse legend see No. 534, p. 101. The double-crowns of the first
issue vary in reading I A for IACOBVS. A specimen, however, is
known of the second issue with a similar abbreviation of the king's name.
* An exception however occurs in the Thistle Crown, which is without the
initials of the king in the field on either side (see No. 163).
198 SCOTTISH COINS.
Plate 1. 161. Britain Crown. 2nd issue. Same as the Double-Crown, but the obv. legend
GOLD . reads, I A - D G - MAG - BRIT - FRAN ET HIB REX. AT -85.
Wt. 38 '5.
Current for 3 Scottish or 5s. English.
162. Half-Crown. 2nd issue. Obv. I D G ROSA SINE SPIN A; m. m.
thistle. Bust of king to r., in armour, crowned. Rev. TVEATVR VNITA
DEVS ; m. m. thistle. Square shield, crowned. AJ '7. Wt. 19*0.
Current for 30s. Scottish or 2s. 6d. English.
163. Thistle Crown. Obv. IA' D' G' . MAG' BR' F' & H' REX;
m.m. thistle. Double rose, crowned. Eev. TVEATVR VNITA DEVS ;
m. m. thistle. A leaved thistle, crowned, jj -85. Wt. 30-4.
Current for 2 8s. Scottish or 4s. English. There appears to have
been no change in the types of the thistle crowns of the 1st and
2nd issues, so that they cannot be distinguished. They differ from
the English coins of the same denomination in having the Scottish
crown, in being without the king's initials in the field on either side,
and in reading & for ET in the obverse legend. The mint-mark is
sometimes a lis.
SILVKR. 164. Sixty Shillings or Crown. 2nd issue. Obv. IACOBVS D' G' MAG'
BRIT' FRAN' & HIB' REX ; m.m. thistle. King on horseback to r.,
sword in r. hand ; on the caparisons of the horse is a crowned thistle. Rev.
}V/E DEyS CpNIVNXIT NEMO SEPARET; m. m. thistle.
juare garnished shield. 2R 1'7. Wt. 459*0.
Current for 5s. English. The Scottish sixty and thirty shilling
pieces vary from the English crown and half-crown in having a crowned
thistle instead of a crowned rose on the caparisons of the horse and
in reading & for ET.
165. Thirty Shillings. 2nd issue. Same type, &c., as the Sixty Shillings.
jil-4. Wt. 229-8.
Current for 2s. Gd. English.
166. Twelve Shillings. 2nd issue. Obv. IACOBVS D G MAG BRIT -
FRAN & HIB REX; m.m. thistle. Bust of king to r., in armour,
crowned; behind, mark of value, XII. Rev. QV/E DEVS CONIVNXIT
NEMO SEPARET; m. m. thistle. Plain square shield. JR 1-2.
Wt. 90-7.
Current for Is. English. The twelve shillings of the first issue has
ET for & in the obverse legend. The six shillings is of the same type
and legends, but always reads ET and has for mark of value VI. It is
the only dated coin of this reign. The dates of the two issues are
1605, 1612, 1613, 1615, 1616, and 1622.
The two shillings, shilling and half-shilling are of the same types as
the English half-groat, penny and halfpenny of the same period (see
Nos. 559-561, p. 105). They can only be distinguished from each
other by very slight varieties except in the case of the two shillings,
which has the Scottish crown on either side. The lettering on the
Scottish pieces is somewhat larger and the rose less neatly formed.
COPPER. 167. Turner or Twopence. 1st issue (1614). Obv. IACOBVS DEI GRA -
MAG BRIT. A triple-headed leaved thistle. Rev. FRANC1E ET
JAMES VI. 199
HIBERNIE REX. The Scottish lion to 1. ; behind, two pellets for Piatel
value ( = 2d.). M -75. Wt. 39'5. COPPBB.
The half-turner or penny of this issue is of the same type and has
the same legends as the turner : but it has only one pellet for value
behind the lion. The turner is said to have received its name from
Tournois, a small French copper coin.
This copper coinage, which was first issued in 1614, was ordered out
of the king's pity and commiseration for the poor without any kind of
consideration of profit for himself. Yet its current value per stone
was at 26 13s. 4d. as against its metal value 17 Is. 4d.
168. Turner or Twopence. 2nd issue (1623). Same type as the preceding coin ;
but the legends read, obv. IACOBVS D G - MAG BRIT; and rev.
FRAN ET HIB - REX. *j -75. Wt. 27'7.
The half-turner only varies from the turner in having one pellet
behind the lion.
Turners of the first issue were struck at 12 to the oz., and those of
the second at 16 to the oz. This raised the current value to 34 2*. Sd.
per stone.
Charles I. 1625-1649.
COINAGE. Gold. Unit or Sceptre, Half -Unit or Double-Crown,
Quarter-Unit or Britain Crown, and Eighth-Unit or Half-Crown.
Silver. Three Pound Piece or Crown, Sixty Shillings, Thirty Shillings,
Twelve Shillings, Six Shillings, Three Shillings, Two Shillings, Shilling,
Half -Shilling, Half-Merk, Forty Penny Piece, and Twenty Penny Piece.
Copper. Turner or Twopence and Half-Turner or Penny.
ISSUES. Gold. Two : 1st issue (1625), Unit or Sceptre, Half-Unit
or Double-Crown, and Quarter-Unit or Britain Crown. 2nd issue
(1637), Unit or Sceptre, Half-Unit or Double Crown, Quarter-Unit
or Britain Crown, and Eighth-Unit. Silver. Five : 1st issue (1625),
Three Pound Piece or Crown, Thirty Shillings, Twelve Shillings, Six
Shillings, Two Shillings, Shilling, and Half-Shilling. 2nd issue (1636),
Half-Merk, Forty Penny Piece, and Twenty Penny Piece. 3rd issue
(Jan. 1637), Twelve Shillings and Six Shillings. 4th issue (Oct. 1637),
Sixty Shillings, Thirty Shillings, Twelve Shillings, Six Shillings, Half-
Merk, Forty Penny Piece, and Twenty Penny Piece. 5th issue (1642),
Three Shillings and Two Shillings. Copper. Three : 1st issue (1629),
Turner or Twopence and Half -Turner or Penny. 2nd issue (1632), and
3rd issue (1642), Turner.
WEIGHT. Gold. Unit, 154 grs., and its divisions in proportion.
Silver. Three Pound Piece and Sixty Shillings, 464f grs., and its
divisions in proportion (as James VI's last coinage) ; Half-Merk, 51 grs. ;
Forty Penny Piece, 25 J grs., and Twenty Penny Piece, 12f| grs.
Copper. Turner, 1st issue, 29^ grs. ; 2nd issue, about 13 T \j- grs. ; and 3rd
issue, about 44 T \ grs.
FINENESS. Gold. All denominations 22 cts. fine. Silver. All
denominations 1 1 pts. silver to 1 pt. alloy.
200 SCOTTISH COINS.
Platel 169. Unit or Sceptre. 1st isstie. Obv. CAROLVS D' G' MAG' BRIT'
GOLD. FRAN' & HIB' REX; m. m. thistle. Half-length figure of king
to r., in armour, crowned, and holding sceptre and orb. Rev. FACIAM
EOS IN GENTEM VNAM ; m. m. as on obv. Square garnished
shield, crowned, between C R. A; 1-5. Wt. 153-5.
This coin was also called the double-angel. It was current for 12
Scottish or 20s. English. The early coinage in gold and silver of
Charles differs but slightly from that of his father. Not only are the
denominations the same, but Charles even adopted his father's portrait
with but a slight alteration in the beard, which is a little more pointed
in shape. The king always wears the Scottish crown (see p. 197). The
dies for this coinage and also for that in silver were made by Charles
Dickesone, engraver to the mint.
170. Half-Unit or Double-Crown. 1st issue. Obv. Same as the Unit, but bust to
r., in armour, crowned. Eev. HENRICVS - ROSAS REGNA
IACOBVS ; m. m. thistle. Square shield, crowned, not garnished, between
C R. vl-15. Wt. 75-8.
Current for 6 Scottish or 10s. English. Also called the angel.
171. Quarter-Unit or Britain Crown. 1st issue. Same as the preceding in all
respects, but of smaller size ; same m. m. AT -8. Wt. 38 '0.
Current for 3 Scottish or 5s. English. Also called the five merk
piece.
The thistle crown and half-crown were also ordered, but none
appear to have been struck as no specimens of either are known.
Plate li 172. Unit or Sceptre. Itidissue. Obv. CAROLVS D : G MAG BRITAN
FRAN ET HIB REX; m. m. thistle and B (Briot). Half-length
figure of king to r., in much decorated armour, crowned, and holding
sceptre and orb. Rev. HIS - PRXESVM . VT PROSIM. Square
shield, crowned, between C R, both crowned. A? 1'5. Wt. 154 '0.
The current values of the gold coins of the second issue were the
same as those of the first. The dies for this coinage were made by
Nicolas Briot, the engraver to the London mint, who in 1635 was
appointed master of the Scottish mint. He was assisted by his son-
in-law, John Falconer. The gold used was supplied by the African
Company from bullion obtained on the coast of New Guinea. The
portrait of the king on this coinage is similar to that on the English
coins of the same period, and the inscription on the unit is a
complimentary reference to the active part which Charles had taken
in putting the Scottish coinage on a proper footing. This issue, which
corresponds in date to the fourth issue of the silver money (see Nos. 186-
192), was struck by the mill and screw and not as before by the hammer.
173. Half-Unit or Double-Crown. 2nd issue. Obv. CAR D : G MAG
BRIT FRAN ET HIB REX. Bust of king to 1., crowned, wearing
mantle and armour, hair long ; the bust extends to the edge of the coin ;
below, B (Briot). Rev. VNITA - TVEMVR. Square shield, crowned, &o. f
as on the Unit. A7 1-0. Wt. 75-7.
With the exception of the unit all the gold coins of this issue have
the bust of the king to 1. as on the English money. Varieties read
F. or FR. for FRAN, and have the English crown.
CHAELES I. 201
174. Quarter-Unit or Britain Crown. 2nd issue. Same as the preceding, but Plate li.
reading FR. for FRAN. AT -85. Wt. 37-4. GOLD.
A variety reads FRAN.
175. Eighth-Unit or Half-Crown. 2nd issue. Same as the Half-Unit, but read-
ing R. for REX, and the letters C R on the reverse not crowned, ti -65.
Wt. 18-6.
Varieties read REX and omit the C R on the reverse.
176. Three Pound Piece or Crown. 1st issue. Obv. CAROLVS D G SILVER.
MAG BRIT FRAN - & HIB REX; m.m. thistle. King on horse-
back to r., sword in r. hand; crowned thistle on caparisons of horse ; plain
line below. Rev. QWE DEVS - CONIVNXIT - NEMO SEPARET;
m. m. as on obv. Square garnished shield. JR 1-75. Wt. 461-0.
Current for 5s. English or 60s. Scottish. The types of the silver
coins of the first issue of Charles are precisely the same as those of
James VI. They only vary in the king's name.
177. Thirty Shillings. 1st issue. Same as the preceding. JR 1-4.
Wt. 226-4.
Current for 2s. Qd. English and the following in proportion.
178. Twelve Shillings. 1st issue. Same legends as No. 176, but type :
061;. Bust of king to r. in armour, crowned; behind, mark of value XII.;
rev. Square shield not garnished and not crowned ; m. m. thistle on both
sides, ail -2. Wt. 91-1.
179. Six Shillings. 1627. 1st issue. Same as the last, [but mark of value
VI and date 1627 above the shield. M 1-0. Wt. 43-8.
Dates 1625, 1627, 1630, 1632, and 1633. This is the only dated
coin of this reign. The dates cease on the English sixpence in 1630.
180. Two Shillings. 1st issue. Obv. C D G ROSA SINE SPINA;
I m. m. thistle. Eose, crowned. Rev. TVEATVR VNITA DEVS; m.m.
&aonobv. Thistle-head, crowned. M -7. Wt. 14*6.
The crown on the obverse and reverse is of the Scottish form (see
p. 197). The shilling is of the same types as the two shillings except
that the rose and the thistle are not crowned. The half-shilling is not
to be distinguished from that of James VI. (see No. 166).
181. Half-Merk. 2nd issue. Obv. CAROLVS D G SCOT ANG FR
& H I B R. Bust of king to 1., extending to the edge of the coin, crowned ;
behind, mark of value V g. Rev. CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO.
Plain shield, crowned, st I'O. Wt. 47'0.
Current for 6s. Sd. Scottish or 6e7. English. The designs for this
coinage were made by Nicolas Briot and the sinking of the dies was
entrusted to Charles Dickesone, who, it is said, maliciously spoilt the
portrait of the king in order to bring discredit on Briot. On this and
all subsequent issues the bust of the king is to 1.
182. Forty Penny Piece. 2nd issue. Obv. CAR D G SCOT AN FR
& HIB R. Bust of king crowned as on the preceding; behind, XL
for value. Rev. SALVS REIPVB SVPREMA LEX. A leaved
thistle, crowned. M -8. Wt. 28-0.
The legend on the reverse is variously abbreviated.
202 SCOTTISH COINS.
Plate II. 188. Twenty Penny Piece. 2nd issue. Same as the Forty Penny Piece, but mark
STIVER of value XX behind the bust, which is encircled by the legend ; and reading
onthereu., IVST THRONVM FIRMAT. JR -6. Wt. 11-4.
The coins of this issue may be distinguished from similar pieces of
the fourth issue by being struck with the hammer and not by the mill
and screw.
184. Twelve Shillings. 3rd issue. Obv. CAROLVS D : G MAGN
BRITAN FRANC ET HIB REX; m. m. leaved thistle and F
(Falconer). Bust of king to 1., crowned, in falling lace collar and mantle;
behind, XII. Ecv. QV/E DEVS CONIVNXIT NEMO . SEPARET.
Plain square shield, crowned, between C R both crowned, .at 1-25.
Wt. 88-4.
This coinage was issued in January 1637 in accordance with the
order of the Privy Council, 29 Nov. 1636. The designs for the coins
of this issue were made by Nicolas Briot, and his initial and also
that of his son-in-law, John Falconer,* appear on most of the coins
(see note No. 172). The types are similar to those of the English
coins. They were struck by the mill and screw.
185. Six Shillings. 3rd issue. Obv. CAROLVS D G MAG BRIT
FR ET HIB REX; m. m. leaved thistle. Bust of king to 1., crowned,
wearing plain collar, armour and mantle; behind, VI. Rev. Same as the
preceding, but the shield is within the border of dots ; and m. m. thistle.
jRl-05. Wt. 45-3.
This piece is evidently the work of Briot. The coins of this issue
may be distinguished from those of the same denominations of the
next one by the king's bust being entirely within the legend. He also
wears the English crown : but the Scottish one surmounts the shield.
This was evidently a blunder.
Plate lii. 186. Sixty Shillings. th issue.' Obv. CAROLVS D : G MAGN
BRITANN FRANC ET HIBERN REX; m. m. thistle and B
(Briot). King on horseback to 1., sword in r. hand ; ground under horse.
Rev. QV/E DEVS - CONIVNXIT NEMO - SEPARET; m. m. as on
obv. Square garnished shield, crowned, sil'7. Wt. 461 'O.|
Though Briot had been appointed master of the Scottish mint in
1635 he was not installed in his office till August 1637, shortly after
which date he was ordered to prepare the dies for a new gold and
silver coinage. To this series belong the unit and its divisions
described under Nos. 172-175. The coins bear the initials of Briot
and Falconer : some are however without any initial. These are
generally ascribed to Falconer, whose pieces show less neatness of work
and finish than those by Briot.f All the coins were struck by the mill
and screw, so that they can be easily distinguished from previous
issues. The current values remained as before, being at the ratio of
12 to 1 in comparison with English money.
* Whether Falconer actually engraved the dies has been questioned. He may
have placed his initial on the die merely to show that the coins were issued under
his authority. In any case all the designs appear to have been done by Briot.
t Briot alone appears to have made the dies for the Sixty Shillings and Half-
Merk.
CHABLES I. 203
187. Thirty Shillings. th issue. Same as the preceding, but the obv. legend Plate Hi
reads, CAROLVS D : G . MAG BRIT . FRAN & . HIB - REX;
m. m. leaved thistle only on both sides. Ml'l. Wt. 229-4.
This is by Falconer : varieties having the letter p under the horse's
off hind-foot. Others bear Briot's initial.
188. Twelve Shillings. 1th issue. Obv. CAR D G MAG BRITAN
FR ET HIB REX. Bust of king to 1., extending to the edge of the
coin, crowned and wearing plain collar, mantle and armour; behind, XII.
Bev. Same as the Sixty Shillings, No. 186 ; but shield not garnished,
and between C R both crowned; above, F (Falconer). M 1-2. Wt. 90'3.
On the silver coins of this issue the bust extends to the lower edge
of the coin and the legend commences in front of the face. Varieties
have Briot's initial or are without any letter.
189. Six Shillings. 1th issue. Same as the preceding, but mark of value VI,
and on the obv. the legend reads, CAR D : G MAG BRIT FRAN
ET HIB REX ; m. m. below bust, lis and B (Briot) ; no m. m. on rev.
JR '95. Wt. 44-9.
Also by Falconer and without initial.
190. Half-Merk. 1th issue. Obv. CAR . D : G SCOT ANG FR . ET
HIB R. Bust of king to 1., dividing legend, crowned and in armour;
behind, mark of value g 1 ; below, B (Briot). Bev. CHRISTO AVS-
PICE REGNO. Square shield, crowned, between C R, both crowned.
Si -95. Wt. 51-3.
Current for 6s. 8d. Scottish or 6f d. English. Briot, only, engraved
the dies for this denomination. None bear Falconer's initial.
191. Forty Penny Piece. 1th issue. Obv. Same as the Half-Merk, but mark of
value XL. Bev. SALVS REIPVBLICE SVPREMA LEX. A
leaved thistle crowned; above, B (Briot). M -8. Wt. 23-4.
Also by Falconer and without initial . Varieties read REIP, REIPVB,
SVPR, SVPREM, &c.
192. Twenty Penny Piece. 1th issue. Same as the Forty Penny Piece, but mark
of value XX and legend on rev., IVSTITIA THRONVM - FIRMAT.
JR -65. Wt. 14-0.
Also by Falconer and without initial. There are varieties differing
slightly in the legends on both sides.
193. Three Shillings. 5th issue. Obv. CAR - D G SCOT ANG -
FRAN & HIB R. Bust of king to 1., crowned, in armour and
mantle; behind, thistle-head; all within circle. Rev. SALVS REIP
SVPR LEX. Plain square shield, crowned. JR -75. Wt. 25-0.
In March 1642 it was ordered that there should be no further
coinages of the half-merk, forty penny and twenty -penny pieces : but
in place of them three and two shilling pieces should be issued. The
dies for the coinage appear to have been made by Dickesone. They
are much inferior in workmanship to those by Briot or even by
Falconer. Briot is thought to have made the design for the two
shillings.
204 SCOTTISH COINS.
Plate Hi. 194. Two Shillings. 5th issue. Obv. Same as the preceding, but behind head,
SILVER mark of value II. Rev. IVST THRONVM FIRMAT. Shield, arms of
Scotland only, crowned. M -65. Wt. 17 -4.
A variety has no marks of value on the obverse, and has B (Briot)
under the bust, which extends to the edge of the coin.
COPPER. 195. Turner. 1st issue. Obv. CAROLVS D G MAG BRIT. A triple-
headed leaved thistle. Rev. FRAN & HIB REX. Lion rampant to
1. ^behind, two pellets (= 2<Z.). M '75. Wt. 24-3.
The types are similar to the last turner of James VI (see No. 168).
It was ordered to be of the same manner of working, impressions, cir-
cumscriptions and weight as that coin. The Order in Council is dated
15 April, 1629. The half -turner or penny, which is of this issue only,
varies from the turner in having one pellet for value behind the lion.
196. Turner. 2nd issue. Obv. CAR D G SCOT AN FR ET HIB
R; m. m. saltire. The numeral II (= 2d.) under a crown, and between
C R; below, three lozenges. Rev. NEMO ME IMPVNE LACES-
SET; m. m. as on obv. A leaved thistle. m '65. Wt. 11-3.
This new coin was instituted by order of the Privy Council, 1632.
It was struck at the rate of 36 to the ounce or about 13 ! grs., and
at the value of 76 16s. to the stone. The dies were made by Briot.
The half -turner, at 72 to the ounce, was also ordered, but does not
appear to have been issued. The mint-marks on these coins are
numerous.
197. Turner. 3rd issue. Obv. CAR D G SCOT ANG FRA - ET
HIB R; m. m. lozenge. Crown above C R. Rev. Same legend and
type as on the preceding coin; m. m. lozenge. M '75. Wt. 43*0.
This coin is sometimes called the Bodle. It was struck under an
order of the Privy Council, 24 Feb. 1642 : and was to be at the rate
of 10 to the ounce or about 44*3 grs. and at the value of 22 15s. l^eZ.
to the stone. The intrinsic value of this coin compares very
favourably with that of 1632. The dies appear to have been again
used in 1650, when a small issue of turners was ordered by the
Estates.
No coins were specially struck for Scotland during the Common-
wealth : and it was not till after the restoration of Charles II that
the mint was revived.
Charles II. 1660-1684.
COINAGE.* Silver. Four Merk Piece, Two Merk Piece, Merk,
Half-Merk, Dollar, Half-Dollar, Quarter-Dollar, Eighth-Dollar, and
Sixteenth-Dollar. Copper. Turner, Bawbee or Sixpence, and Bodle
or Twopence.
* No gold coins were issued in Scotland during the reigns of Charles II and
James VII, nor during the joint reigns of William and Mary. The coinage of a
Twenty Merk Piece in gold was ordered in 16G2, and Thomas Simon was com-
manded to make the puncheons : but the order does not appear to have been
carried out. Simon made the stamps for the silver coins that were ordered at the
time, but he did not prepare the actual dies.
CHARLES II. 205
ISSUES. Silver. Two: 1st issue (1664-1675), Four Merk Piece, Plate Hi.
Two Merk Piece, One Merk, and Half -Merk. 2nd issue (1675-1682),
Dollar, Half-Dollar, Quarter-Dollar, Eighth-Dollar, and Sixteenth-
Dollar. Copper. Two : 1st issue (1661), Turner. 2nd issue (1677),
Bawbee and Bodle.
WEIGHT. Silver. Four Merk Piece and Dollar, each about 41 5| grs.,
and their divisions in proportion. Copper. Turner, 40 to 36 grs. ;
Bawbee, 141-3 grs. ; and Bodle, 47 '1 grs.
FINENESS. Silver. All 11 pts. silver to 1 pt. alloy.
198. Four Merk Piece. 1674. 1st issue. Obv. CAROLVS II DEI GRA. ISILVKR.
Bust of king to r., laureate, in armour and mantle ; below, F (Falconer).
Rev. MAG BRI FRA ET HIB REX 1674. Four shields
arranged in form of cross; 1 and 3, Scotland; 2, France and England
quarterly; and 4, Ireland ; in each angle, two C's interlinked and crowned ;
and in centre, mark of value L j" (= 53s. 4d.). Ml- 55. Wt. 408 -3.
Some specimens have a thistle above or below the bust of the king. The
dates are 1664, 1665, 1670, 1673, 1674, and 1675. This coinage was
issued in accordance with the order of the Privy Council, 20 Oct. 1663,
by which it was commanded that Joachim Harder, the graver of the mint
at Edinburgh, should prepare the dies. The stamps were made by
Thomas Simon. The four merk piece was, however, not ordered till
24 March 1664. John Falconer, now Sir John Falconer, who as it has
been seen above was engaged at the Scottish mint during the reign of
Charles I, was under Charles II appointed principal warden of the
mint. No coins are dated earlier than 1664.
199. Two Merk Piece. 1674. 1st issue. Same as the Four Merk Piece ; but
mark of value on rev. X g VI ( = 26s. 8d.). JR 1-35. Wt. 204-0.
Dates as on the four merk piece except 1665, and also with thistle
above or below the bust.
200. Merk. 1669. 1st issue. Same as the Four Merk Piece, but with a thistle
XIII
under the king's bust and mark of value on rev. . (13s. 4d.). m 1-05.
Wt. 96-5.
Dates 1664-1675 inclusive. A slight change took place in the bust
of the king on the merk after 1672, and on some the letter F (Falconer)
occurs below it. The thistle below the bust is found on all dates to
1673 of the merk and half -merk.
201. Half-Merk. 1669. 1st issue. Same as the Merk, but mark of value on rev.
Q' ( = 6. 8d.). M '9. Wt. 50-4.
Dates 1664-1675 inclusive, except 1667 and 1674.
202. Dollar. 1682. 2nd issue. Obv. CAROLVS II DEI GRA. Bust of Plate Hit
king to 1., laureate and draped ; in front of bust, F (Falconer). Rev.
SCO ANG FR ET HIB REX 1682. The shields of Scotland,
England, France, and Ireland, each crowned, arranged in form of cross ; in
the centre, two C's interlinked ; in each angle, thistle. M 1'55. Wt. 409-1.
Dates 1676 and 1679-1682. In the Act authorising this coinage,
25 Feb. 1675, this coin is called the four merk piece and its half the
206
SCOTTISH COINS.
Plate liii. two merk piece, &c. They are now better known as the dollar, half-
SILVER. dollar, <fec. The dollar was of the same current value as the four merks,
viz., 53s. 4:d., and the smaller denominations in proportion. The dies for
this coinage were made by Jan Roettier. The style and workmanship
are the same as his English money. On account of certain irregularities
in the mint no coins were issued during this reign after 1682.
203. Half-Dollar. 1681. 2nd issue. Same as the Dollar, but date 1681. ^1-4.
Wt. 203-5.
Dates 1675, 1676, and 1681.
COPPER.
204. Quarter-Dollar. 1681.
jRl-05. Wt. 102-0.
Dates 1675-1682.
issue. Same as the Dollar, but date 1681.
205. Eighth-Dollar. 1676. 2nd issue. Same as the Dollar, but date 1676.
JB, -9. Wt. 50-2.
Dates 1676, 1677, and 1679-1682.
206. Sixteenth-Dollar. 1681. 2nd issue. Obv. Similar to the Dollar. Rev.
SCO ANG FRA ET HIB REX 1681. A St. Andrew's cross,
with crown in centre; in angles, thistle, rose, lis and harp. M '7.
Wt. 25-0.
Dates 1677-1681.
207. Turner. 1st issue. Obv. CAR D G - SCOT ANG FRA ET
HIB R ; m. m. cross of five pellets. Crown above C R ; on r., mark of
value II ( = 2d.). Rev. NEMO- ME IMPVNE . LACESSET. Thistle
with leaves, not crowned. M '8. Wt. 40*8.
These coins are sometimes attributed to Charles I, but as a copper
coinage was ordered in 1661, and as the following pieces were not
issued till 1677, it seems more reasonable to ascribe the above to
Charles IT. They are of the same standard weight as the last turners
attributed to Charles I ; but they differ slightly in the obverse type.
The numerals may be for the current value of the coin or they may
stand for " secundus."
208. Bawbee or Sixpenny Piece. 1679. 2nd issue. Obv. CAR II D G
SCO AN FR ET - HIB R. Bust of king to 1., laureate and draped;
below on 1., F (Falconer). Rev. NEMO ME - IMPVNE LACESSET .
1679. A leaved thistle, crowned. M 1-0. Wt. 127-7.
Dates 1677-1679. This issue was ordered in Feb. 1677. It was
to consist of pieces of the current values of sixpence and twopence,
or at the rate of 141*3 grs. and 47*1 grs. respectively. Like the
previous coinages they were to be struck by the mill and screw. The
bawbee is supposed to have derived its name from the French bus
billon.
209. Bodle or Turner. 1677. 2nd issue. Obv. CAR II D G SCO ANG .
FRA ET HIB REX. Crown above sword and sceptre crossed. Rev.
Same as the Bawbee, but thistle not crowned; date 1677. M -75.
Wt. 43-0.
Dates 1677-1678. Current for 2d. The name bodle is said to
have been derived from one Bothwell, a mint-master of the time ; but
Cochran-Patrick does not give this name amongst those connected
with the Scottish mint.
JAMES VII. 207
James VII. 1684-1688.
COINAGE. Silver. Sixty Shilling Piece, Forty Shilling Piece, and Kate liit
Ten Shilling Piece.
ISSUES, &c. There was only one issue of silver coins and none of
either gold or copper. The weights of the coins were : Sixty Shilling
Piece, 427^ grs.; Forty Shilling Piece, 284^ grs.; and Ten Shilling
Piece, 71 T 2 ^ grs.; and the standard of the silver lly^-pts. fine to
ft pt. alloy.
210. Sixty Shilling Piece. 1688. Obv. IACOBVS II DEI GRATIA. Bust SILVKR.
of king to r., laureate and draped; below, mark of value, 60. Rev. MAG
BR - FRA ET HIB - REX 1688. Crowned shield \\ith arms;
1 and 4, Scotland; 2, France and England quarterly; and 3, Ireland,
within the collar of the Order of the Thistle; edge plain. M 1-6.
Wt. 428-0.
By the Act of the Scottish Parliament, 14 June, 1686, it was ordered
that silver money of the current values of five, ten, twenty, forty
and sixty shilling pieces should be struck, but only the ten and forty
shilling pieces were issued for circulation. No dies at all appear
to have been prepared for the twenty and five shilling pieces ; and
although those for the sixty shillings were completed no specimens
were struck from them till 1828, when they came into the hands of
Matthew Young, a dealer in coins, who caused 60 impressions to be made.
The dies were then defaced and deposited in the British Museum. The
above piece is therefore a pattern. It has been included here on
account of its interest to collectors. With this issue a considerable
reduction took place in the weights of the coins ; the sixty shilling piece
weighing 427| grs. as against 464^ grs., the weight of the same coin
under James VI and Charles I. The standard of fineness was however
raised from eleven deniers to eleven deniers two grs. On his Scottish
coins James adopted his English titles as well as the English crown.
The dies were executed by Jan Roettier, the engraver to the English
mint,
211. Forty Shilling Piece. 1687. Similar to the Sixty Shilling Piece, but mark
of value 40 under the bust, and on the rev. the legend reads BRIT, for
BR., and there is no collar of the Thistle around the shield; date 1687;
edge inscribed, NEMO - ME - IMPUNE LACESSET ANNO -
REGNI TERTIO. ^tl-45. Wt. 284-2.
Dated also 1688. The Act stipulated that the sixty and forty
shillings should have the edges lettered ; the other denominations were
to be engrailed. This is the first occurrence of this manner of protecting
the coins at the Scottish mint.
212. Ten Shilling Piece. 1687. Obv. IACOBVS II DEI GRATIA. Bust
of king to r., laureate and draped; below, mark of value, 10. Rev. MAG
BR FRA ET HIB REX 1687. Four crowned shields with arms,
arranged in form of cross, viz. 1, Scotland ; 2, England ; 3, France ; and
4, Ireland; from the centre projects a St. Andrew's j cross with a thistle,
rose, lis and harp at the extremities. M 1-0. Wt. 71 '2.
Dated also 1688.
208 SCOTTISH COINS.
William and Mary. 1689-1694.
COINAGE. Silver. Sixty Shilling Piece, Forty Shilling Piece, Twenty
Shilling Piece, Ten Shilling Piece, and Five Shilling Piece. Copper.
Bawbee and Bodle.
ISSUES, <fec. One only in each metal. No gold coins were struck
during this joint reign. The weights of the coins were : Silver. Sixty
Shilling Piece, 427 '35 grs., and its divisions in proportion. Copper.
Bawbee, 125-64 grs.; Bodle, 41 '83 grs. The standard of silver was
as James VII's coinage.
Plate liv. 213. Sixty Shilling Piece. 1692. Obv. GVLIELMVS . ET MARIA DEI
SILVER. GRA. Busts jugate of William and Mary to 1., both draped ; he is laureate ;
below, mark of value, 60. Rev. MAG BR FR ET HIB REX
ET REGINA - 1692. Crowned "shield, arms as on No. 210, but with
inescutcheon of Nassau; edge inscribed, PROTEGIT ET ORNAT
ANNO REGNI TERTIO. JR. 1'55. Wt. 426-5.
Dated also 1691. This coinage was issued in accordance with the order
of the Privy Council, 26 Sept. 1690, which commanded the Scottish
mint to be opened. It would appear however that all the denominations
ordered were not at once issued. Dies for the forty shillings had
already been prepared in the previous year (see next coin) : those for
the ten shillings were made in 1690, but those for the sixty, twenty
and five shillings were not ready till 1691. They were made by James
Clark, engraver to the Scottish mint. The inscription on the edge is
equivalent to that of " Decus et Tutamen," &c., on English coins.
214. Forty Shilling Piece. 1693. Same as the Sixty Shilling Piece, but reading
GRATIA for GRA; mark of value 40 under the bust, and on rev., date
1693; edge inscribed, PROTEGIT ET ORNAT ANNO REGNI
SIXTO. JR 1-35. Wt. 284-9.
Dates 1689-1694. The date 1689 can only be accounted for by
the circumstance, that steps had been taken to prepare the dies for the
coins before any order had been made by the Privy Council.
215. Twenty Shilling Piece. 1693. Same as the preceding, but mark of value 20
under the busts ; edge engrailed, a* 1-2. Wt. 142-0.
Dates 1691, 1693, and 1694. The edges of this and the following
pieces are engrailed. Of 1694 only one specimen of the twenty
shillings appears to be known though 5369 were struck.
216. Ten Shilling Piece. 1691. Same as the Sixty Shilling Piece ; but mark of
value 10 under busts, and date 1691. & -95. Wt. 72-0.
Dates 1690-1692 and 1694. The obverse legend also reads GRATIA
for GRA, as on the forty shilling piece.
217. Five Shilling Piece. 1691. Obv. Same as preceding coin, but no mark of
value. Rev. MAG BR FR ET - HIB REX ET REG 1691.
Crown above cipher of \VTMj. ; below, mark of value, V. 2R 8. Wt. 35 5.
Dated also 1694; on which the mark of value V is under the busts.
WILLIAM AND MARY. 209
218. Bawbee. 1692. 06??. GVL ET - MAR D G MAG BR FR - Plate liv.
ET HIB REX ET REGINA ; m.m. star. Busts jugate of William COPPER.
and Mary to 1., both draped; he is laureate. Rev. NEMO ME
IMPVNE LACESSET - 1692. A leaved thistle, crowned. M 1-05.
Wt. 125-0.
Dates 1691-1694. Current for sixpence Scottish. The bawbee
was struck at 60 to the pound and the bodle at 180. The mint-mark
varies, being three crosses, rose, five pellets, wreath, <fec. The copper
coinage was ordered in July 1690, but its issue was not authorised till
18 Aug. 1691. In the contract it was stipulated that 3000 stones of
copper should be coined into money, and not more than 500 stones in
one year. On the copper coins the crown is always the Scottish one ;
but on most of the silver the English crown is represented.
219. Bodle. 1692. Obv. The letters \VT,M m monogram under a crown;
around, D G MAG - BR FR ' ET HIB REX ET REGINA.
Rev. Same as the Bawbee. IE, -8. Wt. 39-3.
Dates 1691-1694. Current for~2d. Scottish.
William II. (III. of England). 1694-1702.
COINAGE. Gold. Pistole and Half-Pistole. Silver. Sixty Shilling
Piece, Forty Shilling Piece, Twenty Shilling Piece, Ten Shilling Piece,
and Five Shilling Piece. Copper. Bawbee and Bodle.
ISSUES, &c. One only in each metal. The weights of the gold coins
were : Pistole 106 grs. and Half -Pistole 53 grs. Those of the silver and
copper were as in the previous reign. The gold coins were 22 cts. fine,
and no change took place in the standard of silver, which remained as
in the reign of James VII.
220. Pistole. 1701. Obv. GVLIELMVS DEI GRATIA. Bust of king to 1., GOLD.
laureate; no drapery; below, sun rising from sea. Rev. MAG BRIT
FRA ET HIB REX 1701. Royal shield with arms, as on the coinage
of William and Mary (see No. 213), crowned, between W R, both crowned.
AT -95. Wt. 105-3.
Dated 1701 only and current for <12 Scottish. These coins, the
pistole and half -pistole, were struck from gold supplied by the Darien
Company and imported from the coast of Africa. The quality of
metal was to be standard gold of 22 cts. fine, and the pistole, which
weighed 106 grs. troy, was to be current for 20s. sterling English. The
English guinea of that time, which weighed 129^ grs., was current
for 21s. Qd. The crest of the Darien Company was "the sun rising
above the sea." It is also said that the ship, which brought the gold
was called the " Rising Sun." This is the last gold money of the
Scottish series. William placed no numerals after his name on his
coinage. He was William III of England, William II of Scotland ;
but William I of Great Britain, which title he adopted for his Scottish
money.
221. Half-Pistole. 1701. Same as the Pistole. AT '15. Wt. 52-7.
Dated 1701 only and current for 6 Scottish. The dies for the coins
of William were made by James Clark, graver to the Edinburgh mint.
p
210 SCOTTISH COINS.
Plate liv. 222. Forty Shilling Piece. 1696. Obv. GVLIELMVS DEI GRATIA. Bust
STIVER f king to 1., laureate and draped ; below, mark of value 40. Rev. MAG
BRIT . FRA ET HIB REX - 1696. Shield crowned, as on No. 213 ;
edge inscribed, PROTEGIT ET ORNAT ANNO REGNI OCTAVO.
ztl-35. Wt. 281-0.
Dates 16951699. The new silver coinage was ordered on the
llth July 1695, and on the following day the current value of the coins
was raised 10 per cent., so that the forty shillings was current for forty-
four shillings. In June of the next year they were reduced to their
former values. The sixty shilling piece, of which no specimen is now
known, but which has been figured by Anderson, Snelling, Ruding, and
others, is of the same type, &c., as the forty shilling piece. It is
however dated 1699 only.
Plate Iv. 223. Twenty Shilling Piece. 1695. Same as the Forty Shilling Piece, but mark
of value 20, and date on reverse 1695 ; edge engrailed. il'2. Wt. 141'8.
Dates 1695-1699.
224. Ten Shilling Piece. 1695. Same as the Twenty Shilling Piece, but mark of
value 10. ;R -9. Wt. 70-5.
Dates 1695-1699.
225. Five Shilling Piece. 1697. Obv. GVL D G MAG BR-FR-&-
HIB REX. Bust of king to 1., laureate and draped; below, mark of
value 5. Rev. NEMO ME IMPVNE LACESSET 1697. A
triple-headed thistle with leaves, crowned. M '75. Wt. 37 -5.
Dates 1695-1702, inclusive, with the exception of 1698. The five
shilling piece appears to be the only silver coin struck after 1699. The
records of the mint do not go down later than 1698, so the absence
of the larger coins from 1699 is not accounted for.
COPPBR. 226. Bawbee. 1696. Obv. GVL - D - G MAG BRIT FRA ET HIB
REX. Bust of king to 1., laureate and draped. Rev. NEMO ME
IMPVNE LACESSET - 1696. A leaved thistle, crowned, sa 1-0.
Wt. 125-0.
Dates 1695-1697.
227. Bodle. 1695. Obv. GVLIELMVS D - G MAG BRIT FRA ET
HIB R. Crown above sword and sceptre crossed. Rev. Same as the
Bawbee; date 1695. m -8. Wt. 42-4.
Dates 1695-1697. A more common variety reads GVL. on the
obverse. No copper coins were struck during this reign after 1697,
in which year was completed the contract of 1691 (see No. 218). The
contract was further extended in 1696, but it does not appear to have
been acted upon.
Anne. 1702-1714.
COINAGE. Silver. Ten Shilling Piece, Five Shilling Piece, Crown,
Half-Crown, Shilling, and Sixpence.
The coinage of this reign is of two periods ; that before the Act of
Union (1705-1707), and that after the Union (1707-1709). No gold
or copper coins were struck.
ANNE. 211
ISSUES, &c. Silver. Two : -1st issue (1705), Ten Shilling Piece and Plate iv.
Five Shilling Piece. 2nd issue (after the Union 1707), Crown, Half-
Crown, Shilling, and Sixpence.
The weights of the coins of the 1st issue were as those of William
and Mary's money ; but in the case of the 2nd issue the crown
weighed 464^ grs. as the English crown of that time, and the divisions
were in proportion. No change took place in the fineness of the
metal in the 1st issue; but in the 2nd issue it was assimilated to
English money, viz. lly^pts. fine to -^ pt. of alloy.
Period I. ; before the Union (1705-1707).
228. Ten Shilling Piece. 1705. Obv. ANNA DEI GRATIA. Bust of queen SILVER.
to 1., diademed and draped ; a thistle on her breast ; below, mark of value
10. Rev. MAG BRIT FRA ET HIB REG 1705. Shield sur-
mounted by the Scottish crown and with arms, 1 and 4 Scotland, 2 France
and England quarterly, and 3 Ireland. M '9. Wt. 70-0.
Dates 1705 and 1706. No coinage appears to have taken place at
the Scottish mint during this reign till 1705, and even then it con-
sisted only of ten and five shilling pieces. The dies were made by
James Clark, the engraver to the mint.
229. Five Shilling Piece. 1705. Obv. Same as the Ten Shilling Piece ; but mark
of value5. Rev. NEMO ME IMPVNE LAC ESS ET 1705. A triple-
headed thistle witb leaves, crowned. ^ -75. Wt. 43-9.
Dates 1705-1707. The obverse legend varies considerably in the
abbreviation of the words.
Period II. ; after the Union (1707-1709).
230. Crown. 1707. Obv. ANNA DEI GRATIA. Bust of queen to 1.,
diademed and draped; below, E (Edinburgh). Rev. MAG BRI FR
ET HIB REG 1707. Four shields crowned and arranged in form of
cross, viz. : 1 and 3, England and Scotland impaled ; 2, France ; and 4,
Ireland; in the centre, Star of the Garter; edge inscribed, DECVS ET
TVTAMEN ANNO REGNI SEXTO ^1-55. Wt. 464-0.
Dates 1707 and 1708. By the Act of Union it was ordered that
" from and after the Union the Coin shall be of the same standard and
value throughout the United Kingdom, as now in England, and a mint
shall be continued in Scotland under the same rules as the mint in
England." The types and denominations of the English coins then
current were adopted with the difference that an E (Edinburgh) or an
E followed by a star was placed under the bust. The dies and
puncheons were prepared in London and sent to Scotland. The
coins consisted only of the crown, half-crown, shilling, and sixpence.
No gold or copper was issued.
231. Half-Crown. 1708. Same as the Crown, but date 1708, and o
SEPTIMO for SEXTO. * 1-3. Wt. 232-4.
Dates 1707-1709.
232. Shilling. 1707. Same as the Crown, but the edge is engrailed. JR 1-0.
Wt. 91-3.
Dates 1707-1709 and 1707*-! 709*. There are three varieties of the
head on the shillings, consisting of slight differences in the arrange-
p 2
212 SCOTTISH COINS.
Plate iv. ment of the hair. The meaning of the star which follows the mint
SILVER, letter is somewhat uncertain. Some suppose it to indicate supplemen-
tary issues ; others that such pieces which bear it were struck from
silver which had been called in.
233. Sixpence. 1707. Same as the Shilling. JR -85. Wt. 45-5.
Dates 1707 and 1708 ; and 1708* and 1709*.
This is the last coinage struck in Scotland. The mint at Edinburgh
appears to have entirely ceased operations in 1709. The office of
governor of the mint of Scotland was not however formally abolished
till 1817, in which year it was ordered that the buildings appropriated
to the mint in Scotland should be sold.
James VIII. 1716.
234. Crown. 1716. Obv. IACOBVS VIII DEI GRATIA. Bust of
James VIII to r., laureate, hair long, wearing armour and mantle. Bev.
SCOT ANGL FRAN ET HIB REX 1716. Square shield with
arms, 1 and 4 Scotland, 2 France and England quarterly, and 3 Ireland ;
above, the English crown. M I' 65. Wt. 424-4.
The dies for this coin were made in 1716, when Prince James,
commonly called the Elder Pretender, made his second attempt to
recover the English throne. The dies were made at Paris by Norbert
Roettier ; but no contemporary specimens appear to have been struck
from them. The above piece was struck in 1828, when the dies came
into the possession of Matthew Young, the dealer. They are now in
the British Museum. A similar coin with the same bust, but with the
title " IACOBVS III ", and with the shield of England on the reverse,
had been previously struck in 1709 on the occasion of James's first
attempt. Dies were also made in 1716 for a guinea and a shilling (?),
one reading IACOBVS VIII, the other IACOBVS TERTIVS. They are
similar in type to the contemporary English coins of those denomina-
tions. All the puncheons were engraved by Norbert Roettier.
( 213 )
IRISH COINS.
Hiberno-Danish Series.
THE earliest coins struck in Ireland are of the second half of the
10th century or of the beginning of the 1 1th century. They are pennies
and bear the name of Aethelred II of Wessex, and were struck at Dublin.
They are also of the same types as his coins. As Aethelred could not
himself have struck these Irish coins, they must be considered as
imitations, issued by native rulers. Previous to that time the coins
current in Ireland were Anglo-Saxon pennies, chiefly of Edward the
Elder and his successors, imported by the Vikings. The attribution of
certain coins with blundered legends to the early kings of Dublin,
Ifars I and Anlaf IV, or to kings of Waterford, Regnald II, &c , cannot
in the light of recent researches be substantiated. These also come
under the class of imitations of Anglo-Saxon and Danish pieces. The
earliest coins, which can be assigned to the Dano-Irish kings, are those
of Sihtric III, a contemporary of Aethelred II, whose types he
imitated. Imperfect imitations of Sihtric's coins, which have been
attributed to his successors, must still remain doubtful. The first
English coins struck in Ireland were issued by John, son of Henry II,
as Lord of Ireland, A.D. 1177-1199 (see Nos. 7 and 8)
Aethelred II. 979-1016.
1. Penny. Dublin. Obv. ^ /E-DLIMACDEL ^ AS. Bust of king to 1. ; Plate Ivt
before, sceptre. Bev. ^ FAVRT6L DIFLIMF. Short cross voided with SILVER.
CRVX in the angles, M '85. Wt. 22-0.
As this type belongs to the earlier coinage of Aethelred II the issue
of this coin in Ireland probably preceded the following one. The
weight of the penny varies from 24 to 17 grs., but sometimes it even
exceeds 24 grs.
2. Penny. Dublin. Obv. * /E-DELR/ED REX A ICO. Rude bust to 1.,
draped. Rev. <%* F/EREMIN MO DYFLI. Long cross voided, dividing
legend, three crescents at end of each limb ; in each of the centre ones is a
pellet. JR -75. Wt. 24-4.
This is the commonest type of Aethelred's coins : and was the one most
imitated in Ireland. There are also later imitations of coins of Cnut.
They are chiefly of the quatrefoil type, having on the obverse the bust of
the king within a quatrefoil, and on the reverse a quatrefoil on a long
cross voided. These types are also found on the Danish coins of Olaf
Skotkonung and Olaf II Haraldsson.
214 IRISH COINS.
Sihtric III. 989 1029.
Platelvi. S.Penny. Dublin. Obv. %< ZITIRDIXLCHMOX. Bust of king to 1., draped ;
SILVER before, sceptre. Rev. %* REOLFLE O DLFME. Short cross voided
with CRVX in the angles. M -85. Wt. 28'0.
Sihtric III was contemporary with Aethelred II, and all his coins
are imitations of that king's types (see No. 1).
4. Penny. Dublin. Obv. * SIHTRC REX DIFL. Rude bust of king to 1.,
draped; behind, cross. Rev. ^ F/EREMIN MO DVFLI. Long cross
voided, dividing legend ; three crescents at end of each limb, and pellet in
each angle. M '8. Wt. 21-0.
This coin is of importance as it serves to fix the date of No 2 ; both
bearing the same moneyer's name and being of the same type of reverse.
5. Penny. Dublin. Obv. % IMRFNR ^ MONN. Bust to 1., as on the previous
coin; before it, two pellets. Rev. t" FI/1RINN MO DIFI. Long cross
voided, as on the previous coin ; but in alternate angles an ornament in
the shape of a human hand or branch. M '75. Wt. 17 '3.
This is one of the many Hiberno-Danish coins struck in imitation of
Sihtric Ill's money. From their large number it is probable that
their issue extended over a considerable period. The legends are
blundered and often illegible, and the type is occasionally slightly
varied in having ornaments other than the open hand or branch in
the angles of the cross on the reverse.
6. Penny, temp. Edward the Confessor. Obv. Blundered legend. Head facing,
bearded, wearing high peaked helmet. Rev. Blundered legend. Long
double cross, as on coins of Sihtric III, with hand or branch, cross, and
two pellets in the angles. AI ?. Wt. 9 -7.
This coin has been attributed to Ifars I, king of Dublin circ. A.D.
870-872 ; but the reverse type shows that it was struck after the
reign of Sihtric III. The obverse type also shows that it was copied from
the full-face pennies of Edward the Confessor. It is therefore probable
that it was issued during or shortly after that king's reign.
The various pieces usually assigned to Anlaf V and VI, Ifars III
and Regnalcl, king of Waterford, and figured by Lindsay, Irish Coins,
Plates I and II, are of doubtful attribution. They are mostly imitations
of the Danish coins of Magnus I and Harold III. They may however
have been made in Ireland.
In addition there are other coins of a somewhat later date found in
Ireland, which are called bracteates ; i.e., they have a device struck on
one side only, and are without legends. Their types are a head, a
cross with lis in each angle, a cross with quatrefoils and trefoils in
alternate angles, an imitation of the Paxs type of William I, a four-
sided ornament, or a cross with annulets in a circle, &c. These may
be imitations of coins of Harold I, William I, and Henry I of
England. A remarkable hoard of these pieces was found at Fermoy
in 1837.
JOHN, AS LORD OF IRELAND. 215
HIBERNO-ENGLISH SERIES.
John, as Lord of Ireland. 1177-1199.
COINAGE. The coinage of John, son of Henry II, may be divided Plate w.
into two series; that issued as Lord of Ireland, 1177-1199, and that SILVER.
issued after his accession to the English throne, 1199-1216. The first
coinage consisted of Halfpennies and Farthings ; the second, of Pennies,
Halfpennies, and Farthings.
The weight of the halfpenny of the first issue was 11^ grs. ; and that
of the penny of the second issue 22 grs. ; i.e., the same standard as
the English coins.
John's mints were, during his regency, at Dublin and Waterford, and,
during his kingship, at Dublin, Limerick and Waterford. Other pieces
of the first series, but not issued by him, are of Carrickfergus and
Dowiipatrick (see No. 9).
7. Halfpenny. Dublin. Obv. J< IOHSNN6S DOO. Head facing. Rev.
4 NICOLAS ON DW6. Short double cross pattee, with annulet in each
angle, JK -55. Wt. 11-3.
Struck also at Waterford, and reading Wfi, WKT, WKT6, and
WKT6R. Varieties read DOM IN YB6R. The head on the obverse is
supposed not to be that of John himself, but of St. John the Baptist.
8. Farthing. Obv. A lozenge or masclo with three pellets in each angle and one
in the centre, llcv. Cross patt6e, N I CO in the angles, at -45. Wt. 6'0.
These are commonly known as " mascle farthings;" a name given
to them on account of the obverse type. They were struck at Dublin
and Waterford. The name on the reverse is that of the moneyer.
Others have ALGX, TOM A, Arc.
<J. Patrick Farthing. Downpatrick. Obv. <%< PftTR 10(11. Cross pattee within
circle. Rev. ^ DS DVNO (Downpatrick). Cross pattee with crescent in
each angle. AI '5. Wt. G'O.
This coin was struck by John de Curcy, Earl of Ulster, who was
constituted sole governor of Ireland in 1185. He was removed from
that office in 1189, when he returned to his earldom, and finally quitted
Ireland in 1204. Other coins of the same type have the reverse legend
GRAF or CRA6F6VF (Carrickfergus) and some the name of the issuer
GOSN or IOAN D CVRCI. As Downpatrick and Carrickfergus are
both situate in Ulster, these farthings were probably struck between
1189 and 1204.
John, as King. 1199-1216.
10. Penny. Dublin. Obv. IOhRNN6(S R3X. Arranged outside a triangle,
within which is the bust of the king facing, crowned ; in r. hand, sceptre ;
onr., quatrefoil. Rev. ROBQRD ON DIVQ. Arranged outside a triangle ;
within the triangle is a flaming star above a crescent, and in each angle a
small star ; a cross at each point of the triangle and outside the legend on
each side of the triangle. JK '75. Wt. 23 -0.
Struck also at Limerick (see next coin) and at Waterford.
216 IEISH COINS.
Plate Ivi 11. Penny. Limerick. Same as the last coin; but reading on the rev. WILLQM
SILVER. ON LIM3. JR -75. Wt. 21-7.
12. Halfpenny. Dublin. Obv. IOhRNN6(S RQX. Bust of king facing, crowned,
within a triangle ; star on either side and above. Rev. ROB6CRD ON D.
Within a triangle, a crescent surmounted by a cross ; a star in each angle of
triangle. JR -5. Wt. 11 '7.
Struck also at Limerick.
13. Farthing. Dublin? Obv. Blundered legend. Traces of the king's bust
within a triangle. Rev. Blundered legend. Star within a triangle. m'k.
Wt. 5-3.
The legends on these farthings are much blundered. On the obverse
should be the king's name and on the reverse that of the moneyer.
No specimens appear to have the mint-name.
Henry III. 1216-1272.
COINAGE. Silver. Penny and Halfpenny.
ISSUES, &c. Two: 1st issue (1248), Penny and Halfpenny. 2nd
issue (1251), same denominations.
The weight was at 22^ grs. to the penny. The only known mint is
that of Dublin.
14. Penny. Dublin. Obv. hQRIQVS RQX III. Arranged around a triangle,
within which is the bust of the king, facing, crowned, and holding sceptre ;
on r., cinquefoil. Rev. RIQ7XRD ON DIV6(. Long cross pommee, voided,
pellet in centre and three in each angle. M '1. Wt. 21-0.
No issue of Irish money appears to have occurred in the reign of
Henry III before 1248, in which year dies were ordered to be engraved
in London and sent to Canterbury, Dublin, and other places. They
were to be of the same type as the London coins in having on the
reverse a long double cross, but on the obverse the king's head was to
be within a triangle instead of a circle. Three years later, in 1251, a
further issue of pennies and halfpennies was ordered ; it is said to
provide for subsidies exacted by Pope Innocent IV. These coins are
of the same type as the first issue.
The halfpenny of this reign is figured by Simon, Irish Coins, PI. II.
49 ; but at present no specimen is known. It is of the same type and
mint as the penny and bears the same money er's name, Richard.
Edward I, II, and III. 1272-1377.
COINAGE. Silver. Penny, Halfpenny, and Farthing.
The weight was at 22^ grs. to the penny.
It is evident from the proclamations and orders issued during the
reigns of Edward I and III that a considerable quantity of money was
coined in Ireland at that time ; but as yet no satisfactory classification
has been proposed. Simon * suggests that the number of the dots, one,
two or three, which occur under the bust, marks the different reigns ; but
a difficulty arises in the fact that there are pieces with four dots and
others with none. Lindsay f proposed to allot to Edward I and II
* Essay on Irish Coins, p. 16. f Coinage of Ireland, p. 28.
EDWARD I, II, AND III. 217
those coins which have Roman N's in the legends and to Edward III Plate ivi.
such as have English (Vs. Both these suggestions are unsatisfactory SILVKR.
and leave the question unsolved. The true solution, as in the case of the
English coinage of these kings, will have to be sought for in the shape
of the bust, in the form of the king's crown, and in the general style
of the lettering.* The English coins reading SOW. and now assigned
to Edward III before 1351 f have a crown with a large lis in the
centre and stops, saltires, between the words of the legends. This
same shaped crown is also found on the Irish coins. As it is probable
that the dies for the Irish coins were made in London (see note No. 14)
it is only reasonable to suppose that similar varieties will be found on
both series especially as the obverse dies were sometimes interchanged
(see No. 15). The question can only be settled by the careful
examination of future finds of coins.
15. Penny. Dublin. Obv. 6CDWR' fiNGL' DNS hYB. Arranged around a
triangle, within which is the bust of the king facing, crowned and clothed ;
below, two dots. Bev. C(IVIT7\S DVBLINIQ. Long cross pattee with three
pellets in each angle. M '75. Wt. 19 '8.
Struck also at Cork (C(ORC(fiC(ie() and at Waterford. A variety has
the bust of the king within a circle, as on the English penny, which
is also found with the Irish type. This last type would probably
belong to Edward III.
16. Halfpenny. Waterford. Same as the Penny, No. 15, but no dots under the
king's bust, and legend on the rev. (XIVITfiS V7^T6RFOR'. JR-65. Wt.9'3.
Struck also at Cork and Dublin, as the penny.
17. Farthing. Dublin. Same as the Penny, No. 15, but reading, obv. Q. R
fiN6LI6(; rev. (XIVITfiS DVBLINI6(. M -55. Wt. 5-7.
Struck at Dublin and Waterford only,
Richard II and Henry IV and V. 1377-1422.
There are no coins which can be attributed to Richard II and
Henry IV and V, and the absence of any mint records during these
reigns strengthens the conclusions that none were struck. The groats
which Simon (Irish Coins, PI. 3, Nos. 56-60) attributes to Henry V
are now assigned to the last issue of Henry VII (see No. 49).
Henry VI. 1422-1461 and 1470-1471.
COINAGE. Silver. Groat and Penny. Copper. Half-Farthing or
Patrick.
Like his English coinage that of Henry VI struck in Ireland appears
to be of two periods : that issued between 1422 and 1461 ; and that
struck during his short restoration, 1470-1471. The issues are :
* See ante, p. 43.
t There is no record of any issue in Ireland during this reign after 1339.
218
IRISH COINS.
Plate Ivi.
SILVER.
COl'PER.
SILVER.
PERIOD I. Silver. Two : 1st issue (1425), Penny. 2nd issue (1460),
Groat and Penny. Copper. One : (1460), Half-Farthing or Patrick.
^ PERIOD II. Silver. One : (1170-1471), Groat and Penny.
The weight of the penny of the 1st issue was ordered to be at 15 grs.,
but of the 2nd issue at 11^ grs., and that of the second period
(1470-1471) 10J grs. : but in each case the actual coins were under
the standard.
18. Penny. Dublin. 1st issue (1425). Obv. * h6(HRIC(VS DflS o
Bust of king facing, crowned; star on r. of neck. Rev. C(IVI o T7\S
DVBLINI(. Long cross pattee with three pellets in each angle. & '6.
Wt. 11-3.
This is the only coin which can be classed to the early issue of this
reign, and of it only two specimens are known. It is of the same
weight as the English penny of Henry VI, and considerably heavier
than the fourth part of the Irish groat of Henry VII. By the Act in
virtue of which this coinage took place it was ordered that the Irish
money should be of the same standard as the English money.
The groat of the second issue (1460) has for obverse type an open
crown within a double tressure of twelve arches, and on the reverse
a long cross with three pellets in each angle with an annulet between
the pellets in two quarters. Around is the legend, C(IVITfiS : DVBLinia
(stops, saltires). It is similar to the groat of the first issue of
Edward IV (see No. 20). It was to be of the weight of threepence
English (45 grs.) and to pass for fourpence sterling. The penny of
this issue is of the same type.* Like the penny of the first issue,
these coins are of the Dublin mint only.
Other coins ordered to be struck in 1460 were the Irelandes
d' Argent in silver and the Half -Farthing or Patrick in copper. The
Irelandes d' Argent were to be imprinted on one side with a lion and on
the other with a crown ; and to pass current for the value of one penny.
No specimen of this coinage is known, and it is therefore probable
that none were struck. The Half-Farthing or Patrick has on the
obverse a small crown in a circle surrounded by the legend P7XTRIK,
followed by an annulet and a small branch, and on the reverse a plain
cross with the letter P in one angle. A variety is without the letter
P on the reverse. It weighs about 7^ grs., and eight of these were
to pass for a penny. These coins are sometimes classed to the first
issue of Edward IV. It is very possible that their issue began under
Henry VI and was continued by Edward IV.
19. Groat. Dublin. 3rd issue (1470-1471). Obv. <b hQUBiaVS : DSI : 6Rfi :
DRS : hlBQB (stops, saltires). Bust of king facing, crowned, within
a tressure. Eev. + POSVI DSV : 7\DIVTOB6(' JTISV __ (XIVITfiS
DVBLIfllQ (in two concentric circles : stops, saltires). Long cross pattee
dividing legends with three pellets in each angle. jul'O. Wt. 27 '2.
There appears to be no record of this coinage, which is of the Dublin
mint only. The type resembles that of the 6th issue of Edward IV
(see Nos. 33-36), and further is like the English coins of the same
Snelling, Coin, of England, Suppl. PI. i. 16.
HENEY VI. 219
period of Henry VI in having the letter B in the legend for R. It is Plate ivl
also distinguished from similar coins of Henry VII by the title of the
king being " Dominus Hybernie " instead of " Rex Anglie " on the
obverse.
The penny is of similar type but it has the bust in a dotted circle,
and around hQRBIQVS DftS HIB, and on the reverse, a long plain
cross with a rose in the centre and no pellets, and around CdVITfiS
DVBLiniS. Dr. Aquilla Smith (Trans. Boy. Irish Acad., vol. xix.)
attributes the penny to Henry VI, but he gives the groats to Henry VII.
Edward IV. 1461-1483.
COINAGE.* Silver. Double-Groat, Groat, Half-Groat, Penny, Half-
penny, and Farthing. Copper. Farthing and Half-Farthing.
ISSUES, &c. Silver. Seven : 1st issue (1461-1463), Groat and
Penny (crown type). 2nd issue (1463-1464), Groat and Penny (crown
type with king's name, &c.). 3rd issue (1465-1466), Groat and Penny
(rose and sun type). 4th issue (1467-1468), Double-Groat, Groat,
Half-Groat, and Penny (bust of king and sun and rose type). 5th issue
(1470), Groat, Penny, and Halfpenny (bust and cross and rose type).
6th issue (1470), Groat, Half-Groat, Penny, Halfpenny, and Farthing
(English type). 7th issue (1478), Groat, Half-Groat, Penny, Half-
penny, and Farthing (three crowns type). Copper. Farthing, two
issues of the dates 1463 and 1467. Half-Farthings, two issues of the
dates 1463 and 1470 (see descriptions).
The legal weight of the groat varied as follows during this reign ;
but the actual weight was often somewhat belowf :
1461-65 . .45
1465-67 ... 36
1467-70 . . . 22
1470-73 . . . 437 T grs.
1473-79 . . .32^
1479-83 ... 31
20. Groat. Dublin, 1st issue (1461-1463). Obv. Large crown within double SILVER.
tressure of nine arches, fleured. Eev. C(IVIT7iS : DVBLIfllS : (stops,
saltires). Long cross pattee with three pellets in each angle; those in
alternate angles are connected by an annulet. M I'O. Wt. 43*1.
Varieties have eight or ten arches to the tressure on the obverse
and are to be distinguished from similar coins of Henry VI, which
have twelve arches (see p. 218). Others have small crosses, suns or
roses in the outer angles of the tressure. Groats of this issue were
also ordered to be struck at Galway and Trim, but none are known.
21. Penny. Dublin. 1st issue (1461-1463). Same type, &c., as the Groat; but on
the obv. the tressure has ten arches, and there is a trefoil slipped under
the crown. JR -6. Pierced.
The pennies correspond to the groats in the number of the arches of
the tressure. Varieties have, a beaded circle instead of a tressure on
the obverse, whilst others are without either. They are of Dublin only.
* The coins of Edward IV are classified according to the arrangement proposed
by Dr. Aquilla Smith, and published in the Transactions of the Royal Irish
Academy, vol. xix., 1840.
f This list is taken from Simon, Irish Coins, p. 31 sqq.
220 IEISH COINS.
Plate Ivi. Half -groats, halfpennies or mailles, and farthings or quadrantes in
SILVER, silver were also ordered to be struck, but none are now known.
22. Groat. Waterford. 2nd issue (1463-1464). Obv. aDWfiRDVS : [DGU :
6Rft] : DflS : hYB6(Rn,ie( (stops, saltires). A crown within a double
tressure of nine arches, with trefoil at each angle and annulet in each
spandril: on either side of crown, a saltire. Rev. [POSVI D&Vttl
TXDIVTOReUTl me(V] aiVIT7^S : WATSRFORD (in two concentric
circles; stops, saltires). Long cross pattee with three pellets in each angle.
M -85. Clipped.
Struck also at Dublin. A variety has an annulet within the pellets
in two angles. No half -groat of this type is known ; but the penny
was issued at Dublin and Waterford. It varies as usual from the
groat in having the mint-name only on the reverse. That of Water-
ford is unique and has no legend on the obverse. Halfpence and
farthings were ordered to be made at Waterford, but none are known.
Though the patent granted to Germyn Lynch for this coinage extended
to Limerick and Trim, no coins have been met with of these cities.
Plate Ivii. 23. Groat. Dublin. 3rd issue (1465-1466). Obv. ^ QDWfiRDVS : DGU
DflS : hYBSRniQ (stops, saltires). Cross fourchee on large rose; all
within tressure of five arches, with pellet in each spandril. Rev. POSVI
DetViTl K - DIVTOR 6( maV aiVI . T7XS DVB Lin (in two con-
centric circles; stops, roses and crosses). Sun of sixteen rays with
annulet in centre. jitl-0. Wt. 30-2.
There appears to be no record of this coinage, of which only the
groat and penny are known. The type indicates for the coins a place
between the issues of 1463 and 1467. They are of the Dublin mint only.
24. Penny. Dublin. 3rd issue (1465-1466). Obv. ^ SOW D (3 DftS .
[hYBQRn,]. Cross fourchee on rose; circle of dots. Rev. C(IVI TfiS
[DVB Lin, 19] (stops, crosses). Sun of sixteen rays with annulet in centre.
x, '55. Clipped.
The few pennies known of this issue are all imperfectly struck or
clipped.
25. Double-Groat or Double. Dublin, tth issue (1467-1468). Obv. QDWARDVS :
D6CI : 6Rfi : DRS : h YB6(R ft (stops, saltires) ; m. m. rose. Bust of king
facing, crowned, within a tressure. Rev. (XI VI TfiS DVBL Iftl6(
(stops, suns and roses) ; m. m. rose. Large sun of twenty-four rays with
rose in centre, AI 1-05. Wt. 43-5.
In 1467 the Parliament held in Dublin ordered that besides the
double, groats, half-groats, pennies, halfpennies and farthings should
be issued. These coins were to be made in the castles of Dublin
and Trim, the cities of Waterford and Limerick, and the towns of
Drogheda, Galway, and Carlingford. Doubles are only known of
Dublin, Drogheda, and Trim, and no silver coins whatever of Galway
and Carlingford. On account of the scarcity of silver in Ireland at
this time the coinage in 1467 was raised to double its former value.
The double, which was of the same weight as the groat of the last
year of Henry VI, was therefore current for eightpence.
26. Groat. Dublin. 4th issiie (1467-1468). Same type, &c., as the Double ; but
the legend on the obv. reads 9DWARD : Dl : <3Rfi : DftS : hYBQRft :
(stops, saltires) ; m. m. rose on both sides. JK - ( J. Wt. 22-0.
Struck also at Drogheda and Trim.
EDWAKD IV. 221
27. Half-Groat. Dublin. Uh issue (1467-1468). Same type, &c., as the Double; Plate ivii.
but the legends are : obv, QDWfiR : [Dl : 6R]fi : DHS : hYBSR (stops, SILVER.
saltires); rev. C(IVI TRS DVB LI ft (stops, roses and suns) ; m. m. rose
on both sides. St. -65. Wt. 11-8.
Struck also at Trim ; but of this place only one specimen is known.
This is the first occurrence of the half-groat in the Irish series. Pennies
of this type are known of Dublin and Drogheda ; but no halfpennies
and farthings have been met with.
28. Groat. Drogheda. 5th issue (U7Q). Obv. GCDWTXRDVS : D6(l : GRfi : R6(X :
hYB6( (stops, saltires) : m. m. rose. Bust of king facing, crowned, within
a tressure ; sun and rose alternately at sides of head and neck. Rev.
POSVI DSviTl : fiDIVTORS : MSV VILLrt : DROShSDfi (in two
concentric circles ; stops, roses and saltires) ; m. m. sun. Long cross
pattee with rose in centre. M '95. Wt. 32-0.
Coins of this issue were struck at Dublin and Drogheda, consisting
of groats, pennies and halfpennies. Groats are only known of Drog-
heda. Though there is no mention of this issue in the existing records
of this reign ; yet it is referred to in a later statute of Richard III,
which ordered coins to be made " in such manner and in such places
as was ordained by statute of the 10th year of Edward the fourth."
The type was also adopted for coins of Richard III (see No. 44).
29. Penny. Dublin. 5th issue (1470). Legend clipped. Bust of king facing,
crowned ; suns and roses alternately at sides of head and neck. Rev.
[C(IVI]T7\S DVBLin. Long cross pattee with rose in centre; two roses
and a sun and two suns and a rose alternately in the angles. M 55 Clipped.
This variety must belong to this period. The penny of the same
type as the groat (No. 28) is also known. They appear to be of Dublin
only.
130. Halfpenny. 5th issue (1470). Obv. Bust of king facing, crowned ; suns and
roses alternately at sides of head and neck. Rev. Cross patt6e, with rose in
centre ; no legends. M '45. Wt. 5'7.
The halfpenny also exists with the usual legends, king's name on
obverse and mint-name of Dublin on reverse. Halfpennies appear also
to be of Dublin only.
31. Groat. Dublin. 6th issue (1470-1478). Obv. $ QDWfiRDVS : D6U : <3Rfi :
DFIS : hYB(JRftl6t (stops, saltires). Bust of king facing, crowned, within
a tressure. Rev. POSVI - D6(Vm : fiDIVTORfl' mQVm._aiVIT7\S :
DVBLime( : (in two concentric circles; stops, saltires). Long cross
pattee with three pellets in each angle. M I" 05. Wt. 42-8.
The coins of this issue are known as the " English type." In 1470
it was ordered that five sorts of silver coins, groats, half-groats,
pennies, halfpennies and farthings, should be struck of the fineness of
the money issued at the Tower of London. They were to be of the
same type as the Calais money, and eleven groats should make the
ounce. This would give a groat of 45 grs. ; but the actual coins rarely
exceed 35 grs., and in 1473 they were reduced by law to 32 grs.
Groats of this issue are known of Cork, Drogheda, Dublin, Limerick,
Trim, Waterford, and Wexford. A variety has two pellets and a star
instead of three pellets in alternate angles of the cross. The double of
222 IEISH COINS.
Plate ivii. the 4th issue (No. 25) was ordered to pass for four deniers and the
SILVER. English groat for fivepence.
32. Groat. Cork. 6th issue (1470-1478). Similar to the preceding, but with
cross on each side of neck, and reading on the rev. POSVI DSV ADIVTOR
mgvm_aiviTAs aoRaAeia. ^i-o. wt. 36-4.
Varieties have a rose, a sun, or an annulet at each side of neck. See
also next coin.
33. Groat. Waterford. 6th issue (1470-1478). Similar to No. 81, but with 6 on
breast of king (the initial of Germyn Lynch, the master of the mint), and on
the rev. C(l VITAS : WATQRFOR (stops, saltires), and two saltires between
the pellets in two angles of the cross ; m. m. heraldic cinquefoil on both
Bides. jRl-0. Wt. 32-4.
The letter 6 is also found on coins of Drogheda and Dublin. Others
have on the king's breast L for Limerick and V or W for Waterford.
34. Half-Groat. Dublin. 6th issue (1470-1478). Same type as the Groat,
No. 31 ; but the obv. legend reads QD WARD : Dl 6RA : DftS : hYBQR
(stops, saltires), and on the rev. the mint-name C(l VITAS DVBLin, ; m. m.
cross pierced on both sides. 2R '8. Wt. 20-0.
Struck also at Drogheda, Gal way, Limerick, Trim, and Waterford.
That of Limerick has roses at the sides of the king's neck and sometimes
L on the breast. The Galway and Trim half-groats are unique.
35. Half -Groat. Waterford. 6th issue (1470-1478). Same type and legends as
the preceding coin, but with mint-name COVITAS WATQRFOR. M '1.
Clipped.
36. Penny. Waterford. 6th issue (1470-1478). Obv. >%* 8DWARDVS : Dl
(3RA : DftS : hYB (stops, saltires). Bust of king facing, crowned; cross
at each side of head and neck. Rev. QIVITAS WATG(R. Long cross
pattee with three pellets in each angle, m '65. Wt. 10-0.
Struck also at Cork, Drogheda, Dublin, Limerick, and Trim.
Varieties have annulets, pellets, suns, a rose and star, a rose and sun,
or quatrefoils at the sides of the bust ; and in the centre of the
cross on the reverse a rose or a quatrefoil, and sometimes a rose in two
of the quarters. Halfpence of this issue are only known of Dublin.
They are of the same type, &c., as the penny, and have a rose in the
centre of the cross on the reverse. No farthings of any mint have been
met with.
37. Groat. 1th issue (1478). Obv. QDWAR RQX AR6LIQ : FRAftC(. Shield,
arms of England, on a cross botonn6e, limbs dividing legend. Rev.
DOJTliriVS : hlB(Rn,l6(. Three crowns in pale on a cross botonnee.
jRl-0. Wt. 30-7.
These coins are commonly known as the " three crowns money ; "
the three crowns probably representing the arms of Ireland at that
time. The issue consisted of the groat, half-groat, penny, halfpenny,
and farthing ; but it is only on the half-groat and penny of Dublin that
a mint-name occurs. It is, however, very probable that this was the
only mint in operation at this time in Ireland. There are several
varieties of the legends on the obverse and reverse. Besides the above
they read : 1 . obv. " Edwardus Rex Anglie Franc " ; rev. " Et Rex
Hybernie." 2. obi: " Rex Anglie Francie " ; rev. " Et Rex Hy-
EDWABD IV. 223
bernie." 3. obv. "Rex Anglie Francie"; rev. " Dominus Hybernie." Plate Mi.
4. " Dominus Hybernie," on both sides (see next coin). The cross on SILVER.
the reverse varies : it is also plain or annulettee (see No. 39). The
Act enjoining this coinage also ordered the striking of threepences ;
but no pieces of this denomination are known.
38. Groat. 1th issue (1478). Same type as the preceding, but the legends on
obv. and rev. read DOttllftVS hYB6(Rn,ie(. jR-l-0. Wt. 26-7.
39. Groat. 7th issue (1478). Obv. RSX AHSLIS FRfi (lis after TYR). Shield,
arms of England, on a cross annulettee, i.e. each limb ending in three
annulets, and dividing legend ; on either side, a small shield bearing a
saltire (the arms of Fitzgerald). Rev. DOminOS VB6( - RRI6( (lis after
VB6(). Three crowns in pale on a cross annulettee : inner tressure of
arches. M -9. Wt. 26 -4.
Gerald Fitzgerald, Earl of Kildare, who was appointed Lord Justice
of Ireland, was given, in consideration of his many services, unlimited
control of the mints and their officers. He received also all the profits
arising from the coinage. None of the Kildare coins have the king's
name.
40. Half-Groat. Dublin. 1th issue (1478). Obv. RQX T^riSL Z
Shield, arms of England, on a cross botonnee ; limbs dividing legend. Rev.
CUVITfiS DVBLin. Three crowns in pale on a cross annulettee; limbs
dividing legend. ^'7. Wt. 13-6.
The legends show similar varieties as on the groat (see No. 37). The
occurrence of the mint-name is an exception.
41. Half-Groat. 1th issue (1478). Same type as the preceding coin, but a
small shield with the Fitzgerald arms on either side of the large
shield; the legends are, obv. R6CX 7\n,SLI6(; rev. DOflllftOS VR3. JR -75.
Wt. 14-0.
A variety has the legend DOMIftOS VRS on both sides.
42. Penny. Dublin. 1th issue (1478). Same type as the Groat (No. 37); the
obv. legend is uncertain; but that on the rev. reads QIVIfTftS] DV[BL.II1].
JR '6. Clipped.
This is the only mint-name on the penny. It usually has the
king's titles on both sides. The halfpennies and farthings are of the
same type as the penny. They have the king's titles only on both
sides, R6(X fiftGL FRfina and DOJttinVS hYBSRft, more or less
abbreviated.
43. Farthing. 1st issue (1463). Obv. PfiTRICUVS (rose before and sun after Plate IviiL
legend). Bust of St. Patrick mitred, facing. Rev. S AL Vfi TOR COPPER
(stops, suns and roses). Long cross pattee, a rose and a sun in alternate
angles. M '15. Wt. 10-4.
A variety has a rose and a quatrefoil in alternate angles of the cross.
These are commonly known as " Salvator " farthings. The master of
the mint was to have them for his sole use in return for the sustentation
and finding of labourers and for his other charges. The farthing of the
second issue (1467) has on the obverse a shield bearing three crowns,
and in the circumference the king's name, and on the reverse a long
224
IRISH COINS.
Plate iviii. cross with rose and sun in centre, and the mint-name QIVITfiS
COPPER. DVBLimeC. The weight is about 9 grs. A few specimens only are
known of this piece.
The half -farthings appear to have been of two issues only, 1463 and
1470. That of the first issue has on the obverse a crown surrounded by
roses and crowns in the place of the legend, and on the reverse a long
cross with pellets in each angle : there is no legend. The half-farthing
of the second issue, which corresponds to the silver penny of the sixth
coinage has on the obverse a full-faced bust, crowned, within a circle ;
and on the reverse a long cross with pellets in the angles and small
strokes around in imitation of a legend. Both these pieces are, how-
ever, of doubtful attribution.
BILLON. By an Act of the second year of Edward IV (1461) it was enacted
that a coin of copper mixed with silver be made in the castle of Dublin
having on one side the print of a crown with suns and roses in the
circumference of the crown ; and on the other side a cross with the
name of the place of mintage. These pieces were to pass current at
four to a penny (see Simon, Irish Coins, App. p. 82). No specimen of
this coinage is known to exist.
Edward V. 1483.
There are no coins which can be attributed with any degree of
certainty to Edward V, whose reign only lasted from April to June
1483. It has been suggested * that the three crown groats bearing
the name of Edward and having the letter Q under the lowest crown
may have been struck by Edward V, but there are no records whatever
to support this suggestion.
Richard III. 1483-1485.
COINAGE. Silver. Groat and Penny.
ISSUES, &c. Three : 1st issue (1483), Groat and Penny. 2nd issue
(1483), Penny. 3rd issue (1484), Groat.
The weight of the groat throughout this reign was about 30 grs.,
and the fineness of metal was to be as the standard of the English
money of the 12th year of Edward IV. This standard, however, does
not appear to have been adhered to.
SILVER. 44. Groat. Drogheda. 1st issue. Obv. R!C(7\RDVS : 06(1 : 6R7X DRS hYB
(stops, saltires) ; m. in. rose. Bust of king, facing, crowned, within a
tressure ; sun and rose alternately at sides of head and neck. Rev. POSVI
DQVm fiDIVTORg : me(V VILLfi . DROShSDfi (in two concentric
circles ; stops, saltires) ; m. m. lis. Long cross patt6e with rose in centre.
x, -9. Clipped.
By a proclamation of the 18th July, 1483, Richard charged his
Council to provide in all possible haste money for Ireland, which
Sainthill, Olla Podrida, vol. ii., p. viii.
RICHAED III. 225
should differ in type from that current in England. The new coins Plate iviii.
were to have on one side the arms of England, and on the other side SILVER.
the three crowns, as the last issue of Edward IV. The only mints at
which they were to be struck were to be Dublin and Waterford.
Those instructions were, however, not obeyed ; and in their haste,
or perhaps by order of the Earl of Kildare, the authorities issued coins,
groats and pennies, of the above type. These are similar to the fifth
coinage of Edward IV. They were also not minted at Dublin and
Wnterford, but at Drogheda only. Use was also made of old dies of
Edward IV, the king's name RICXfi being punched over QDWft.
The penny of this issue is of the same type, and, like the groat, is of
Drogheda only. It has, however, the usual varieties from the groat.
The only coin known of the second issue is a penny struck at Waterford.
]jb is of the type of Edward IV's sixth coinage (see No. 36), having on
the obverse the king's head, and on the reverse a cross with open
quatrefoil in centre and pellets in the angles. There is no record of
thi-^ coinage ; but it is classed to a separate issue on account of its
difference in type.
/45. Groat. 3rd issue. Obv. RICXfiR : RQX : 7YRSLI FR7\H(X (stops, saltires).
Shield, arms of England, on a long cross botonnee. Bcv. DOJTliriVS :
hYB6(Rn,ie( (stops, saltires). Three crowns in pale on a cross botonnee.
JB, '95. Wt. 29-0.
This coinage was struck in conformity to an Act of the Parliament
held in Dublin on the 17th March 1483 (o.s.). The Act prescribed the
type, which in this instance was adopted. It is similar to Edward IV's
last coinage. The only mint-name is that of Waterford. It occurs on
a groat the type of which varies a little from the above in having on
the reverse a tressure instead of a plain circle. The legend is a IV IT.
WfiTOORFOORD. The groats without a mint-name were probably
struck at Dublin. Half-groats, pennies and halfpennies were also
ordered, but none have been met with.
Henry VII. 1485-1509.
COINAGE. /Silver. Groat, Half-Groat, and Penny.
ISSUES, &c.* Four : 1st issue, Groat, Half -Groat, and Penny (three
crowns type). 2nd issue, Groat (bust with open crown and cross type).
3rd issue, Groat, Half-Groat, and Penny (bust with arched crown
and cross type). 4th issue, Groat (bust with shallow open crown and
cross type).
The standard weight of the groat was 32 grs. ; but it generally
varied from 30 to 26 grs. ; some, however, of the second issue are of
full weight. The fineness is not recorded.
* The almost total absence of records relating to the coinage of Henry VII
renders it difficult to fix the dates of the various issues. The first and second
issues would correspond to the English coins with the open crown ; the third to
those with the arched crown ; and the fourth to the profile coinage.
Q
226 IEISH COINS.
Plate Iviii. 46. Groat. Waterford. 1st issue. Obv. hQRRiaVS Dl 6RA RSX. Within a
SILVKR quatrefoil shield, arms of England, on a long cross annulettee. Rev.
CUVITAS WATQRFORD. Within a tressure of arches three jsrowns in
pale on a long cross annulettee; below the lowest crown, the letter h.
JR '95. Clipped.
Struck also at Dublin, of which place there are groats, half-greats,
and pennies. Of Waterford only groats are known. The legends on
the groats vary as on the last issue of Edward IV (see No. 37). They
read: 1. obv. "Rex Anglie Francie"; rev. " Dominus Hibernie."
2. " Dorninus or Dominos Hybernie " on both sides. 3. obv. " Henri cus
di Gracia " ; rev. " Dominus Hybernie." 4, as the above, with the mint-
name of " Dublinie " or " Waterford." Those reading as No. 1 have
sometimes the Fitzgerald arms at the sides of the shield (see No. 39),
which show that most probably they are the earliest pieces of this issue.
A distinguishing mark of this issue from similar pieces of Edward IV
and Richard III is the occurrence of the king's initial under the lowest
crown on the reverse.
The half-groat and penny are of similar type, but the latter hat: no
cross on the reverse. Both denominations are sometimes without
the letter h under the crowns. They are of Dublin only, and havA
the legends as No. 46, or they read : obv. " Rex Anglie Francie " ; rev\
" Dominus Hybernie."
The second issue consists of groats only, struck at Dublin and >
Waterford. They are similar to the groats of the next issue, but the I
king wears an open crown as on those of the sixth issue of Edward IV.
They are also like the " restoration" coins of Henry VI (see No. 19),
but the king is styled " Rex Anglie Francie," instead of " Dominus
Hybernie." *
47. Groat. Dublin. Brdissue. Obv. >k hQHRICX D6(l [6RA A]IT,SL FR
(stops, mullets). Bust of king facing, within a tressure, and wearing a
double-arched crown. Rev. [POSVI] DSVfll AIVTORS me(Vm_CO VITAS
DVBLiril6( (in two concentric circles). Long cross patt6e with three
pellets in each angle. Ml'O. Wt. 30-5.
This issue, consisting of groats, half -groats and pennies, is of Dublin
only. Varieties of the groat have the letter h in the centre of the
cross on the reverse, and a cross fourchee instead of a cross pattee.
The general type is like that of the English coins, second issue, of
Henry VII (see p. 73). The introduction of this type may have
been due to Nicholas Flint, who, after holding several offices in con-
nection with the English mint, was appointed master of the mints at
Dublin and Waterford.
48. Half-Groat. Dublin. 3rd issue. Obv. * hSRRia Dl SRACUS RQX ARLIQ.
Bust of king, facing, as on the preceding, but wearing a single-arched
crown. Rev. POSVI DQVm ADIVTO_C(IVITAS DV LIIT, (intwocon-
centric circles ; stops, saltires). Long cross fourchee with three pellets in
each angle. JR -75. Wt. 18-5.
The cross fourchee also occurs on the English half -groats of this time.
* Dr. Aquilla Smith attributes all the coins of this type with the name of Henry
to Henry VII (Trans. Roy. Irish Acad., vol. xix., 18iO).
HENEY VII. 227
The groats of this issue appear to have always the double-arched Plate iviii.
crown and the half-groats the single-arched one. SILVER.
The penny of this issue, of which only one specimen is known, has
on the obverse the letter h under a double-arched crown and around, the
king's name ; and on the reverse the cross and pellets with the mint-
name of Dublin.
49. Groat. Dublin. th issue. Obv. x h6(HRIC(VS Dl SRAC(lfi R3X ASfll.
Bust of king facing, wearing shallow open crown and within a circle. Rev.
POSVI DSVm 7XDIVTORIV5Tl_qiVIT7\S DVBLin (in two concentric
circles). Long cross fourch6e with three pellets in each angle. M I'O.
Wt. 26-8.
Groats only of this issue are known, and of the Dublin mint.
Varieties have the bust of the king within a tressure, and there are
roses, cinquefoils, annulets and crosses at the sides of the head.
Simon, Irish Coins, p. 19, classed these pieces to Henry V.
Henry VIII. 1509-1547.
COINAGE. Silver. Groat, Half-Groat, Sixpence^ Threepence, Three
Halfpence, and Three Farthings.*1 ^,/^<i*v*'iy ,/ //*-/?*./- //i /**- -
ISSUES, &c. Four: 1st issue (1526?-1541), Groat and Half-Groat.
2nd issue (1541), Groat. 3rd issue (1544 1546), Sixpence, Threepence,
Three Halfpence, and Three Farthings. 4th issue (15461547), Sixpence.
Their weight was at 35 to 40 grs. to the groat, and 35 to 44 grs. to
the sixpence ; and their fineness varied as follows : First and second
issues, | silver to \ alloy ; third issue, f silver to ^ alloy ; and fourth
issue, % silver to f alloy.
Several denominations new to the Irish series were introduced
during this reign. These were the sixpence, threepence, three half-
pence, and three farthings. These alone bear the mint-name of Dublin.
50. Groat. Istissue. Obv. hedlRICC : VIII' : D' : 6' : R' A6LI6C : Z (stops,
saltires) ; m. tn. crown. Shield, arms of England, crowned, on a long cross
fourchee. Rev. FR^nCCS : DOttlinVS : hlBSRmeC : (stops, saltires) ;
m. m. crown. Harp crowned between h and I (Henry and Jane Seymour),
both crowned, a -95. Wt. 38 '7.
Dr. Aquilla Smith * was of opinion that no coins were struck for
Ireland during this reign before 1537. He bases his argument on the
fact, that in that year Lord Deputy Gray urged the necessity of a
mint in Ireland but he shows that between the years 1520 and 1543
various sums of money were from time to time transmitted to Ireland.
If we take the English gold coins as our guide, on which the same
initials h I, &c., occur as on the Irish silver, it may be concluded that
the first issue for Ireland took place soon after 1526. According
to this classification these initials are h K = Henry and Katherine
of Aragon ; h ft = Henry and Anne Boleyn ; h I = Henry and
Jane Seymour ; and h R = Henricus Rex. Dr. Smith attributes
the initials K, A, and I to Katherine Howard, Anne of Cleves, and
Jane Seymour respectively. Though some of the coins (see Nos. 54-
56) bear the mint-name of Dublin, there is no evidence to show
* Numismatic Chronicle, 1879, p. 165.
Q 2
228 IEISH COINS.
Plate iviii. that there was a regal mint in Ireland during the reign of Henry VIII.
SILVER. On the other hand, it is recorded that Irish coins were struck in
London and Bristol, and then exported (see Nos. 54 and 57).
51. Groat. 1st issue. Same as the preceding; but on the rev. at the sides of the
shield are the letters h 7\ (Henry and Anne Boleyn), both crowned, .si *95.
Wt. 38-0.
Varieties of the above have h K (Henry and Katherine of
Aragon), and h R (Henricus Rex). Some have the Arabic numeral
8 after the king's name, and on others the numeral or numerals are
omitted.
52. Half-Groat. 1st issue. Obv. hQHRIC(' : 8 : D' : <3' : R fiSU : Z (stops,
saltires) ; m. m. crown. Shield, crowned, &c., as on No. 50. Rev.
FRfiftQeC : DRS' : hlBSRIQ (stops, saltires); m. m. crown. Harp,
crowned, between h K (Henry and Katherine of Aragon), both crowned.
jR-7. Wt. 21-0.
Varieties have the same initials on the roverse as the groats, with
the exception of those of h R, which do not occur. They all have
8 or VIII after the king's name.
53. Groat. 2nd issue. Obv. he(n,RIC(VS' Ylll Dl GRfiCXIfi ARSUS; m. m.
lis. Shield, crowned, &c., as on No. 50. Bev. FR7\nO(ie( : 9T :
hlBSRftlGC : R6(X : (stops, saltires); m. m. lis. Harp, crowned, as on
No. 50, but letters at sides h R (Henricus Rex), both crowned. M I'O.
Wt. 39-0.
There is no difficulty in fixing the date of this issue, as
Henry was not styled "Hiberniae Rex" till 8th September, 1541.
Previous to that date, he was styled " Dominus Hiberniae." These
coins have only the initials of the king on the reverse. This issue
consists of groats only.
54. Sixpence. Dublin. 3rd issue. Obv. HENRIC' 8' - D' G' AGL' -
FRA' Z' HIB' REX. Bust of king, three-quarters to r., crowned
and 'clothed. Bev. CIVITAS DVBLINIE; m. m. P.* Shield, arms of
England, on cross fourchee with half-rose in each fork, jj 1-0. Wt. 39 '7.
Others have for mint-mark a harp, a boar's head, a sun, &c.
This coinage was issued under an indenture granted in 1544-5 to
Sir Martin Bowes. It was struck in London and exported to Dublin.
The indenture ordered that the money should be composed of eight
ounces fine silver and four ounces alloy. The sixpence and three-
pence were to answer to the weights of the English groat and two-
pence. All the coins of this issue have the mint-name of Dublin. It
is the only instance of a mint-name during this reign.
55. Threepence. Dublin. 3rd issue. Same as the Sixpence, but the legend on
theobv. more abbreviated, HENRIC : 8 : D : G : AG : FR : Z : HIB :
REX ; m. m. harp on rev. M -75. Wt. 21 '7.
Varieties differ in the obverse legend, which is more or less abbre-
viated. The mint-marks are the same as those on the sixpence.
* The mint-mark p may be the initial of Martyn Piri, who in 1550 was
appointed master of the Dublin mint (Ending, vol. i., p. 318). Piri, however,
appears to have been connected with the Dublin mint for some time previous to
that date.
HENEY VIII. 229
56. Three Halfpence. Dublin. 3rd issue. Same type as the Sixpence, No. 54, Plate Iviii.
hut the bust is nearly full- face and the legends read, obv. H D G SITVPR
ROSA SINE SPINE; rev. CIVITAS DVBINIE. x. -6. Wt. 8-0.
Neither these nor the three farthings have mint-marks. The three
farthings have the obverse as the three halfpence, but on the reverse is
a cross fourchee with three pellets in each angle instead of a shield.
They also read SP. for SPINE.
57. Sixpence. 4th issue. Obv. hSriRIQ 8 D : <o : finSL' FRKftCC (stops,
annulets). Shield, arms of England, crowned, on a cross fourchee. Rev.
6(T hlBSRniS RSX 38 (stops, roses and crosses); m. m. W. S.
(mon.). Harp crowned between h R, both crowned. JR 1'05. Wt. 38*8.
This type is similar to that of the groat of the first issue. Sixpences
only are known of this coinage. The numerals on the reverse mark
the 38th year (1546-7) of the king's reign. The monogram W. S. on
the reverse are the initials of Sir William Sharington, master of
the mint at Bristol, by whom this coinage was struck. A variety
dated 37, i.e., 1545-6, reads hSn.RIO( VIII, and has a lis mint-mark.
These may not have been struck by Sharington. The Irish money
continued to be one-third less in current value than the English, the
sixpence being equivalent to the groat.
Edward VI. 1547-1553.
Considerable difficulty has been experienced in identifying what
coins, if any, were struck in Ireland during the reign of Edward VI.
It would appear from indentures that money was struck for Ireland
if not in Dublin itself. An indenture of 1548 to Sir Edward
Bellingham, Lord Justice of Ireland, orders the erection of a mint
in the castle of Dublin. Another, also of 1548, to Marty n Piri and
others, directs the issue of groats, half-groats, pence and halfpence.
These indentures were followed by others of 1551 and 1552, giving
further directions relating to the striking of coins for Ireland. No Irish
coins, however, of the above denominations, and bearing the name of
Edward, have been met with, which can be assigned to this period.
The only pieces which might be truly Irish are the base shillings of
1549 and 1552, which have for mint-mark a harp and bear on the obverse,
the bust of Edward VI, and on the reverse an oval garnished shield
surrounded by the legend TIMOR DOIUIRI FOftS VITS mDXLIX or
JftDLII. Of this last coin Hawkins, Silver Coins of England, 3rd ed.,
p. 292, remarks : " It is not easy to account for this date (JYIDLII) upon
a base shilling, as the money of fine silver was certainly in circulation
in the preceding year." It may therefore be concluded that the money
is Irish. Archdeacon Pownall * would also class to Ireland those base
shillings struck between 1550 and 1552, bearing the mint-marks a lion,
a lis, and a rose. Further, Sir John Evans f proposes to increase the
series of Edward's Irish coins by adding to it the smaller base-metal
pieces, sixpences, threepences, &c. (see Nos. 54-56) with mint-mark harp,
* Num. Chron., 1881, p. 48 et seqq.
t Ib., 1886, p. 152, et seq.
230
IRISH COINS.
Plate iviii.
SILVER,
and bearing the bust and name of Henry VIII, and which are generally
supposed to have been issued in the 36th year of his reign under an
indenture with Sir Martin Bowes of the London mint. It is true
that in the case of his first English gold coins Edward used his own
portrait but his father's name, yet it is difficult to conceive that
he should have extended this practice so far into his reign, and at
the same time to have issued shillings of one type, and the lesser
denominations of another one. The question of the Irish coinage
during this reign still remains undecided.
Mary (alone). 1553-1554.
COINAGE. Silver. Shilling, Groat, Half-Groat, and Penny.
ISSUES, &c. Mary's coinage for Ireland, like that for England, is of
two periods, viz. that struck before her marriage (1553-1554), and that
struck after her marriage with Philip of Spain (1554-1558). The
former consisted of the above-mentioned denominations, the types
being the same throughout. In the proclamation of 20 Aug. 1553
regulating the standard of the English coinage, that for Ireland was
specially excepted as " being of a special standard." The order for
the Irish coinage was therefore of a somewhat later date.
The weight of the coins was at 96 grs. to the shilling or 32 grs. to
the groat, the same as the English money : and from analysis their
fineness was about | fine silver to - alloy.
Plate lix. 58. Shilling. 1553. Obv. flirt Rlfi D' 6' fiRG' FR7T Z : hIB'
RQ6in.fi (stops, annulets; lis after 5TlfiRI7X). Bust of queen to l. r
crowned and draped, and wearing necklace with pendant. Rev. V6(R ITfiS :
TeUUPORIS : FILIfi : m:D:LIII (stops, annulets ; lis after V6( RITAS).
A harp crowned between M R, both crowned, m 1'25. Wt. 87 '6.
Dated also 1554. The shilling is the only dated coin of this reign ;
and if we except the uncertain pieces of Edward VI (see above) it is
the first issue of that denomination for Ireland. The inscriptions are
the same as on Mary's English coins ; that on the reverse being the
queen's motto, which was placed on both sides of her great seal. That
on the obverse varies slightly in the last two words.
59. Groat. Same as the Shilling, but reading RSSI for R6(6IR7Y, and there is no
date on the reverse. At 95. Wt. 31 6.
There are no varieties of this coin. The half-groat is of precisely
the same type as the groat, but the obverse legend is more abbreviated.
60. Penny. Same type as the Groat; but the legends read, obv. M : D G
ROSfi - SINE SPIN (lis after ROS7X) ; rev. VERITfiS TEMPORIS
FILI7X . JR -65. Wt. 8-4.
There are also no varieties of the penny except that one reads
VERTfiS for VERITfiS.
There is no evidence that at any time during this reign a mint was
established in Ireland. The coins were probably struck in London and
exported to Ireland as in the reign of Henry VIII.
PHILIP AND MARY. 231
Philip and Mary. 1554-1558.
COINAGE. Silver. Shilling and Groat. Plate lix
ISSUES, &c. One issue only of each denomination.
The weight of the shilling was 144 grs., and that of the groat 48 grs.,
being at the rate of 40 shillings or 120 groats to the pound troy;
and their fineness was 3 oz. fine to 9 oz. alloy.
61. Shilling. 1555. Obv. PHILIP : ET : MARIA : D : G : REX : ET :
REGINA : ANG. Busts of Philip and Mary face to face; he is in armour;
she is draped; above, crown; below, 1555. Rev. POSVIMVS : DEVM :
ADIVTOREM : NOSTRVM ; m. m. portcullis. A crowned harp between
P M, both crowned, jul-4. Wt. 187-0.
This is the only date on the shilling ; it occurs also at the sides of
the crown above the heads. The only other mint-mark is the rose ; it
is found both on the obverse and the reverse, but the portcullis is always
on the reverse only. This coinage was struck in accordance with an
indenture dated 6th December, 1554, to Sir Edmund Peckham, Treasurer
of the English mint, and others. It was made from base money brought
into England by Philip ; and was struck in London and exported.
There appears still to have been no mint in operation in Ireland.
62. Groat. 1556. Same as the Shilling, but reading A for ANG and the date
1556, which is placed above the heads and at the sides of the crown;
m. m. rose, jal-l. Wt. 47-5.
Others are dated 1555, 1557, and 1558, and have for mint-mark a
portcullis as on the shillings. The date is always at the sides of the
crown. Varieties read Z for ET and AN, ANG or ANGL.
On the 19th September, 1556, the circulation of the English rose-
pennies, which were much debased, was forbidden in any part of the
king and queen's dominions except Ireland.
Elizabeth. 1558-1603.
COINAGE. Silver. Shilling, Sixpence, Groat, and Threepence. Copper.
Penny and Halfpenny.
ISSUES, &c. Silver. Three : 1st issue (1558), Shilling and Groat
(bust and harp type). 2nd issue (1561), Shilling and Groat (bust and
shield type). 3rd issue (1598), Shilling, Sixpence, and Threepence
(shield and harp type). Copper. One (1598), Penny and Halfpenny.
The weight of the silver coins varied as follows : The shilling, 1st
issue, 144 grs. ; 2nd issue, 72 grs. ; and third issue, about 88 grs. The
copper coins were at 30 grs. to the penny.
The fineness of the silver was for the 1st and 3rd issues 3 oz. fine
and 9 oz. alloy, and for the 2nd issue 1 1 oz. fine and 1 oz. alloy.
63. Shilling. 1st issue. Obv. ELIZABETH : D : G : ANG : FRA : Z : HIB :
REGINA ; m. m. rose. Bust of queen to 1., crowned, draped and wearing
ruff. Rev. POSVI : DEVM : ADIVTOREM : MEVM; m. m. rose. A
harp crowned between E R, both crowned. ^ 1'25. Wt. 143-3.
A harp also occurs as mint-mark. As in the previous reign this
232 IKISH COINS.
Plate HX. money was issued under an indenture dated 1558 to Sir Edmund
SILVER. Peckham of the English mint and others ; and was therefore minted in
London. It was struck from the base money current in England at
the rate of 40 shillings or 120 groats to the pound troy. Simon (Irish
Coins, p. 37) says that, when the base money was decried in England,
it was sent to Ireland, where the current value of the shilling soon fell
to fourpence and later on to twopence.
64. Groat. 1st issue. Same type and legends as the Shilling. 2R I'O.
Wt. 43-8.
65. Shilling. 1561. 2nd issue. Obv. ELIZABETH : D' G' A' F' ET
HIBERNIE' REG'; m. m. harp. Bust of queen to 1., crowned, draped
and wearing ruff. Rev. POSVI : DEVM : ADIVTOREM : MEVM ;
m. in. harp. A shield, crowned and bearing three harps, dividing date,
1561. jRl-3. Wt. 66-0.
The coinage of this issue is of nearly the same fineness as the English
money, but was considerably lighter, eighty -two shillings being struck to
the pound, whereas the English shillings were at the rate of sixty-two.
The Irish shilling was therefore valued at ninepence English and the
groat at threepence. The coins of the second issue are dated 1561
only, and the only mint-mark is the harp.
66. Groat. 1561. 2nd issue. Same as the Shilling, but the legends are slightly
more abbreviated, reading Z for ET, RE for REG and MEV for MEVM.
JR -9. Wt. 21-0.
67. Shilling. 3rd issue. Obv. ELIZABETH' D' G' ANG' FR' ET
HIBER' -RE'; m. m. martlet. Square shield, arms of England. Rev.
POSVI DEVM ADIVTOREM - MEV; m. m. martlet. A harp
crowned. Ml" 2. Wt. 89 -7.
This coinage was struck under an indenture dated 1598 to Sir John
Martin and Richard Martin of the London mint. It is of the same
baseness as the first issue, i.e. 3 oz. fine and 9 oz. alloy. The moneys
to be coined were the shilling, sixpence, threepence, penny and half-
penny ; but none of the last two denominations are known in silver. '
They are said to have been specially used for the payment of the army in
Ireland. None of the coins are dated, but the mint-mark is varied,
being a star, a trefoil, or a mullet. Another issue appears to have
been ordered in 1601 of a still baser standard, viz. 2 oz. 8 dwts.
fine and 9 oz. 2 dwts. alloy.
68. Sixpence. 3rd issue. Same type as the Shilling, and same legends and m. m.
Ml'O. Wt. 35-4.
The threepence is of the same type.
COPPER. 69. Penny. 1601. Obv. ELIZABETH - D' G' AN' - FR' ET HIBER'
RE; m. m. star. Square shield, arms of England, between E R . Rev.
POSVI - DEV ADIVTOREM MEV; m. m. star. A harp crowned,
dividing date, 1601. ^-8. Wt. 30-5.
Dated also 1602. The mint-marks are a star, a cross, a mullet, alis,
a martlet or a crescent. This copper coinage was issued under an
indenture of 1601, by which it was prescribed that 190J, pennies were
to go to the pound. Farthings as well as halfpence were also ordered,
ELIZABETH. 233
but none of the former are known. It is very probable that none plale lix -
were struck, as no mention is made of them in a proclamation of the
next reign relating to this coinage.
70. Halfpenny. 1601. Same as the Penny, but reading HIB for HIBER. M -6.
Wt. 13-3.
Dated also 1602, and with same mint-marks as the penny.
James I. 1603-1625.
COINAGE. Silver. Shilling and Sixpence. Copper. Farthing.
ISSUES, &c. Silver. Two : 1st issue (1603), Shilling and Sixpence.
2nd issue (1605), same, but king's titles varied (see descriptions).
Copper. One (1613), Farthing.
The weight of the silver coins throughout this reign was at 70^- grs.
to the shilling ; and the copper was ordered to be at 6 grs. to the
farthing. The silver coins were 9 oz. fine and 3 oz. alloy.
71. Shilling. 1st issue. Obv. IACOBVS - D' G' ANG' SCO' FRA' . Plate lx.
ET HIB' REX; m. m. bell. Bust of king to r., crowned, in armour. SILVER.
Rev. EXVRGAT DEVS - DISSIPENTVR - INIMICI; m. m. bell. A
harp crowned. M 1-1. Wt. 70- 0.
The only variety of the shilling is in the mint-mark, which is also a
bird. When the new coinage, consisting of shillings and sixpences,
was issued in 1603, the base money of the previous reign was ordered
to pass for one-third of its former current value, and in 1605 it was
still further reduced to one-fourth. No change, however, was made in
the current values of the copper penny and halfpenny.
72. Sixpence. 1st issue. Same as the Shilling ; but the legend on the rev.
reads, TVEATVR VNITA DEVS; same m. m. M -9. Wt. 34-8.
Also with the mint-mark a bird.
73. Shilling. 2nd issue. Obv. IACOBVS D' G' MAG' - BRIT' FRA' .
ET HIB' REX; m. m. martlet. Bust of king to r., as on No. 71.
Rev. HENRICVS ROSAS REGNA IACOBVS; m. m. martlet. A
harp crowned. M 1-1. Wt. 69-0.
The difference between the shillings and sixpences of the 1st and
2nd issues consists mainly in the change of the king's titles. On the
former he is styled "Angliae, Scotiae, &c., Rex;" but on the latter,
" Magnae Britanniae, &c., Rex." A like difference occurred in the
case of the English coins. On the shilling the reverse legend was also
changed. The mint-marks are a martlet, a rose, an escallop and a
cinquefoil.
The sixpence of this issue is the same as that of the first, except for
the change in the king's title. The mint-marks are the same as on the
shilling. Though not dated these coins appear to have been struck
till the year 1613. In 1607 the English shilling was ordered to pass
for sixteen pence.
234 IBISH COINS.
Plato ix. 74. Farthing Token. (1613.) Obv. IACO D G MAG BRI ; m. m. sword.
(/oi-i'KK. Two sceptres in saltire through a crown. Rev. FRA ET HIB REX.
A harp crowned. M '65. Wt. 8 '6.
These farthing tokens are the same as those issued for currency in
England at the same period (see p. 105, No. 562). In the proclamation
relating to them it was ordered that a " competent quantity " should be
struck for the king's subjects within the realms of England and Ireland
and the dominion of Wales. The mint-marks are of great variety. It
would appear that all the Irish coins of this reign were struck in
London.
Charles I. 1625-1649.
COINAGE. The only purely regal money coined for Ireland during
this reign is the Farthing Token in copper. It is similar to that of
James I already described. They are of two issues, 1626 and 1635:
and are of the same types as those current in England, and in fact
they are of the same series, being also struck in London. During the
period of the Civil War the dearth of an official currency was to some
extent supplemented by special local issues, commonly known as
" money of necessity." These coins are of gold, silver, and copper, and
form several well-defined groups (see below).
75. Farthing Token. (1626.) Obv. CARO D G MAG BRI; m. m. rose.
Two sceptres in saltire through a crown. Rev. FRA ET HIB REX.
A harp crowned. M '7. Wt. 7 -6.
The nominal weight of these farthings was 6 grs. ; but almost
without exception they are much heavier. The second issue (1635)
varies in having a crowned rose on the reverse instead of a harp (see
p. 122, No. 655). The mint-marks are numerous. These tokens were
sent to Ireland in such large numbers that in 1634 it was ordered by
proclamation that no person should be forced to take them, and that
none should pay above twopence in farthings in any one payment.
Several attempts were made to revive the mint in Dublin ; but
without success, and in 1637 it was commanded by proclamation that
the title or name of Irish money or harps should be abolished, and all
accounts should be reduced into sterling and made in English money.
MONEY OF NECESSITY.*
The issue of this " Money of Necessity " in Ireland extended from
1642 to 1647, the period of the so-called " Irish Rebellion." It is very
similar in character to the English siege money of the same period ;
much of it being of mere pieces of metal of irregular shape, stamped
with a value or other mark. They are of gold, silver, and copper;
the gold is however the exception (see note No. 76). The primary
object in issuing this money was for the relief of the Government and
* See Dr. A. Smith, " Money of Necessity issued in Ireland in the Eeign of
Charles the First," published in the Proceedings of the Kilkenny Archaeological
Society, Vol. iii., New series, 1860.
CHARLES I. 235
the payment of the army, which was sent to suppress the rebels. The Plate ix.
example set by the Crown was soon followed by the rebels, who also
struck money for their own use.
The various series or groups of this money with their probable dates
are : 1. The Inchiquin money (1642) ; 2. The Dublin money (1642) ;
3. The Kilkenny money (1642); 4. The " Blacksmith's" money (1642) ;
5. The Ormonde money (1643) ; 6. The Rebel money (1643); 7. The
Cork money (1647).
Besides these there are certain copper pieces, pennies, &c., of the
towns of Bandon, Kinsale, and Youghal of somewhat uncertain date.
76. INCHIQUIN MONEY. (1642.) Crown. An irregular polygon, having ^'. g g' SlLVER >
stamped on both sides within a double circle, the outer one beaded. JR 1-9.
Wt. 423-0.
Though undated the Inchiquin money is supposed to be the earliest
of the series, and to have been struck from plate, which at the
instigation of the Lords Justices and Council the " loyal subjects " of
the king were induced to bring in for that purpose. The Act or order
is dated 5 January, 1642. Though this money is called after Lord
Inchiquin, who was Vice-President of Munster, he does not appear to
have been in any way concerned with its issue, for at the time he was
engaged in suppressing the rebellion in the south of Ireland.
The gold coin of this issue is known as the pistole. It is of irregular
tt
shape as the silver coins, but is stamped on both sides with 4 : dw.
7 :gr
Of this coin only two specimens are known, and both are of recent
discovery. It is the only gold piece of money in the whole Irish series.
77. Half-Crown. Same as the Crown, but stamped on both sides with w> f
Ml- 25. Wt. 233-6.
t
78. Shilling. Same as the Crown, No. 76, but stamped on both sides with dw gr
2B1-1. Wt. 90-0. 3:21.
79. Ninepence. Same as the Crown, No. 76, but stamped on both sides with
dw gr. JR. 1-05. Wt. 68-0.
2 : 20.
80. Ninepence. A variety of the last coin : it is octagonal in shape ; and has on
the rev. nine annulets arranged in three lines. JR -9. Wt. 64 '5.
This coin and similar varieties of the sixpence, groat, and threepence
were struck in order to enable the most illiterate persons to recognise
their values. There are no crowns, half-crowns, or shillings of this
type.
There are sixpences of both types ; the one is stamped on both sides
t.
with dw gr. ; the other on one side only with these marks, and on
1 22
the reverse six annulets arranged irregularly.
t.
81. Groat. Similar to the Crown, No. 76, but stamped on both sides with dw gr.
M -75. Wt. 33-3. 1 - 6 -
236 IEISH COINS.
Plate L\. 82. Groat. A variety of the preceding with four annulets arranged in two linos on
SILVER. the rev. M '1. Wt. 34-5.
A threepence of similar type has f stamped on the obverse, and
three annulets on the reverse. Only two specimens are known of this
last coin. No specimen with |g stamped on both sides has been met
with ; but in all probability it was issued.
83. DUBLIN MONEY. ' (1642.) Crown. An irregular polygon, stamped on both sides
with 8-V (or V-S) within two circles, the outer one beaded. M 1-35.
Wt. 389-0.
The date of the issue of this money is very uncertain, but it pro-
bably occurred between Jan. 1642 and May 1643, the dates assigned
to the Inchiquin and Ormonde pieces, to which they bear some
resemblance in shape and type. These coins are now called " Dublin
Money," because they were probably struck in that city.
84. Half-Crown. Same as the last, but stamped on both sides with ,,' V1 '
2R1-2. Wt. 234-5.
These are the only known denominations of this money.
COPPER. 85. KILKENNY MONEY. (1642.) Halfpenny. Obv. FRA [ET HIBER
R]EX. Two sceptres in saltire through a crown; below, m. m. harp.
Rev. [CAROLVS D G ] MAG [BRI]. A harp crowned between C R.
M 1-05. Wt. 100-4.
There are also farthings of similar type. The halfpenny weighs
about 100 grs., and the farthing about 40 grs.
This money was issued under a proclamation of the Confederate
Catholics dated at Kilkenny, 15 November, 1642, which ordered "that
there shall be 4000Z. of red copper coyned to farthings and ^ pence,
with the harp and the crown on one side and two septers on the other."
This description is sufficiently accurate to identify the above coin with
this order. They are frequently ill-struck, and the obverse and reverse
legends are occasionally transposed as on the above. Some are counter-
marked with a castle, the arms of Kilkenny, and the letter K, in order
to distinguish the genuine pieces from forgeries of which a considerable
quantity was in circulation.
Plate ixi. 86. " BLACKSMITH'S " MONEY. (1642.) Half-Crown. Obv. CAROLVS D G
SILVER. MAG BRIT FRA ET HIB REX; m.m. cross. King (Charles I.)
on horseback to 1. ; sword in r. hand and directed over his shoulder : plume
on horse's head and trappings ornamented with a broad cross : no ground
under its feet. Rev. CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO; m. m. harp.
Oval shield garnished between C R. ^jl-45. Wt. 222-6.
Varieties are without any trappings, and have ground under the
horse's feet. The obverse legend is also differently abbreviated.
The date of the issue of these half-crowns is somewhat un-
certain ; but it is possible that they were struck in conformity to the
order of the Confederate Catholics of the 15th November, 1642, which
directed that " the plate of this kingdom be coined with the ordinarie
stamp used in the moneyes now currant." They have of late times
received the appellation of "Blacksmith" half-crowns on account of their
CHAELES I. 237
very rude workmanship. No other denominations are known of this Plate ixi.
coinage. SILVER.
87. ORMONDE MONEY. (1643.) Crown. Obv. C R surmounted by a crown;
around, a double circle, the outer one beaded. Eev. y within a double
circle as on the obv. JRl'7. Wt. 419-0.
This money has received the name of "Ormonde Money," as it is
supposed to have been issued during the viceroy alty of James,
Marquis, and subsequently Duke of Ormonde, who received his
appointment in November 1643. It was ordered by a letter of
Charles I of the 25th May, 1643, addressed to the Lords Justices,
and was made current by proclamation at Dublin on the 8th July
following. The letter of the king directs that " the plate should be
melted down and coined into five shillings, half-crowns, twelvepences
and sixpences or any less values, and to be stamped on one side with
the letters C R with a crown above, and on the other side the value
of the said several pieces respectively."
88. Half-Crown. Same as the last, but on the reverse, the mark of value ,^ ?, *
^1-4. Wt. 233-0.
89. Shilling. Same as the Crown, No. 87, but on the reverse, the mark of
value ^^ jul'15. Wt. 95-6.
90. Sixpence. Same as the Crown, No. 87, but on the reverse, the mark of value
^' JR '85. Wt. 44-6.
91. Fourpence. Same as the Crown, No. 87, but on the reverse, the mark of
value u^- JR -7. Wt. 25-6.
92. Threepence. Same as tbe Crown, No. 87, but on the reverse, the mark of
value ,y,- M -6. Wt. 23-8.
93. Twopence. Same as the Crown, No. 87, but on the reverse, the mark of
value ^ JR -55. Wt. 14-0.
The penny with the mark of value ^ is figured by Euding, PI. xxvii.,
No. 15, but at present no genuine specimen is known.
94. REBEL MONEY. (1643.) Crown. Obv. A large cross pattee within a plain
circle. Eev. y within a double circle, the outer one beaded. M 1-6.
Wt. 355-7.
From its type it is evident that this money, which consists only of
crowns and half-crowns, is imitated from the Ormonde money. On
account of the substitution on the obverse of a cross for the royal
initials and a crown, it is supposed to have emanated from the rebels.
95. Half-Crown. Same as tbe Crown, but with mark of value on the reverse
* y { - jBl-25. Wt. 197-0.
96. CORK MONEY. 1647. Shilling (octagonal). 1647. O&u. CORK 1647 in two-
lines and within a beaded border. Rev. XII within a beaded border.
M -9. Wt. 67-4.
It is not improbable that the Cork money, shillings and sixpences in
238
IRISH COINS.
Plate ixi. silver and pennies in copper, was struck by order of Lord Inchiquin.
SILVER, during his short sojourn in that city in May 1647. This attribution
somewhat supports the tradition that money was coined there by
his order.
97. Sixpence. 1647. Same as the Shilling, but on the reverse, the mark of
value VI. jR-7. Wt. 31-7.
COPPER The small copper coins, pennies ?, which were struck in Cork about
this time, are of two types : 1. obv. CORK in a circle ; rev. a castle ;
2. obv. CORKE under a crown ; rev. no legend or device.
The other copper coins struck at this period are of Bandon, Kinsale,
and Youghal. They were probably intended to pass as pennies, and
may have been issued by the rebels in 1646, as all those places were
in their hands at that time. The types are as follows :
BANDON. Obv. B B (Bandon Bridge, the old name of Bandon), within a
circle of small lozenges. Rev. Three castles, the arms of the town.
M -75. Wt. 31grs.
KINSALE. Obv. K S within a circle of dots. Rev. A chequered shield, the
arms of Kinsale, surrounded by pellets. M -75. Wt. 44 grs.
YOUGHAL. Obv. A ship within a circle or on a shield. Rev. Y T ; above, a
bird; below, 1646; or Y T; below, 1646; or Y T only in a circle: or
obv. a fish; rev. Y T in a circle. M '75 to '5 (square or circular).
Wt. 55 to 9.
These last pieces are important, as they show about what date the copper
money of necessity was issued.
Commonwealth. 1649-1660.
During the Commonwealth no official money was issued for special
currency in Ireland ; but the scarcity of small change was to a certain
degree supplemented by penny, halfpenny, and farthing tokens in
copper, which were chiefly struck by town corporations and tradesmen.
They are of precisely the same nature as the tokens struck in England
during the same period. Many of these tokens are of good work and
well struck. Three specimens are described below.
Plate Ixii 98. Cork Farthing. Obv. A v CORKE v FARTHING v Shield with cross
COPPER. of St. George. Rev. A v CORKE v FARTHING v A harp. M -75.
Wt. 34-5.
As this coin has the shield of the Commonwealth, it may have been
issued under some official order. This particular one is struck on a
double-tournois of Louis XIII of France.
99. Belfast Farthing. 1657. Obv. WILLIAM v SMITH; m.m. mullet. In
centre W S ; above and below, mullet between two roses. Rev. OF
BELFAST (stops, roses) ; m. m. mullet. In centre, 1657 ; above and below,
mullet between two roses. M -65. Wt. 21-0.
100. Cork Penny. 1659. Obv. A - CORK PENNY 1659. In centre C C
(Cork City), divided by scroll pattern. Rev. THE ARMES OF CORK.
Ship and castle. M -85. Wt. 63-5.
This piece is of good work. The issue of these tokens appears to
have continued till 1673.
CHARLES II. 239
Charles II. 1649-1685.
COINAGE. Silver. Crown and Half-Crown. Copper. Halfpenny and Plat e ML
Farthing.
ISSUES, &c. Silver. One (1649?), Crown and Half -Crown. Copper.
Three : 1st issue (1660), Farthing. 2nd issue (1673-1680), St.
Patrick's Halfpenny and Farthing. 3rd issue (1680-1684), Half-
penny.
The weight of the silver coins was at the rate of about 430 grs. to
the crown ; and those of the copper varied as follows : 1st issue,
farthing, 28 to 22 grs. ; 2nd issue, St. Patrick's halfpenny, 148 to
130 grs., and farthing, 102 to 77 grs. ; and 3rd issue, halfpenny, 119
to 105 grs.
101. Crown. (1649?) Obv. CAR II - D : G MAG BRIT (single stops, SILVKII.
roses) ; m. m. lis. Large crown within a plain circle. Rev. FRA ET
HYB REX F D (stops, roses); m. m. lis. f. within a plain circle.
M 1-8. Wt. 429-3.
There is no record relating to the issue of this and the next coin.
They are however supposed to have been struck by the Marquis of
Ormonde, who proclaimed Charles II in all the places where he had
authority within about a fortnight of his father's death. The type of
reverse was taken from the Ormonde money.
102. Half-Crown. (1649 ?) Same as the Crown, but mark of value on the reverse
II y| and quatrefoil or cross after each word of legend on both sides.
jal-55. Wt. 233-6.
As both these coins are very scarce, it may be presumed that the
issue was a very limited one. In 1662 groats, threepences, twopences,
pennies and halfpennies in silver were ordered, and the types prescribed,
but as none are known it is probable that the order was never carried
out.*
103. Farthing. (1660.) Obv. CAROLVS II D G M - B. Two sceptres in C-IM-KK.
saltire through a crown. Rev. FRA ET HIB REX; m. m. plume.
A harp crowned. M -65. Wt. 25 '0.
At the restoration Charles II granted a patent to Sir Thomas
Armstrong for the term of twenty-one years for coining these farthings.
At the same time the circulation of any others was prohibited. Sir
Thomas Armstrong had permission to strike them in such place as he
should find convenient. They were to be made of copper by engines,
and to weigh each twenty grains or more. On account of the
opposition of the Chief Governor of Ireland, Sir Thomas Armstrong
was prevented proceeding with his grant, and consequently but few of
these farthings were coined and sent to Ireland. Their type is similar
to the farthings of Charles I (see No. 75).
See Simon, Irish Coins, p. 52.
240 IKISH COINS.
Plate Ixii. 104. St. Patrick's Halfpenny. Obv. FLOREAT REX. David kneeling to 1.,
COPPER Paying n a harp, above which is a crown. Rev. ECCE GREX. St.
Patrick standing, facing, with a crozier in his 1. hand and a shamrock in
his r., which he holds extended over a group of figures standing about him ;
on his 1. a shield with the arms of Dublin, three castles. IE 1*1. Wt.104'3.
It is somewhat strange that in spite of its large issue there appears
to be no records relating to the St. Patrick money. Simon and
Lindsay, the two principal authorities on Irish coins, both assign it to
the reign of Charles I, circ. 1643. The style of work however shows
that it is of a much later period, and it seems much more probable,
according to Dr. Aquilla Smith, that the issue took place sometime
between 1673 and 1680 ; that is, between the cessation of the copper
tokens and the striking of a regal copper currency. This opinion is
confirmed by the circumstance that these coins formed a part of the
currency in the Isle of Man in 1678 and 1679, being specially referred
to in an Act of the Tynwald of the 24th June, 1679. Also in 1682
they were the authorized currency of the State of New Jersey.* Their
issue must therefore have occurred about that time.
105. St. Patrick's Farthing. Obv. Same as the Halfpenny. Eev. QVIESCAT
PLEBS. St. Patrick turned to 1., holding a double cross in his 1. hand
and extending his r. over reptiles, which he is driving away; on his 1.,
a church. M '95. Wt. 89-0.
The legend on the reverse seems to convey a promise of peace to
Ireland after the many vicissitudes through which it had passed. The
rebels or malignant party are typified by the reptiles.
106. Halfpenny. 1682. Obv. CAROLVS II DEI GRATIA Bust of king
to r., laureate and draped. Eev. MAG BR FRA ET HIB REX.
A harp crowned and dividing the date 1682. Ml- 05. Wt. 115-0.
Dates 16801684 inclusive. This coinage was issued under a patent
granted on the 18th May, 1680, to Sir Thomas Armstrong and Colonel
Legg for the making of copper halfpence for the use of Ireland during
the term of twenty-one years. Their prescribed weight was 110 grs.
The patent was confirmed by a proclamation of the Lord Lieutenant,
the Duke of Ormonde, but the patentees were required to redeem at
twenty shillings in current gold or silver every twenty-one shillings of
the halfpence that should be brought to them, and no one was enforced
to receive more than five shillings worth in any one payment of one
hundred pounds.
James II. 1685-1688.
COINAGE. Copper. Halfpenny. Gun Metal. Crown, Half-Crown,
Shilling, and Sixpence. White Metal. Groat. Pewter. Crown, Penny,
and Halfpenny. Brass. Halfpenny.
ISSUES, <fec. The Irish coins of James II are of two series that struck
before his abdication in 1688, and that struck between 1689-1691
during the struggle in Ireland for the recovery of the throne. First
Series. Copper. Halfpenny (1685-1688). Second Series, i. Gun Metal
Num. Chron. 1899, p. 45.
JAMES II. 241
(1689-1690), Crown, Half -Crown, Shilling, and Sixpence; ii. White Place ixii
Metal (1689), Groat; iii. Pewter (1689-1690), Crown, Penny, and
Halfpenny; iv. Brass (1691), Halfpenny.
SERIES I. REGAL MONEY, 1685-1688.
107. Halfpenny. 1686. Obv. IACOBVS II DEI GRATIA. Bust of king COPPEB.
to 1., laureate and draped. Rev. MAG BR FRA ET HIB REX.
A harp crowned and dividing date 1686. m 1*05. Wt. 125-5.
Dates 1685-1688. This coinage of halfpennies took place under
letters patent granted to John Knox, Lord Mayor of Dublin, as
assignee of Sir Thomas Armstrong and Colonel Legg, now Lord
Dartmouth (see No. 106). It was a renewal of the patent of 1680, the
conditions being precisely the same. This is the only money specially
issued for Ireland during the time that James II occupied the throne.'
SERIES II. MONEY OP NECESSITY, 1689-1691.
108. GUN MONEY. Crown. 1690. Obv. IAC II DEI GRA MAG BRI -
FRA ET HIB REX. King on horseback to 1., sword in r. hand. Rev.
CHRISTO VICTORE . TRIVMPHO. The four shields of England, Scot-
land, Prance and Ireland, each crowned, arranged in form of cross ; crown
in centre : in the angles of the cross and across the field ( ; edge
ornamented with triple row of leaves. Ml'3. Wt. 208 '5.
The whole coinage struck in Ireland for James II from 1689 to 1691 is
of the nature of "money of necessity." Its current value was merely
nominal, and when ordered it was specially stated that it was only
intended to meet present necessity, and was not to continue for any
length of time. The earliest pieces issued are of copper and brass,
usually known as " gun money " in England, as occasionally the metal
of old brass guns was used in their manufacture, whilst in Ireland
the popular name was " brass money." In the first proclamation,
18th June, 1689, the striking of sixpenny pieces only was provided
for; half-crowns and shillings were ordered by another proclama-
tion of the 27th June, but crowns were not issued till the 15th June
of the following year. Many of the crowns were re-struck on the large
half-crowns (see next coin). They are of 1690 only. The crown
varies in weight from 245 to 150 grs.
109. Half-crown. Sep. 1689. Obv. IACOBVS II DEI - GRATIA. Bust of
king to 1., laureate and draped. Rev. MAG BR FRA ET HIB
REX 1689. Two sceptres in saltire behind a crown, which divides the
letters, 5 1 R. ; above crown, XXX for mark of value ; and below, the month,
Sea ' edge ornamented wit k triple row of leaves. JE 1-3. Wt. 213-0.
All except the crowns bear, besides the year of issue, the month
and also their current values. Half-crowns were first struck in July,
1689, and they occur of each subsequent month to October, 1690.
In April of that year the sizes of the half-crowns and shillings were
reduced, and from that date the edge of the half-crown is generally
milled. A few specimens of the heavy weight, however, are found
dated May, 1690. These were probably issued in error. The heavy
half-crowns vary in weight from about 295 grs. to 150 grs., and the
R
242
IEISH COINS.
Plate ixii. light ones from about 150 grs. to 100 grs. The light half-crowns differ
COPPER, from the heavy ones in having on the obverse the head and neck only
of the king ; instead of the bust with drapery.
The gun money issued during the four months from July to October,
1690, was coined at Limerick by James's adherents.
110. Shilling. Aug. 1689. Similar to the Half-Crown, but the head of the king,
not the bust, on the obverse, and on the reverse the sceptres pass through
the crown, above which is the mark of value XII, and below, the month,
Aug.', edge milled. 33 1-0. Wt. 100-0.
The shilling also was first struck in July, 1689, and is found of
each subsequent month to September, 1690. The edge is always
milled. The weight of the heavy shilling varies from 122 to 72 grs.,
and that of the light one from 100 to 66 grs. The change in the
weight, like that of the half-crown, occurred in April, 1690. The light
pieces can be easily identified by the smallness of the king's head.
Plate Ixiii. 111. Sixpence. July, 1689. Similar to the Half-Crown, No. 109, with draped
bust of king ; but on the reverse the sceptres, as on the shilling, pass through
the crown, above which is the mark of value VI, and below, the month,
July ; edge milled. JE -85. Wt. 50-0.
The sixpence is the earliest of all the denominations of this coinage,
and was first struck in June, 1689. It was coined in each consecu-
tive month to June, 1690. Its weight varies from 65 to 44 grs. ; but
there was no great reduction as in the case of the half-crowns and shillings.
Proofs in gold, silver, and pewter occur of each denomination.
Of the white metal money there is only one denomination, the
groat. It has on the obverse the bust of the king, as on the gun money
sixpence, and on the reverse a crowned harp dividing the value II II.
It is dated 1689, and the legends are the same as on the gun money
half-crown. It is '8 inch in diameter, and weighs about 51 grs. This
coin was issued a short time previous to the pewter coins, which first
appeared in March, 1689-90. The type favours this attribution, the
obverse being like the gun money, and the reverse like the pewter half-
penny (see No. 115). From its scarcity it is probable that only a limited
amount was put into circulation.
PEWTER. 112. PEWTER MONEY. Crown. 1689. Obv. IACOBVS II DEI GRATIA.
King on horseback to 1., sword in r. hand. Eev. MAG BR FRA
ET HIB REX . 1689. Crown in centre. ST. 1-55. Wt. 344-5.
Small pieces of prince's metal are inserted in the fore and hind-
quarters of the horse on the obverse, and a larger piece, over which
the crown is struck, on the reverse.
In spite of the large issues of brass and copper half-crowns,
shillings, and sixpences, there was not sufficient coinage to meet the
necessities of the king. The supplies, too, of these metals were
becoming exhausted. It was resolved, therefore, to coin money of less
intrinsic value to be made of white mixed metal.* The warrant is
WHITE
METAL.
* The soft mixed metal was known amongst the Irish as uim bog, = soft copper,
i.e. worthless money. The English word humbug is said to be derived from uim
bog, and hence it came to be applied to anything that had a specious appearance,
but which was in reality spurious.
JAMES II. 243
dated 1st March, 168990, and specifies only pennies and halfpennies Plate ixiii.
(see Nos. 114-115), which were to be of the sizes of the shilling and PEWTER.
sixpence, no mention being made of crowns. It is very probable that
though this coin was struck at this time, it may only have been a
pattern. This would account for its extreme rarity.
113. Crown. 1690. Same type and legends as the gun money Crown (No. 108),
but the edge is inscribed, MELIORIS - TESSERA - FATI - ANNO .
REGNI SEXTO. ST. 1-35. Wt. 259-5.
Pieces of prince's metal are inserted in the obverse and reverse, as
on the preceding coin. This pewter crown was ordered by proclamation
dated 21st April, 1690. Its type, which is the same as the gun money
crown, and which it actually preceded, is most minutely described in
the proclamation. It was to pass current for five shillings, and very
stringent regulations were laid down respecting the refusal of such
coins and also the imitating of them.
114. Penny. 1690. Obv. IACOBVS - II DEI - GRATIA. Head of king to 1.,
laureate ; behind, mark of value j 5 . Rev. MAG BR FRA ET HIB -
REX. A harp crowned, and dividing the date 1690. ST. 1-05. Wt. 98'0.
Pieces of prince's metal are inserted on both sides. This and the
next are the coins ordered in the warrant of 1st March, 1689-90 (see
No. 112). The pennies are dated 1689 and 1690. That of 1689
differs somewhat in type from the above in having the king's head
larger, no mark of value behind ; and on the reverse the date is above
the crown instead of at the sides of the harp. This variety also occurs
of 1690.
115. Halfpenny. 1690. Similar to the Penny ; but there is no mark of value on
the obverse ; and under the king's neck is a flower or branch (a privy mark
of the mint), and on tbe reverse the date is divided by the crown.
ST. -9. Wt. 62 '5.
Small pieces of prince's metal as on the penny. Others dated 1689
and 1690 are of the same type, but have the head larger.
116. LIMERICK MONEY. Halfpenny. 1691. Obv. IACOBVS II DEI GRATIA. BRASS.
Bust of king to 1., laureate and draped. Eev. H I BERNIA 1691. Hibernia
seated to 1., holding branch in r. hand and resting 1. on harp. M 1-1.
Wt. 97-0.
These halfpence were struck at Limerick after James's flight and
during the siege of that place. It has been already mentioned that
the later gun money pieces were struck at Limerick (see No. 109). On
account of their type of reverse, these halfpence were commonly called
" Hibernias." They were generally re-struck on gun money shillings of
both sizes.
William and Mary. 1689-1694.
COINAGE. Copper. Halfpenny.
ISSUES, &c. The prescribed weight of the halfpenny, of which there
was only one issue and type, was from four pennyweights ten grains to
four pennyweights twenty grains, i.e., 106 to 116 grs.
K 2
244 IEISH COINS.
Plate ixiii. 117. Halfpenny. 1693. Obv. GVLIELMVS ET MARIA DEI GRATIA. Busts
COPPER conjoined of William and Mary to r. ; he is laureate. Rev. MAG BR
FR ET HIB REX ET REGINA. A harp crowned and dividing
date 1693. JE 1-0. Wt. 100-6.
Dates 1690 to 1694. These are the only coins of this reign issued
specially for currency in Ireland. Simon, Irish Coins, p. 65, men-
tions pewter halfpence and farthings as having also been struck ; but
it is probable that the coins alluded to are the English pieces.
Immediately after the battle of the Boyne, William ordered that the
extravagant value of the late copper and brass money issued by
James should be reduced, and that the so-called crowns and large half-
crowns should be current at one penny each, the small half-crowns at
three farthings, and the shillings and sixpences at one farthing each.
William III. 1694-1702.
COINAGE. Copper. Halfpenny.
ISSUES, &c. There was only one issue of the halfpenny. Its
weight was the same as during the joint reign of William and Mary.
118. Halfpenny. 1696. Obv. GVLIELMVS III DEI GRATIA. Bust of
king to r., laureate and draped. Rev. MAG BR FRA ET HIB
REX. A harp crowned and dividing the date 1696. M 1-05. Wt. 113-0.
Dated also 1695. As during the joint reign of William and Mary,
halfpence only were struck by William for special currency in Ireland.
On some the bust is bare. Simon, op. cit., mentions also farthings,
but none are known.
Anne. 1702-1714.
No money was struck for Ireland in this reign. As in the previous
one there were many proclamations relating to the currency, but these
only refer to the current values of English and foreign money.
George I. 1714-1727.
COINAGE. Copper. Halfpenny and Farthing.
ISSUES, &c. There was only one issue but of two varieties, consist-
ing of a slight change in the reverse type. They are dated 1722 and
1722-1724 respectively. The prescribed weight was at 128 grs. to the
halfpenny.
119. Halfpenny. 1722. 1st var. Obv. GEORGIUS DEI GRATIA REX.
Bust of king to r., laureate and bare. Rev. HIBERNIA 1722. Hibernia
seated towards 1., and holding her harp with both hands. 2& I'l. Wt. 121-0.
No copper money having been issued since 1696, the dearth of small
change in Ireland pressed heavily on the people, and caused much distress
and inconvenience. In consequence in 1722 a patent was granted to
William Wood for the coining and uttering of copper halfpence and
farthings for use in Ireland. Wood is described as an ironmonger
or dealer in hardware. The patent was for fourteen years, and
the quantity to be issued during that period was to be limited to
GEORGE I. 245
360 tons of metal, 100 tons to be issued in the first year and 20 tons Plate ixiii.
in each year for the thirteen remaining. A pound of copper was COPPER.
to be coined into two shillings and sixpence. They are commonly
known as "Wood's Halfpence" and appear to have been coined
at Bristol. The issue only lasted three years, as the coins having
been found to be of lighter weight than prescribed by the patent,
a loud outcry was made at this attempt to defraud the State,
and this feeling was increased by the publication of the celebrated
" Draper Letters " by Dean Swift. Wood was therefore compelled to
surrender his patent in 1724. The workmanship of these coins is
far superior to the English copper money, and they were made of the
best metal that had as yet been used for Ireland. The halfpence and
farthings of the 1st variety are of 1722 only.
120. Halfpenny. 1723. 2nd var. Same as the preceding, but on the reverse
Hibernia, seated to 1., holds up a palm-branch in her r. hand, and her 1. arm
rests on the harp : date 1723. M 1-05. Wt. 123-0.
Dates 1722-1724.
121. Farthing. 1723. 2nd var. Same type, date, &c., as the last coin. ^3-85.
Wt. 63-6.
Others are dated 1724. The farthing of the 2nd variety with date
1722 appears not to be known.
George II. 1727-1760.
COINAGE. Copper. Halfpenny and Farthing.
ISSUES, &c. There were two issues, each consisting of the Halfpenny
and Farthing. The 1st issue, 17361755, presents a youthful portrait
of the king; the 2nd issue, 1760, shows an older portrait. The
weight throughout was about 134 grs. to the halfpenny.
122. Halfpenny. 1736. 1st issue. Obv. GEORGIUS II REX. Youthful Plate Ixiv.
head of king to 1., laureate. Eev. HIBERNIA. A harp crowned; below,
1736. Ml-l. Wt. 126-0.
Dates 1736-1755 except 1739, 1740, 1745, and 1754. Previous to
1736 the scarcity of small change had been met to a certain extent by
a supply of private tokens in silver and copper. On the issue of this
new copper money the circulation of these tokens was prohibited.
This coinage was struck in London, and any profit accruing from it
went to the public revenue of Ireland. The amount ordered to be
coined was fifty tons in 1737, one hundred tons in 1741, and fifty
tons in 1750. The omission of the " Dei Gratia " on the halfpence and
farthings occasioned much comment at this time.
123. Farthing. 1737. 1st issue. Same as the Halfpenny; but dated 1737.
M -9. Wt. 60-5.
The only dates of the farthing are 1737, 1738, and 1744.
In 1760 a further coinage of fifty tons of copper was ordered to be
made in halfpence and farthings. This is the second issue and it only
differs from the first in having an older portrait of the king. This
change of portrait had taken place on the English copper coins in 1740.
246 IRISH COINS.
Plate ixiv. The striking of these coins was not completed till 1762, but no change
COPPER, was made in the dies, all bearing the portrait of George II and the
date 1760.
124. "Voce Populi" Halfpenny. 1760. Obv. VOCE POPULI. Bust to r.,
bare, head laureate; before, P. Bev. HI BERN I A. Hibernia seated to 1.,
holding branch and sceptre ; her harp at her side; in the exergue, 1760.
jEl-1. Wt. 144-0.
The sudden cessation of the issue of regal coins in 1755 supplied
another occasion for the striking of private tokens. These comprised
chiefly twopences, which were struck in the North of Ireland. A few,
however, were issued in Dublin, amongst which were the so-called
"Yoce Populi " halfpence and farthings. A specimen of the former,
on account of the interest associated with them, is described above.
They were struck by a man named Roche, or Roach, of South King
Street, Dublin, who was a manufacturer of metal buttons for the
army. It has been suggested that the bust on the obverse is of
Prince Charles Edward and the letter P to be the initial of Princeps.
Varieties .have the letter P under the bust or on the reverse : but the
majority are without this letter. The farthings, which are much
rarer, are of the same type as the halfpennies. The weights vary from
145 to 102 grs. to the halfpenny and 65 to 62 grs. to the farthing.
It is said that the first sort of these tokens which Roach sent out was
badly finished, had the head looking to the 1., and had for inscription
VOX POPULI. None, however, appear to be known.
George III. 1760-1820.
COINAGE.* Silver. Six Shillings, Thirty Pence, Ten Pence, and
Five Pence (Bank of Ireland Tokens). Copper. Penny, Halfpenny,
and Farthing.
ISSUES. Copper. Two: 1st issue (1766), Halfpenny. 2nd issue
(1805), Penny, Halfpenny, and Farthing.
The issues of the Bank tokens were Six Shillings, 1804 ; Thirty
Pence, 1808 ; Ten Pence, 1805 and 1813 ; and Five Pence, 1805.
125. Halfpenny. 1766. 1st issue. Obv. GEORGIVS III REX. Head of
king to r., laureate. Eev. HIBERNIA. A harp crowned; below, 1766.
Ml-1. Wt. 126-0.
Dates, 1766, 1769, 1775, 1776, and 1781-1783. The contract for
this coinage was similar to those of George II. The amount ordered
to be coined in 1766 was fifty tons. Only halfpence of this issue are
known.
126. Penny. 1805. 2nd issue. Obv. GEORGIUS III D : G REX. Bust of
king to r., laureate and draped; on shoulder K (C. H. Kiichler). Rev.
HIBERNIA. A harp crowned; below, 1805. ja 1-35. Wt. 271-5.
This coinage, consisting of the penny, halfpenny and farthing, is
precisely of the same pattern as the new English coinage of 1806. It
* The coins issued for Ireland during this reign are of two classes, official and
semi-official. The former comprise only copper pieces, pennies, halfpennies, and
farthings : the latter are Bank tokens of various values in silver.
GEORGE III. 247
was at the rate of twenty-six pennies to the pound avoirdupois. It Plate ixiv.
is somewhat singular that its issue should have preceded that of the COPPER.
English coinage by one year. The dies of all were made by Kuchler,
and the coins were struck at the Soho mint, Birmingham, by Matthew
Boulton. Pence and halfpence are of 1805 only; but farthings are
of 1805 and 1806. There is a pattern for a penny dated 1813 by
Thomas Wyon, but it was not issued for circulation.
127. Halfpenny. 1805. Same as the Penny. JE 1-1. Wt. 136 '5.
Of this date only.
128. Farthing. 1806. Same as the Penny, but dated 1806. M '8. Wt. 67 -0.
Dated also 1805.
129. Six Shilling Token. 1804. Obv. GEORGIUS III DEI GRATIA REX. SILVER.
Bust of king to r., laureate and draped ; on shoulder, c. H. K. (C. H.
Kiichler). Rev. BANK OF IRELAND TOKEN; in the exergue, 1804
SIX SHILLINGS. Hibernia seated to 1., holding palm-branch ; her 1. arm
resting on her harp ; below on r., K (C. H. Kiichler). M 1*65. Wt. 414-0.
Owing to the almost entire suppression of the silver currency in
Ireland, and to the miserable condition of what did exist, much incon-
venience resulted. To remedy this evil the Bank of Ireland in 1804, fol-
lowing the example of the Bank of England, obtained leave of the Privy
Council to issue a silver token to pass current for 6s. These tokens
were struck by Boulton at the Soho mint, and were made out of old
Spanish pillar-dollars. In 1805, to meet the need of a smaller silver
currency, tokens for tenpence and fivepence were also issued by the
Bank of Ireland, and these were followed in 1808 by others of the
value of thirty pence.
130. Thirty Pence Token. 1808. Obv. GEORGIVS III DEI GRATIA REX.
Bust of king to r., laureate, draped and in armour; below, 1808. Rev.
BANK TOKEN; in the exergue, XXX PENCE IRISH. Britannia seated
to 1., &c., as on the preceding. 2R 1'25. Wt. 191-0.
Struck in 1808 only.
131. Ten Pence Token. 1805. Obv. Same as the Thirty Pence ; but no date.
Rev. Inscription in six lines, BANK TOKEN TEN PENCE IRISH
1805. JR -9. Wt. 63-4.
The second issue of this piece took place in 1813. The type was
somewhat varied. On the obverse is the laureate head of the king as
on the new English gold coins, and on the reverse the legend is in
five lines and is placed within a wreath of shamrock. The dies for this
last piece were made by Thomas Wyon.
132. Five Pence Token. 1805. Obv. Similar to the Ten Pence. Rev. Inscrip-
tion in six lines, BANK TOKEN FIVE PENCE IRISH 1805. M '1.
Wt. 32-0.
Struck in 1805 only. These tokens appear to have been withdrawn
from circulation in 1817 ; when the new English coinage in gold and
silver was made current on equal terms in Ireland.
248
IEISH COINS.
George IV. 1820-1830.
Plate ixiv. COINAGE. Copper. Penny and Halfpenny.
ISSUES, &c. There was only one issue and the coins were ordered to
be struck at the rate of twenty-six pennies to the pound avoirdupois.
COPPER. 133. Penny. 1822. Obv. GEORGIUS IV D : G : REX. Bust of king to 1.,
laureate and draped. Eev. HIBERNIA. A harp crowned; below, 1822.
^sl-35. Wt. 267-0.
Struck also in 1823. The bust was modelled by Pistrucci, and
engraved by William Wyon, who modelled and engraved the reverse.
The coins were struck by Matthew Boulton at the Soho mint.
134. Halfpenny.
137-0.
1822. Same as the Penny and same date. M 1-05. Wt.
Struck also in 1823.
The farthing dated 1822, which is of the same type as the penny,
was only issued as a pattern.
With this money the Irish series came to an end, and since 1823
the coinage of Ireland has been entirely assimilated to that of Great
Britain.
APPENDIX A.
SEQUENCE OF MINT-MARKS ON ENGLISH COINS FROM
EDWARD IV TO CHARLES II.
EDWABD IV.
Cross patonce ....
,, plain
LIS (A7) *
Rose pierced ....
Rose
Rose pierced
Rose
Sun
Grown
Cross fitchee
Annulet
Annulet and cross .
Annulet and trefoil.
Cross pierced ....
Cross and four pellets .
Annulet with pellet
Cross pierced with pellet .
Cross plain with pellet .
Cross plain
Star
Heraldic cinquefoil .
Lis (jj)
Rose (Bristol). . . .
Sun ....
Crown ,, ....
Annulet ,, ....
Rose (Canterbury)
Sun
Crown
Cross fitchee andj
heraldic cinquefoil/"
Pall .
Millrind
Rose (Coventry) .
Sun
Cross (Durham) .
Rose . .
Crown
1461-64
1465-83
EDWARD IV. continued.
Rose (Norwich) .
Sun
Rose (York)
Sun
Lis
Crown
Cross
Cross pattee fitchee
Cinquefoil
EDWARD V.
Rose and sun united
Boar's head .
1465-83
RICHARD III.
Rose and sun united
Boar's head
Lis (Durham) ....
Rose and sun united (York)
Boar's head ,,
Rose ,,
Lis
1483
1483-85
HENRY VII.
Rose and sun
Rose
Cross fitchee . . . .
Rose and cross pierced .
Lis and cross
Lis
Lis on rose .
Cross and lis on rose .
Lis on sun and rose .
Ton (Canterbury) .
Rose . .
Rose (York) . . . .
Lis . .
/1st coinage\
1 1485-1489 ?(
* When a mint-mark occurs only on the gold coins it is specially noted. On
both gold and silver coins there are many combinations of mint-marks on obv.
and rev., i.e. crown on obv., sun on rev., or crown on obv. and rose and sun on
rev. &c. In most cases the later mint-mark is put on the obv. and the earlier
one on the rev.
250
SEQUENCE OF MINT-MAKKS.
HEKRY VII. continued.
Trefoil .... ( 2nd coinage)
Cross fitchee (AT) . \1489 7-1504 /
Heraldic cinquefoil ... ,,
Escallop ,
Cinquefoil (regular) . . ,
(irregular) . . ,
Leopard's head .... ,
Lis issuing from half-rose . ,
Anchor ,
HENRY VIII. continued.
T (Canterbury)
Escallop ,
Rose ,
Rose and cross fleury ,
Key , .
Catherine wheel ,
Portcullis ,
Crescent (Durham) . .
Trefoil ,, ...
Star ...
Cross voided (York) . .
Cross ,, .
Cross and pellet ,, .
Acorn ,, . .
Key . .
Lis
1526-43
ii
j>
>>
1543
5}
J>
5>
||
1544
ii
ii
5>
J>
1545
>
>
>
>
1547-49
>
>
V
Greyhound's head ... ,
Boss . ... ,
Cross crosslet .... ,
Cross and lis ,,
Dragon (AT)
Lis ,
Ton (Canterbury) ,
Ton and cinquefoil ,, ,
Ton and lis ,, ,
Lis
Martlet (York) ....
T iq (3rd coinage)
Annulet
Annulet and pellet .
Arrow .
Picklock . ...
Martlet
\ 1504-1509 J
Rose
W S (Bristol) .
Lis and WS
Lis and pellets ,,
Cross voided (York) . . .
Annulet with pellet.
Arrow
Martlet
Anchor (A/) . ,,
Cross crosslet .... ,,
Portcullis (A;) ....
Pheon
Martlet
Greyhound's head ... ,,
Cinquefoil . . ,,
Bow .
K. . . ....
Crozier (Durham) .
Martlet (York)
Cinquefoil and martlet ,,
HENRY VIII.
Lis and cross crosslet (AT) . 1509-26
Portcullis crowned ...
Portcullis ,,
Pheon ,,
Boar's head
E or 6(
S
Lis
W S (Bristol)
Cinquefoil or rose \
and W S /
Cross ,,
TC
Annulet with pellet
Martlet
Castle
Pomegranate (Canterbury) , ,
Cross fitchee and lis ,, . ,
Lis .
Martlet ,, .
Mullet (Durham) ... ,
Lis ,, . . .
Cinquefoil (York) ...
Escallop ... ,
Star ...
Lis . . .
Martlet ... ,
Cross voided ... ,
Cross ... ,
Hose . . .... 1526-43
Bow
Bow and picklock .
E or 6(
s
Arrow . . .
W S (Bristol) ....
T C ,,
Cross pierced (Canterbury)
EDWARD VI.
Grapple (A/)
Martlet (AT) ...
Lis (AT) .
Pheon ,,
Lis
Arrow
E or 6( . .
s . .
Trefoil (Bristol)
Trefoil and W S
Cinquefoil and W S , ,
Sun and cloud .... ,,
Cross fleury (Canterbury) ,,
SEQUENCE OF MINT-MAKES.
251
EDWABD VI. continued.
W S (Bristol) . . .
Cross ,,....
Bow
Cinquefoil ....
Hose ......
Bow
Bow
Eose
Arrow .....
1547-49
1547
1548
1549
Swan ......
Grapple .....
Martlet (AT) ....
T (Bristol) .
t or to (mon.) ,,
Y (Southwark)
Y and rose (A/) ,,
Swan
Ostrich's head (A;) . .
Lis and Y (Southwark)
Lis ......
Harp ......
Bose ......
Lion? ......
Y and rose (Southwark)
Ton ......
Escallop .....
Trefoil
1550
1551
1552
1551-53
Y (Southwark) . .
Mullet pierced (York)
MABY.
Pomegranate . .
Lis
Eose .
PHILIP AND MABY.
Lis . . . .
Eose .
ELIZABETH.
Hammered money.
Martlet
Cross crosslet .
Lis
Pheon
Eose
Portcullis
Lion
Coronet
Castle
Ermine .
Acorn
Cinquefoil
Cross
Sword
Bell
A
Bell and A
Escallop
1553-54
1554-58
1558-61
1561-65
1565
1566
1566-67
1567-70
1569-71
1571-73
1573-74
1573-77
1577-81
1582
1582-84
1582-84
1584
1584-87
ELIZABETH. continued.
Crescent 1587-89
Hand 1590-92
Ton 1592-95
Woolpack 1594-96
Key 1595-98
Anchor 1597-1600
O 1600
1 1601-2
2 1602
Milkd money.
Star 1561-66
Lis 1567-70
Mullet pierced .... 1570
Castle 1571
Mullet 1574-75
JAMES I.
Thistle 1603-4
Lis 1604-5
Eose 1605-6
Escallop 1606-7
Grapes 1607
Coronet 1607-8
Key 1609
Bell 1610
Mullet 1611
Tower 1612
Trefoil 1613
Cinquefoil ,,
Ton 1615
Book 1616
Crescent 1617
Plain cross 1618
Saltire cross 1619
Spur rowel ,,
Eose 1620-21
Thistle 1621-23
Lis 1623-24
Trefoil 1624
CHABLES I.
Lis 1625
Cross on step .... 1625-26
Negro's head .... 1626-27
Castle 1627
Anchor 1628
Heart 1629-30
Lis 1630
St. George ,,
Plume
Eose 1631
Harp 1632
Portcullis 1633
Bell 1634
Crown 1635
Ton 1636-38
Anchor 1638
Triangle 1639
Star . . .... 1640
Triangle in circle . . . 1641
252
SEQUENCE OF MINT-MARKS.
CHARLES I. continued.
(P)
1643
CHARLES I. continued.
Castle (Exeter)
1645
(R)
1644
Castle and EX
Eve ,
1645
Plume (Oxford) .
1642 46
Sun
Pellets
Sceptre
1646
OX or OXON
1643-46
Flower and B (Briot) .
B (Briot)
Anchor
Anchor and B
Anchor and star
Anchor and mullet
Rose
Open book (Aberystwith) .
Crown ,,
Lis
Mullet
Cross ,,
BR (Bristol)
1632
1638
1637-42
1643-46
Lis ,, . .
Plume and OX \
or OXON / *
Helmet and S A (Salisbury ?)
Open book (Shrewsbury)
Plume without 1
lower band / "
Pellets ,,
Castle and W (Weymouth)
Helmet ,,
Two lions and W ,,
Pellets ,,
Pear (Worcester)
ii
1643
1642
1643-44
j>
1646
Plume ,,
Pellets
^oO """"
One gerb ,,
1643-44
>
Three pears ,,
Lion passant (York)
COMMONWEALTH .
Sun . . .
1629-44
1649-57
Lis (Combe-Martin) . .
1644
Anchor
1658-60
Rose (Exeter) .
Rose and EX
Rose and castle ,,
Castle and rose ,,
1642-45
1644-45
1645
ii
CHARLES II.
"Crown
1660-62
APPENDIX B.
MOTTOES, ETC., ON COINS.
Anglo-Saxon Coins.
DOMINE DEUS REX (0 Lord God, (heavenly) King: Gloria).
MIRABILIA FECIT (He hath done marvellous things : Cantate).
MUNUS DIVINUM (A divine offering).
English Coins.
A DOMINO FACTUM EST ISTUD ET EST MIRABILE IN OCULIS
NOSTRIS (This is the Lord's doing and it is marvellous in our eyes :
Psalm cxviii. 23).
AMOR POPULI PRAESIDIUM REGIS (The love of the people is the king's
protection).
BELLO ET PACE (In war and peace).
BRUN. ET L. DUX. S. R. I. A. TH. ET EL. = Brunsvicensis et Lunen-
burgensis Dux, Sacri Romani Imperil Archi-Thesaurarius et Elector (Duke
of Brunswick and Luneburg, Arch-Treasurer of the Holy Roman Empire,
and Elector).
CAROLI FORTUNA RESURGAM (I, the Fortune of Charles, shall rise again).
CHARITIE AND CHANGE.
CHRISTO AUSPICE REGNO (I reign under the auspices of Christ).
CULTORES SUI DEUS PROTEGIT (God protects His worshippers).
DECUS ET TUTAMEN (An ornament and a safeguard : Virg. Aen. v. 262).
DOMINE NE IN FURORE TUO ARGUAS ME (0 Lord, rebuke me not in
Thine indignation : Psalm vi. 1).
DUM SPIRO SPERO (Whilst I live, I hope).
EXALTABITUR IN GLORIA (He shaU be exalted in glory : comp. Psalm
cxii. 9).
EXURGAT DEUS DISSIPENTUR INIMICI (Let God arise (and) let His
enemies be scattered : Psalm Ixviii. 1).
FACIAM EOS IN GENTEM UNAM (I will make them one nation: Eeek.
xxxvii. 22).
FLORENT CONCORDIA REGNA (United kingdoms nourish).
GOD WITH US.
254 MOTTOES, ETC., ON COINS.
HANG DEUS DEBIT (God has given this, i.c, crown).
HAS NISI PERITURUS MIHI ADIMAT NEMO (Let no one remove these
(letters) from me under penalty of death).
HENRICUS ROSAS REGNA JACOBUS (Henry (united) the roses, James the
kingdoms).
ICH DIEN (I serve).
INIMICOS EJUS INDUAM CONFUSIONE (As for his enemies I shall clothe
them with shame : Psalm cxxxii. 19).
JESUS AUTEM TRANSIENS PER MEDIUM ILLORUM IB AT (But Jesus,
passing through the midst of them, went His way : Luke iv. 30).
JUSTITIA THRONUM FIRMAT (Justice strengthens the throne).
LUCERNA PEDIBUS MEIS VERBUM EST (Thy word is a lantern unto my
feet : Psalm cxix. 105).
NUMMORUM FAMULUS (The servant of the coinage).
CRUX AVE SPES UNICA (Hail! Cross, our only hope).
PAX MISS A PER ORBEM (Peace sent throughout the world).
PAX QUJERITUR BELLO (Peace is sought by war).
PER CRUCEM TUAM SALVA NOS CHRISTE REDEMPTOR (By Thy
cross, save us, Christ, our Redeemer).
POST MORTEM PATRIS PRO FILIO (After the death of the father for
the son).
POSUI DEUM ADJUTOREM MEUM (I have made God my Helper: comp.
Psalm liv. 4).
PROTECTOR LITERIS LITERS NUMMIS CORONA ET SALUS (A
protection to the letters (on the face of the coin), the letters (on the edge) a
garland and a safeguard to the coinage).
QUvE DEUS CONJUNXIT NEMO SEPARET (What God hath joined
together, let no man put asunder : Matt. xix. 6).
REDDE CUIQUE QUOD SUUM EST (Render to each that which is his own).
RELIGIO PROTESTANTIUM LEGES ANGLIC LIBERTAS PARLIA-
MENTI (The religion of the Protestants, the laws of England, the liberty
of the Parliament : see p. 113).
ROSA SINE SPINA (A rose without a thorn).
RUTILANS ROSA (A dazzling rose).
RUTILANS ROSA SINE SPINA (A dazzling rose without a thorn).
SCUTUM FIDEI PROTEGET EUM or EAM (The shield of faith shall protect
him or her).
TALI DICATA SIGNO MENS FLUCTUARI NEQUIT (Consecrated by such
a sign the mind cannot waver : see p. 79).
TIMOR DOMINI FONS VIT.E (The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life :
Prov. xiv. 27).
MOTTOES, ETC., ON COINS. 255
TUEATUR UNITA DEUS (May God guard these united, i.e. kingdoms).
VERITAS TEMPORIS FILIA (Truth, the daughter of Time : see p. 92).
Anglo-Gallic Coins.
AGNUS DEI QUI TOLLIS PECCATA MUNDI MISERERE NOBIS (0
Lamb of God ; that takest away the sins of the world ; have mercy upon us :
comp. John i. 29).
AUXILIUM MEUM A DOMINO (My help (cometh) from the Lord:
Psalm cxxi. 2).
DEUS IUDEX IUSTUS FORTIS ET PATIENS (God is a righteous judge,
strong and patient : Psalm vii. 12).
DOMINUS ADJUTOR ET PROTECTOR MEUS ET IN IPSO SPERAVIT
COR MEUM (The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart hath
trusted in Him : Psalm xxviii. 8).
GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO ET IN TERRA PAX HOMINIBUS (Glory
be to God in the highest, and in earth peace towards men : Gloria) .
POSUI DEUM ADJUTOREM MEUM (I have made God my Helper : comp.
Psalm liv. 4).
SIT NOMEN DOMINI BENEDICTUM (Blessed be the name of the Lord :
Psalm cxiii. 2).
XPC. VINCIT XPO. REGNAT XPC. IMPERAT (Christ conquers, Christ
reigns, Christ commands).
Scottish Coins.
CHRISTO AUSPICE REGNO (I reign under the auspices of Christ).
CRUCIS ARMA SEQUAMUR (Let us follow the arms of the Cross).
DA PACEM DOMINE (Give peace, Lord).
DAT GLORIA VIRES (Glory gives strength).
DECUS ET TUTAMEN (An ornament and a safeguard : Virg. Aen. v. 262).
DEUS JUDICIUM TUUM REGI DA (Give the king Thy judgments, God :
Psalm Ixxii. 1).
DILICI^E POMINI COR HUMILE (An humble heart is the delight of the
Lord).
DILIGITE JUSTICIAM (Observe justice).
DOMINUS PROTECTOR MEUS ET LIBERATOR MEUS (God is my Defender
and my Redeemer : comp. Psalm Ixx. 6).
ECCE ANCILLA DOMINI (Behold the handmaid of the Lord : Luke i. 38).
EXURGAT DEUS ET DISSIPENTUR INIMICI EJUS (Let God arise and
let His enemies be scattered : Psalm Ixviii. 1).
FACIAM EOS IN GENTEM UNAM (I will make them one nation: Ezek.
xxxvii. 22).
256 MOTTOES, ETC., ON COINS.
FECIT UTRAQUE UNUM (He has made both one).
FLORENT SCEPTRA PIIS REGNA HIS JOVA DAT NUMERATQUE
(Sceptres flourish with the pious, Jehovah gives them kingdoms and numbers
them).
HENRICUS ROSAS REGNA JACOBUS (Henry (united) the roses, James
the kingdoms).
HIS DIFFERT REGE TYRANNUS (In these a tyrant differs from a king).
HIS PR^ESUM UT PROSIM (I am set over them, that I may be profitable to
them).
HONOR REGIS JUDICIUM DILIGIT (The King's power loveth judgment :
Psalm xcix. 4).
HORUM TUTA FIDES (The faith of these is whole).
IN JUSTITIA TUA LIBERA NOS DOMINE (Deliver us, Lord, in Thy
righteousness : comp. Psalm xxxi. 1).
IN UTRUMQUE PARATUS (Prepared for either, i.e. peace or war).
IN VIRTUTE TUA LIBERA ME (In Thy strength deliver me).
JAM NON SUNT DUO SED UNA CARO (They are no more twain, but one
flesh : Matt. xix. 6).
JESUS AUTEM TRANSIENS PER MEDIUM ILLORUM IBAT (But Jesus,
passing through the midst of them, went His way : Luke iv. 30).
JUSTITIA THRONUM FIRMAT (Justice strengthens the throne).
JUSTUS FIDE VrVTT (The just man lives by faith : comp. Rom. i. 17).
NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSET (No one shall hurt me with impunity).
PARCERE SQBJECTIS ET DEBELLARE SUPERBOS (To spare the
humbled and to subdue the proud : Virg. Aen. vi. 854).
PER LIGNUM CRUCIS SAL VI SUMUS (By the wood of the Cross are we
saved).
POST 5 & 100 PROAVOS INVICTA MANENT HJEC (After one hundred
and five ancestors these remain unconquered).
PRO ME SI MEREOR IN ME (For me ; but against me, if I deserve).
PROTEGIT ET ORNAT (It protects and adorns).
QUJE DEUS CONJUNXIT NEMO SEPARET (What God hath joined
together, let no man put asunder : Matt. xix. 6).
QUOS DEUS CONJUNXIT HOMO NON SEPARET (Those whom God hath
joined together, let not man put asunder).
REGEM JOVA PROTEGIT (Jehovah protects the king).
SALUS POPULI SUPREMA LEX (The safety of the People is the supreme
law).
SALUS REIPUBLIC^E SUPREMA LEX (The safety of the State is the
supreme law).
SALVATOR IN HOC SIGNO VICISTI (0 Saviour, in this sign hast Thou
conquered).
MOTTOES, ETC., ON COINS. 257
SALVUM FAG POPULUM TUUM DOMINE (0 Lord, save Thy people :
Psalm xxviii. 10).
SERVIO ET USU TEROR (I serve and am worn by use).
SPERO MELIORA (I hope for better things).
TE SOLUM VEREOR (Thee alone do I fear).
TUEATUR UNITA DEUS (May God guard these united, i.e. kingdoms).
UNIT A TUEMUR (These united we guard).
VICIT LEO DE TRIBU IUDA (The Lion of the tribe of Judah hath prevailed :
Rev. v. 5).
VICIT VERITAS (Truth has conquered).
VINCIT VERITAS (Truth conquers).
XPC. REGNAT XPC. VINCIT XPC. IMPERAT (Christ reigns, Christ conquers,
Christ commands).
Irish Coins.
CHRISTO AUSPICE REGNO (I reign under the auspices of Christ).
CHRISTO VICTORE TRIUMPHO (I triumph in Christ, the Conqueror).
ECCE GREX (Behold the flock).
EXURGAT DEUS DISSIPENTUR INIMICI (Let God arise (and) let His
enemies be scattered : Psalm Ixviii. 1).
FLORE AT REX (May the king flourish).
HENRICUS ROSAS REGNA JACOBUS (Henry (united) the roses, James the
kingdoms) .
MELIORIS TESSARA FATI (A token of better fortune).
POSUI DEUM ADJUTOREM MEUM (I have made God my Helper : camp.
Psalm liv. 4).
QUIESCAT PLEBS (May the people remain in quietude).
SALVATOR (The Saviour).
TUEATUR UNITA DEUS (May God guard these united, i.e. kingdoms).
VERITAS TEMPORIS FILIA (Truth, the daughter of Time: see p. 92).
VOCE POPULI (By the voice of the people).
INDEX.
A.
Abbey Crown or Ecu, Scottish, issue of,
185.
Aberystwith mint, coins of (Charles I),
111 ; its mint-marks, 112.
Account, moneys of, under the Anglo-
Saxons, ix.
Achesoun, John, Scottish engraver, 185,
188, 191, 195, 196.
Aelfred, k. of Wessex, types of coins
of, copied by Ceolwulf II, 7 ; by Abp.
Pleguiund, 11; by Guthorm, 13; his
coins, 24.
^llfwald I, k. of Northumbria, coins of, 15.
JElfwald II, k. of Northumbria, coins of, 15.
Aethelbald, k. of Wessex, coins of, 23.
Aethelbearht, k. of Wessex, coins of, 23.
^thelberht, k. of East Anglia, coins
of, 11.
^thelheard, Abp. of Canterbury, coins
of, 9.
^Ethelred, k. of Mercia, coins of, 3.
^thelred I, k. of Northumbria, no coins
of, 14.
Jthelred II, k. of Northumbria, coins
of, 15.
Aethelred I, k. of Wessex, coins of, 24.
Aethelred II, k. of Wessex, coins of, 29 ;
his gold penny, ib. ; his coins imitated
in Scotland, 162 ; and in Ireland, 213.
^thelstan I, k. of East Anglia, coins
of, 12.
JEthelstan II (Guthorm), k. of East
Anglia, coins of, 12.
Aothelstan, k. of Wessex, coins of, 27;
his mints, ib.
^thelwald (Moll), k. of Northumbria,
coins of, 14.
JLthelweard, k. of East Anglia, coins
of, 12.
Aethelwulf, k. of Wessex, restores coinage
to Mercia, 7 ; his coins, 23.
JEthered, Abp. of Canterbury, coins
of, 10.
African Company, the, supplies bullion
to the English mint, 131 ; to the
Scottish mint, 200 ; its badge, the
Elephant and Castle, 131; see also
Elephant and Castle.
Agnus Dei type of Aethelred II, 30.
Alchred, k. of Northumbria, coins of, 14.
Aldfrith, k. of Northumbria, coins of, 14.
Alexander I, k. of Scotland, no coins
of, 162.
Alexander II, k. of Scotland, coins of, 164.
Alexander II and III of Scotland, classi-
fication of their coins, 165 note.
Alexander III, k. of Scotland, coins
of, 165.
Alwald, k. of Northumbria, coins of, 19.
Angel, first issue of, 64, 67 ; its weight
and current values, 68, 76, 85, 91, 94,
100 ; last issue of, 107.
Aiigelot, gold, Anglo-Gallic, struck by
Henry VI, 62, 65.
Anglian kings of Northumbria, coins
of, 14.
Anglo-Gallic coins, of Henry II, 40 ; of
Eleanor, wife of Henry II, 41 ; of
Richard I, 41 ; of Edward I, 44, 45 ; of
Edward III, 46, 50 ; of Henry, D. of
Lancaster, 52 ; of Edward the Black
Prince, 52 ; of Richard II, 54, 56 ; of
Henry IV, 56, 58 ; of Henry V, 59, 60 ;
of Henry VI, 62, 64 ; of Henry VIII,
76, 84 ; cessation of, 85.
Anglo-Gallic money, its history, xxx.
Anglo-Saxon coins, history of, viii ; de-
scriptions of, 1 ; current in Scotland,
162 ; in Ireland, 213.
INDEX.
259
Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, coinage of, his-
tory of, xi ; coins of, 2.
Anglo-Saxon money, denominations of, ix.
Anlaf (Quaran), k. of Northumbria coins
of, 20.
Anne, English coins of, 139 ; pattern half-
pence and farthings, 141, 142 ; Scottish
coins of, 210 ; no Irish coins of, 244.
Anson, Admiral, takes bullion from the
Spaniards, 145.
Arabic numerals, first occurrence of, on
English coins, 79.
Archiepiscopal coins, Anglo-Saxon, Can-
terbury, 9 ; York, 16 ; see also Ecclesi-
astical mints.
Armstrong, Sir Thomas, strikes copper
money for Ireland, 239, 240.
Arran, James, Earl of, Regent of Scot-
land, his initials on coins, 185.
" Atkinsons," billon coins, why so-called,
195.
B.
B, initial of Bp. Booth on coins of
Henry VI, 63 ; and Edward IV, 69.
Bainbridge, Bp. of Durham, &c., his
initials on coins of Henry VII, 75 ; and
Henry VIII, 77.
Balance Half-Merk, Scottish, issue of,
190, 194.
Balance Quarter-Merk, Scottish, issue of,
190, 194.
Baldred, k. of Kent, coins of, 9.
Bandon, copper coins, struck at, 238.
Bank Dollar, issue of, English, 151.
Bank Tokens, issue of, English, 150, 151 ;
Irish, 246, 247.
Base money, English, made current in
Ireland, 231, 232.
Bawbee, billon, first issue of, 181, 183 ;
derivation of its name, 183 ; copper,
204, 206.
B. D., initials of Bp. Bainbridge on coins
of Henry VII, 75.
Bear's head, mint-mark of Berwick, 44, 45.
Beaumont, Bp. of Durham, his mint-
mark, a lion rampant, 46.
Beck, Bp. of Durham, his mint-mark, a
cross moline, 44, 46.
Beeston Castle, siege pieces of (Charles
I), 122.
Bellingham, Sir Edward, indentures to,
for Irish coins, temp. Edward VI, 229.
Beonna, k. of East Anglia, coins of, 11.
Beorhtric, k. of East Anglia, coins of, 12.
Beornwulf, k. of Mercia, coins of, 6.
Berhtwulf, k. of Mercia, coins of, 7.
Billon coins, Scottish, first issue of, 172.
Black Farthings, Scottish, 177.
Blacksmith's money, Irish, 235, 236.
Blondeau, Peter, his machinery for
striking coins, 127, 131.
Boar's head, badge of Richard III, 69, 70.
Bodle, copper, first issue of, 204, 206;
derivation of its name, 206.
Boehm, Sir John Edgar, sculptor and
medallist, 159.
Bonagio, Scottish engraver, 169.
Bonnet Piece, issue of, 181, 182.
Bonnet type of William I, 34.
Book, open, mint-mark of Aberystwith,
112.
Booth, Bp. of Durham, &c., his mint-
mark, B, on coins of Henry VI, 63 ;
and Edward IV, 69.
Boulton, Matthew, strikes Bank tokens
for England, 151, 152; for Ireland,
247, 248.
Bourchier, Abp. of Canterbury, his mint-
mark, a knot, on coins of Edward IV, 69.
Bowes, Sir Martin, master of the English
mint, his mint-marks, 84, 86, 88 ;
strikes coins for Ireland, 228, 229, 230.
B R (mon.), mint-mark of Bristol, 113.
Bracteates struck for Ireland, 214.
Briot, Nicolas, engraver to the English
mint, 110; his coinage of Charles I,
110 ; his new machinery introduced,
ib. ; makes dies for York mint, 121 ;
appointed master of Scottish mint,
200 ; makes dies for Scottish coins,
200, 201, 203, 204.
Bristol mint, gold coins of Henry VIII,
81-84; and of Edward VI, 86; gold
and silver coins of Charles I, 113 ; Irish
silver coins struck at, 228, 229.
Britain Crown, issue of, English, 99,
101 ; Scottish, 196, 198.
Broad, issues of, 125-129.
Brock, Thomas, sculptor, his portrait of
the Queen, 160.
Bronze money, English, instituted, 158.
S 2
260
INDEX.
Buchanan, George, poet, suggests legend
for Scottish coin, 193.
Buildings, representations of, on Anglo-
Saxon coins, 26, 27 ; on English siege
pieces, 122-125.
Burgred, k. of Mercia, coins of, 7.
Burgs, building of the, commemorated
on coins of Eadweard I, 26.
Bushell, Thomas, establishes mints at
Aberystwith, 111, 112 ; at Oxford, 116 ;
at Shrewsbury, 119.
C.
G, mark of Calais on gold coins, 51.
Calais money, gold and silver, as English
types, 51, 59, 61, 62, 65.
Canopy type of William I, 34.
Canterbury, archiepiscopal coinage of,
Anglo-Saxon, history, xv; description
of coins, 9.
Canterbury, coins struck by Offa at, 3.
Carlisle, siege pieces of (Charles I), 123.
Cart-wheel pence, why so-called, 152.
Castle-Rising ?, monogram of, on coins of
Aelfred, 25.
C. D., initials of Bp. Tonstall on coins
of Henry VIII, 80.
Ceolnoth, Abp. of Canterbury, coins of, 10.
Ceolwulf I, k. of Mercia, coins of, 5 ; his
mints, ib. ; types of coins, 6.
Ceolwulf II, k. of Mercia, coins of, 7.
Ceylon, half-farthings issued for, 155,
156 ; three halfpence, silver, issued
for, 155.
Chaise, Anglo-Gallic, struck by Edward
III, 50 ; by Edward the Black Prince, 53.
Chamberlain, Thomas, officer of the
Bristol mint, 83, 88.
Charles I, coins of, English, 106 ; Scottish,
199 ; Irish, 234.
Charles II, coins of, English, 128 ;
Scottish, 204 ; Irish, 239.
Charles Edward, Prince, his supposed
head on Irish coins, 246.
Chester mint, coins of (Charles I), 114.
CHST, mint-mark of Chester, 114.
Civil War, provincial mints, English,
established during, 106, 111-121 ; Irish,
235, 236.
Clark, James, Scottish engraver, 208,
209, 211.
Cnut, coins of, 30; imitated in Ireland,
213.
Cnut (Guthred),k. of Northumbria, coins
of, 17-19.
Coenwulf, k. of Mercia, coins of, 5 ; his
name on archiepiscopal coins, 9.
Colchester, siege pieces of (Charles I), 123.
Combe-Martin, coins of (Charles I), 114.
Commonwealth, coins of, 125 ; trades-
men's tokens struck during the, English,
126; Irish, 238.
Confederate Catholics issue money for
Ireland, 236.
Copper coinage, English patterns for,
under Elizabeth, 95 ; first issue of,
105 ; established under Charles II, 183 ;
Scottish, first issue of, 174, 177;
instituted in Ireland, 232.
Corbet, Andrew, receives patent to strike
copper coins, 137.
Cork, money of, temp. Charles I, 235,
237 ; temp. Commonwealth, 238.
Crane, Sir Francis, strikes farthing
tokens, 121, 122.
Cranmer, Thomas, Abp. of Canterbury,
his initials on coins of Henry VIII, 80.
Croker, John, engraver to the mint, 144.
Cromwell, Oliver, coins of, 127.
Crookston Dollar, the, 189.
Cross moline, mint-mark of Anthony
Beck, Bp. of Durham, 44, 46.
Crown gold, standard of, 75 ; introduced,
ib. ; permanently adopted, 129.
Crown, gold, first issue of, 75, 76, 79.
Crown or Ecu, gold, Scottish, first issue
of, 181.
Crown, royal, of Scotland, its difference
from the English crown, 197.
Crown, silver, first issue of, English, 85,
89; Scottish, 210, 211.
Crowned thistle, countermark on Scottish
coins of Mary, 186, 193.
Crozier, mint-mark of Bp. Kellow of
Durham, 46.
Crux type, first occurrence of, 30.
Cuerdale hoard, date of, etc., 13, 19, 21.
Cunetti coins, 18.
Curcy, John de, Earl of Ulster, strikes
Patrick farthings, 215.
Current values, first instance of marks of,
on English coins, silver, 90 ; gold, 103 ;
INDEX.
261
ratio of Scottish and English coins
under James VI, 197 ; of Irish and
English coins under Edward IV, 222 ;
of Elizabeth, 232 ; of James I, 233.
Cuthred, k. of Kent, coins of, 8.
Cynethryth, widow of Offa, coins of, 5.
D.
D, initial of Bp. Dudley on coins of
Edward IV, 69.
D, initial of Donatus Mulekyn on Scottish
coins, 168.
Danish coins of East Anglia, 12; of
Northumbria, 13, 17.
Danish coins imitated in Ireland, 214.
Danish or Norse kings of Northumbria,
coins of, 17.
Darien Company imports gold to Scot-
land, 209.
Darnley and Mary, coins of, 189.
Dates, first use of, on English coins,
silver, 88 ; gold, 91 ; on Scottish coins,
gold, 182 ; on Irish coins, silver, 229.
David I of Scotland, coins of, 162.
David II of Scotland, coins of, 167.
D. B., initials of Bp. Bainbridge on coins
of Henry VII, 75.
Declaration type of Charles I, its origin,
113.
De Curcy, John, Earl of Ulster, strikes
Patrick farthings, 215.
Demi-Chaise, gold, struck by Edward the
Black Prince, 53.
Demi-Hardi d'Or, struck by Eichard II,
56.
Demi-Lion or Demy, Scottish, first issue
of, 169, 170, 171 ; origin of its name, 171.
Demy, see Demi-Lion.
Denominations of Anglo-Saxon money, ix.
Dickesone, Charles, Scottish engraver,
201, 203.
Dollar, Scottish, issue of, 204, 205.
Dorrien and Magens, their shillings, 149.
Double, Irish, see Double-Groat.
Double-Crown, gold, Scottish, first issue
of, 196, 197.
Double-Florin, silver, issue of, 156, 159 ;
discontinued, 160.
Double-Groat or Double, Irish, issue of,
219, 220.
Double-Merk or Thistle Dollar, silver,
Scottish, issue of, 190, 193.
Double-Sovereign, first issue of, 76 ; re-
issue of, under George IV, 152, 153.
Douglas Groats, Scottish, 183.
D. S., initials of Senhouse, Bp. of
Durham, on coins of Henry VIII, 75.
Dublin, kings of, coins attributed to, 213.
Dublin Money (Charles I), 235, 236.
Ducat, gold, Scottish, pattern for, dated
1539, 182 ; first issue of, for currency,
184, 187.
Dudley, Bp. of Durham, his mint-mark,
D, on coins of Edward IV, 69.
Duke's Testoons, Scottish, 183.
Durham House, mint at, 88.
Dutch crown of Oliver Cromwell, 128.
D. W., initials of Thomas Wolsey, Bp.
of Durham, on coins of Henry VIII, 78.
E.
E, for Edinburgh on Scottish coins of
Anne, 211.
Eadberht, k. of Northumbria, coins of,
14, 16.
Eadberht II, Praen, k. of Kent, coins
of, 8.
Eadgar, first sole monarch, coins of, 29.
Eadmund (St. Eadmund), k. of East
Anglia, coins of, 12 ; memorial coinage
of, 13.
Eadmund, k. of Wessex, coins of, 28.
Eadred, k. of Wessex, coins of, 28.
Eadwald, k. of East Anglia, coins of, 11.
Eadweard the Elder, k. of Wessex, coins
of, 26.
Eadweard II (the Martyr), coins of, 29.
Eadwig, k. of Wessex, coins of, 28.
Eanbald I, Abp. of York, no coins of, 16.
Eanbald II, Abp. of York, coins of, 16.
Eanred, k. of Northumbria, coins of, 15.
Eardwulf, k. of Northumbria, coins
of, 15.
Earl Sihtric, Northumbrian coins of, 19.
East Anglia, history of coinage, xv ; con-
quered by Wessex, 11; coins of, 11;
regal series, ib. ; quasi-ecclesiastical
series, 11, 13.
East India Company, initials of, on coins,
144, 145.
262
INDEX.
Ecclesiastical mints, English, marks and
initials of prelates on coins of, 44, 46,
63, 64, 69, 71, 73, 74, 75, 77, 78, 80;
cessation of, 80.
Ecgbeorht, k. of Wessex, conquers Mercia,
6; conquers Kent, 9; coins of, 22;
strikes money at London, ib.
Ecgberht, Abp. of York, coins of, 14, 16.
Ecgberht, k. of Kent, coins of, 8.
Ecgberht, k. of Northurnbria, no coins
of, 16.
Ecgberht II, k. of Northumbria, no coins
of, 16.
Ecgferth, son of Offa, no coins of, 5.
Ecgfrith, k. of Northumbria, coins of, 14.
Ecu or Chaise, gold, Anglo-Gallic, struck
by Edward III, 50; by Edward the
Black Prince, 53.
Ecu or Crown, gold, Scottish, first issue
of, 181.
Edge of coin when first inscribed,
English, 127 ; Scottish, 207.
Edinburgh, mint of, closed, 212.
Edmund Ironside, no coins of, 30.
Edward I, coins of, English, 43 ; Anglo-
Gallic, 44, 45 ; Irish, 216.
Edward I-III, classification of their
coins, English, 43 ; Irish, 216.
Edward II, coins of, English, 46 ; Irish,
216.
Edward III, coins of, English, 46 ; Anglo-
Gallic, 47, 50 ; introduces permanent
currency in gold, 47 ; also groats and
half-groats, 49 ; Irish coins, 216.
Edward IV, coins of, English, 66 ; Irish,
219.
Edward V, coins of, English, 69; his
badges as mint-marks, 69 ; no Irish
coins, 224.
Edward VI, coins of, English, 85 ; Irish ?,
229.
Edward the Black Prince, Anglo-Gallic
coins of, 52.
Edward the Confessor, coins of, 32 ;
imitated in Ireland, 214.
Egleby or Eglonby, Hugh, assay er of
English mint, 82, 84, 85, 86.
E. I. C. (East India Company), mark
of, on coins, 144, 145.
Eighteen Pence Bank Token, English,
issue of, 151.
Eighth-Dollar, Scottish, issue of, 204,206.
Eighth-Thistle Merk, Scottish, issue of,
190, 195.
Eighth-Unit, Scottish, see Half-Crown,
gold, etc.
Eight Shillings, silver, Scottish, first
issue of, 190, 193.
E. L., initials of Abp. Lee, on coins of
Henry VIII, 80.
Eleanor, wife of Henry II, Anglo-Gallic
coins of, 41.
Elephant and Castle, badge of the African
Company, on coins of Charles II, 131,
132 ; of James II, 134 ; of William and
Mary, 136; of William III, 138; of
Anne, 140 ; of George I, 143.
Elizabeth, coins of, English, 94; Irish,
231.
England and Scotland, Union of, conse-
quent changes in the coinage, 196 note,
211.
England, kingdom of, under Eadgar and
his successors, coins of, 29.
English coins, 34 ; currency of, in Scot-
land, 162.
Epa, coins of, 2.
Eric (Blothox), k. of Northumbria, coins
of, 21.
Ethandune, battle of, 13.
Ethelberht, Abp. of York, no coins
of, 16.
Eustace Fitz-John, coins of, 39.
Eustace, son of Stephen, coins of, 39.
Evans, Sir John, K.C.B., on Irish coins
of Edward VI, 229.
EX, mint-mark of Exeter, 115.
Exeter mint, coins of (Charles I), 115.
F.
Falconer, (Sir) John, engraver to the
Scottish mint, 200; makes dies for
Scottish coins, 202, 203; warden of
the Scottish mint, 205.
Farthing, copper, first issue of, in Eng-
land, 105; in Scotland, 174, 177; for
Ireland, 233.
Farthing, silver, first struck by Edward I,
43 ; first issue of, in Scotland, 165,
166 ; in Ireland, 215.
Fermoy, hoard of bracteates found at, 214.
INDEX.
263
Fifteen Shilling Piece or Spur Ryal,
issue of, 99, 102, 103.
Fifty Shilling Piece, struck by Cromwell,
127.
Fitzgerald, arms of, on Irish coins, 223, 226.
Fitzgerald, Gerald, Earl of Kildare, see
Kildare.
Five Guineas, first issue of, 128, 131.
Five Pence, Bank token, Irish, issue of,
246, 247.
Five Pounds, gold, issue of, 156, 158.
Five Shillings, silver, English, first issue
of, 85, 89 ; Scottish, 190, 194.
Fleur-de-lis Groats, Scottish, of James II,
173.
Flint, 'Nicholas, master of the Dublin
and Waterford mints, 226.
Florin, gold, and its divisions, of Edward
III, 47; Anglo-Gallic, struck by Ed-
ward III, 50.
Florin, silver, first issue of, 156, 157.
Forty Penny Piece, silver, Scottish, issue
of, 199, 201.
Forty Shilling Piece, silver, first issue of,
190, 194.
Foulis, Thomas, Scottish engraver, 192,
194.
Four Merk Piece, silver, Scottish, issue
of, 204, 205.
Four Pound Piece or Ducat, gold, Scot-
tish, issue of, 190, 191.
Four Shilling Piece, silver, English, issue
of, 156, 159 ; discontinued, 197 ; Scot-
tish, first issue of, 190, 193.
Franc k Cheval, Anglo-Gallic, struck by
Henry VI., 62, 65.
Francis, the Dauphin, and Mary, Queen
of Scots, coins of, 184, 187.
French title and arms on English coins,
abandoned, 148.
G.
G, initial of Abp. Neville, on coins of
Henry VI, 64 ; of Edward IV, 69.
George I, coins of, English, 142 ; Irish, 244.
George II, coins of, English, 144 ; Irish,
245.
George III, coins of, English, 146 ; Irish,
246.
George IV, coins of, English, 152 ; Irish,
248.
George Noble, issue of, 79.
Gerb, mint-mark of Chester, 114.
German titles abandoned on English
coinage, 148.
Gifford, Dr., restrikes siege pieces of
Colchester, 123.
Godless Florin, why so-called, 157.
Gold coinage, English, first struck by
Henry III, 42 ; introduced by Edward
III, 47 ; Scottish, first issue of, 167 ;
Irish, the only specimen, 235.
Gold coins, English, first marks of value
on, 103.
Gold coins, English, struck at local
mints, 67, 81-89, 106, 112 note, 113,
116, 123, 124
Gold, crown standard, introduced, 75.
Gold made sole standard measure of
value, 148.
Gold Penny of Aethelred II, 29 ; of Henry
III, 42
Gothic Crown, issue of, 157.
Graceless Florin, why so-called, 157.
Greyhound, countermark on coins of
Edward VI, 88.
Groat, English, first struck by Edward I,
43 ; first issue of, for currency, 46, 49 ;
first change of type, 73; re-issued by
William IV, 155; discontinued, 158;
Scottish, first issue of, 167, 168 ; Irish,
first issue of, 217, 218.
Guiennois, Anglo-Gallic, struck by Ed-
ward III, 50; by Edward the Black
Prince, 53.
Guinea, first issue of, 128, 131 ; its weight,
129, 131 ; its current values, xliv, 129,
135, 137 ; derivation of its name, 131 ;
last issue of, 148.
Guinea of George I, inscription on re-
verse explained, 143.
Gun Money, Irish, struck by James II,
240, 241.
Guthorm (JEthelstan II), k. of East
Anglia, divides Mercia with Aelfred, 7 ;
coins of, 12.
Guthred (Cnut), k. of Northumbria, coins
of, 17.
H.
Half-Angel, first issue of, 64, 68.
Half-Bawbee, first issue of, 181, 183.
Half-Broad, issue of, 125-129.
264
INDEX.
Half-Crown, gold, first issue of, English,
76, 79 ; Scottish, 196, 198.
Half-Crown, silver, first issue of, Eng-
lish, 85, 90 ; Scottish, 210, 211.
Halfdan, k. of Northumbria, type of
coins copied by Ceolwulf II, 7 ; coins
of, 17.
Half-Demy, gold, Scottish, first issue of,
171.
Half-Dollar, Scottish, issue of, 204, 206.
Half-Farthing, copper, struck for Ceylon,
155, 156 ; first issued in Ireland, 224.
Half-Florin, gold, of Edward III, 47.
Half-George Noble, issue of, 75, 79.
Half-Groat, first issue of, English, 46,
49 ; Scottish, 167, 168 ; Irish, 219, 221.
Half-Guinea, first issue of, 128, 131.
Half-Hardhead, billon, issue of, 190, 196.
Half-Laurel, issue of, 99, 103.
Half-Lion, gold, Scottish, first issue of,
172, 173.
Half-Merk or Noble, silver, Scottish, issue
of, 190, 193.
Half-Noble, gold, English, first issue of,
46, 48.
Half -Noble, gold, struck for Calais, 51,
65.
Half-Noble or Quarter-Merk, silver,
Scottish, issue of, 190, 193.
Halfpenny, copper, first issue of, English,
129, 133 ; Irish, 231, 233.
Halfpenny, silver, Anglo-Saxon, 13, 25 ;
English, introduced by John, 42 ; first
struck in Scotland, 163 ; and in Ire-
land, 215.
Half-Pistole, Scottish, issue of, 209.
Half-Plack, first issue of, 174, 177.
Half-Pound Piece or Ten Shillings, silver,
English, issues of, 106, 117, 119.
Half-Rider, first issue of, 177, 179.
Half-Rose Noble, issue of, 67.
Half-Ryal, gold, Scottish, issue of, 184,
185.
Half-Shilling, silver, Scottish, first issue
of, 196, 198.
Half-Sword and Sceptre Piece, gold, Scot-
tish, issue of, 190, 192.
Half-Testoon, silver, Scottish, first issue
of, 184, 186.
Half-Thistle Dollar or Merk, silver, issue
of, 190, 193.
Half-Thistle Merk, silver, issue of, 190,
195.
Half -Turner, copper, Scottish, first issue
of, 196, 199.
Half-Unicorn, first issue of, 174, 175.
Half-Unit, Scottish, see Double-Crown.
Hamilton, James, Marquis of, strikes
farthing tokens, 105.
Hammered money, how struck, 94, 96.
Hand of Providence type on Anglo-Saxon
coins, 20, 26.
Hand, sign of, on Irish coins, 214.
Harder, Joachim, Scottish engraver,
205.
Hardhead or Lion, billon, Scottish, first
issue of, 184, 187.
Hardi d'Or struck by Edward the Black
Prince, 53 ; by Richard II, 56.
Harold I, coins of, 31.
Harold II, coins of, 33.
Harrington Farthings struck in England,
105.
Harthacnut, coins of, 31.
Hat Piece, gold, issue of, 190, 192.
Heart and star, countermark of James,
Earl of Morton, 187.
Hebrides, kings of, coins attributed to, 162.
Henry I, coins of, 36.
Henry II, coins of, English, 40 ; Anglo-
Gallic, ib.
Henry III, coins of, English, 42 ; strikes
gold pennies, ib. ; introduces long-cross
type, ib. ; Irish coins, 216.
Henry IV, coins of, English, 56 ; Anglo-
Gallic, 56, 58 ; no Irish coins, 217.
Henry V, coins of, English, 58 ; Anglo-
Gallic, 59, 60 ; no Irish coins, 217.
Henry VI, coins of, English, 62 ; Anglo-
Gallic, 62, 64; his light money, 64;
Irish coins, 217.
Henry VII, coins of, English, 71 ; Irish,
225.
Henry VIII, coins of, English, 75 ; Anglo-
Gallic, 76, 84 ; Irish, 227.
Henry, Duke of Lancaster, Anglo-Gallic
coins of, 52.
Henry, Earl of Northumberland, coins
of, 163.
Henry of Blois, Bp. of Winchester, coins
of, 38.
Hexham, stycas found at, 15, 16.
INDEX.
265
Hibernias, brass coins struck at Limerick,
243.
Hiberno-Danish coins, 213.
Hiberno-English coins, 215.
Hochstetter, Joachim, coins struck by, 183.
Holy Dove on coins of Aethelred II, 30.
Humbug, supposed derivation of, 242.
Hume, Joseph, proposes re-issue of the
groat, 155.
I.
I. G., initials of James, Earl of Arran, on
coins, 185.
Inchiquin, Lord, Irish money called after
him, 235 ; strikes money at Cork, 238.
Inchiquin Money, 235.
Ireland, Act of Union with, change of
king's title after, 148.
Ireland, Bank of, strikes silver tokens,
247.
Irelandes d'Argent, ordered, 218.
Irish coinage, history of, Iv ; early coinage,
ib.
Irish coins, 213; their early types, ib. ;
last issue of, 248 ; struck in England,
216, 218, 230-232.
Irish copies of coins of Aethelred II, 30,
213.
Irish Money of Necessity, 234, 241.
Isaac of York, his name on coins of
Henry II, 40.
J.
Jaenberht, Abp. of Canterbury, coins of, 9.
Jamaica, three-halfpences issued for, 155.
James I of England (VI of Scotland),
(coins of, English, 99; Scottish, 190;
Irish, 233.
James II of England (VII of Scotland),
coins of, English, 134 ; Scottish, 207 ;
Irish, 240.
James I of Scotland, coins of, 171.
James II of Scotland, coins of, 172.
James III of Scotland, coins of, 174.
James IV of Scotland, coins of, 177.
James V of Scotland, coins of, 181.
James VI of Scotland; see James I of
England.
James VII of Scotland ; see James II of
England.
James VIII of Scotland, patterns for
coins, 212.
Janet, French artist, his portrait of
Mary Q. of Scots on her coins, 188.
; " Joeys " or Groats, why so-called, 155.
John and Eichard I, classification of
their coins, xxvii, 40.
John Baliol, coins of, 166.
John, coins of, English, 40, 42 ; Irish, 215.
Jubilee coinage of Victoria, 159.
K.
Kellow, Bp. of Durham, his mint-mark,
a crozier, 46.
Kent, coins of, with the names of
Mercian kings, 8.
Kent, conquest of, by Wessex, 9, 22.
Kent, history of coinage, xiv; coinage of,
regal, 8 ; archiepiscopal, 8, 9.
Kent, king of, title assumed by Cuthred,
8 ; by Baldred, 9.
Kildare, Gerald Fitzgerald, Earl of, his
arms on Irish coins, 223, 226; issues
coins for Richard III ?, 225.
Kilkenny Money, 235, 236.
Kinsale, copper coins struck at, 238.
Knot, mint-mark of Abp. Bourchier on
coins of Edward IV, 69.
Knox, John, Ld. Mayor of Dublin, re-
ceives patent to strike copper coins, 241.
Kuchler, C. H., engraver, 152, 247.
L, initial of Alexander Livingstoun on
Scottish coins, 175, 179.
Lancaster, Henry, Duke of, Anglo-Gallic
coins of, 52.
Langley, Bp. of Durham, his mint-mark,
a mullet, 63.
Lathorn House, siege pieces of ?, 122.
Laureate head on English coins, first
instance of, 103.
Laurel, issue of, 99, 103.
L. E., initials of Abp. Lee of York, on
coins of Henry VIII, 80.
Lee, Abp. of York, his initials on coins of
Henry VIII, 80.
Legg, Col. (Lord Dartmouth), strikes
copper coins for Ireland, 240, 241.
Lennox, Ludovic, Duke of, strikes farthing
tokens, 105.
Leopard, Anglo-Gallic, struck by Edward
III, 50 ; by Edward the Black Prince, 53.
266
INDEX.
" Lima " on coins of George II, 145.
Limerick Money, temp. James II, 241, 243.
Lincoln, coin of St. Martin struck at, 13 ;
monogram of, on coins of Aelfred, 25.
Lion, gold, Scottish, first issue of, 169, 170.
Lion Noble, gold, Scottish, issue of, 190,
191.
Lion or Hardhead, billon, first issue of,
184, 187.
Lion passant guardant, mint-mark of
York, 121.
Lion rampant, mint-mark of Bp.
Beaumont, of Durham, 46.
Lion Shilling and Sixpence of George IV,
154.
Livingstoun, Alexander, Scottish coiner,
175, 179.
Local mints, English, issues of, under
Charles I, xl, 106, 111-121; under
William III, 138.
Local mints, English, termination of,
under Edward VI, 90.
London, coins struck in, by Ecgbeorht of
Wessex, 22.
London, dies for Irish coins made in,
216, 217.
London, Irish coins struck in, 228, 230-
232.
London, monogram of, on coins of
Halfdan, 17 ; of Aelfred, 25.
London, sceattas of, 2.
Long-cross patt6e type introduced by
Edward I, 43 ; first use of, on Scottish
coins, 165 note.
Long double-cross type introduced by
Henry III, 42 ; first use of, on Scottish
coins, 165 note.
Ludican, k. of Mercia, coins of, 6.
Lynch, Germyn, master of Irish mints,
220.
M.
M, initial of Abp. Morton on coins of
Henry VII, 73, 74.
Malcolm III of Scotland, no coins of, 162.
Malcolm IV of Scotland, coins of, 163.
Malta, one-third farthings issued for,
155, 156.
Maltravers, Henry, Lord, strikes farthing
tokens, 121.
Mancus, a money of account, its value, ix.
Margaret, widow of James IV of Scot-
land, billon coins of, 181.
Mark, a money of account, its value, ix.
Marks of value on English coins, first
used, silver, 90 ; gold, 103.
Marks, special, on later English coins,
xliv.
Martin, Richard, strikes coins for Ireland,
232.
Martin, Sir John, strikes coins for Ireland,
232.
Mary and Philip, coins of, English, 92 ;
Irish, 231.
Mary and William, coins of, English,
135 ; Scottish, 208 ; Irish, 243.
Mary, coins of, English, 91 ; Irish, 230.
Mary, Queen of Scots, and Darnley, coins
of, 189.
Mary, Queen of Scots, and Francis, the
Dauphin, coins of, 187.
Mary, Queen of Scots, coins of, 184.
Matilda, Empress, coins of, 38.
Matilda, wife of Stephen, coins of, 38.
Maundy Money instituted, 130.
Mercia, history of coinage, xii ; coins of, 2.
Mercian kings, their names on archi-
episcopal coins of Canterbury, 9.
Merk or Half-Thistle Dollar, silver,
Scottish, issue of, 190, 193.
Merlen, J. B., engraver to the mint, 153,
154, 155.
Merovingian types on sceattas, 1, 2.
Mestrell, Eloye, inventor of mill and
screw for striking coins, 96.
Milled money, when first struck, 96 ;
generally instituted, 131.
Mint-marks, early use of, 58 ; their
sequence under Edward IV, 68 ; see
also Appendix A, 249.
Mints, Anglo-Saxon, constitution of, xxii ;
Scottish, xlviii.
Mints, ecclesiastical, English, marks and
initials of prelates, 44, 46, 63, 64, 69,
71, 73, 74, 75, 77, 78, 80 ; cessation of,
80 ; see also Archiepiscopal coins.
Mints, increase of, under Anglo-Saxons,
27, 29, 32.
Mints, local, English, gold coins first
struck at, 67 ; established during the
Civil War, 106, 111-121 ; under William
III, 128.
INDEX.
267
Misserwy or Misharwy, John, engraver,
186.
Moll J^thelwald, coins of, 14.
Moneyers, Anglo-Saxon, their status, xxiv ;
Scottish, xlviii.
Money of Necessity struck for Ireland,
234, 241.
Morton, Abp. of Canterbury, coins of,
73, 74.
Morton, James, Earl of Arran, Regent,
his badge, 187.
Mouton, gold, struck by Edward III, 50 ;
by Henry V, 60.
Mulekyn, Donatus, his initial on Scottish
coins, 168.
Mullet, mint-mark of Langley, Bp. of
Durham, 63.
Necessity, Money of, Irish, 234, 241.
Neville, George, Abp. of York, his mint-
mark, G, on coins of Henry VI, 64 ; of
Edward IV, 69.
Neville, Robert, Bp. of Durham, his
mint-mark, interlaced rings, 63.
Newark, siege pieces of, 124.
Noble, English, introduction of, xxix ;
first issue of, 46, 48 ; its type, &c., 48 ;
current values of, 47, 48, 67 ; its weight,
47, 56, 66.
Noble, Scottish, first issue of, 167.
Noble, struck for Calais, 51, 65.
Noble or Half-Merk, silver, Scottish, issue
of, 190, 193.
"Non Sunt" or Twelve Penny Groat,
billon, issue of, 184, 188.
Norman Conquest, English coinage after,
xxv, 34.
Norse or Danish kings of Northumbria,
coins of, 17.
Northumberland, Henry, Earl of, coins
of, 163.
Northumberland Shilling, the, 149.
Northumbria, coinage of, history, xvii ;
Anglian kings, coins of, 14 ; archi-
episcopal coins, 16 ; Danish and Norse
kings, coins of, 17.
Northumbria conquered by the Danes,
16, 17 ; by Wessex, 21, 28.
O.
Offa, k. of Mercia, coins of, 3 ; his name
on coins of Jaenberht, Abp. of Canter-
bury, 9.
Offering Penny of Aelfred, 24.
One-Third Bonnet Piece, issue of, 181,
182.
One-Third Farthings struck for Malta,
155, 156.
One-Third Lion Noble, gold, Scottish,
issue of, 190, 191.
One-Third Ryal, silver, Scottish, first
^ issue of, 184, 189.
6ra, a money of account, its value, x.
Ormonde, Marquis of, money called
after him, 237 ; strikes money in name
of Charles II, 239.
Ormonde money, 235, 237.
Osberht, k. of Northumbria, coins of, 16.
Osred II, k. of Northumbria, no coins
of, 15.
Oswald, k. of Northumbria, no coins
of, 15.
Oswulf, k. of Northumbria, no coins
of, 14.
OX or OXON, mint-mark of Oxford, 116.
Oxford Crown, the, 117.
Oxford mint, coins of (Charles I), 116.
P.
"Pacx" type, introduction of, 31.
Parkhurst, Sir William, superintends
Oxford mint, 116.
Patrick Farthing, silver, struck by John
de Curcy, Earl of Ulster, 215.
Patrick or Half -Farthing, copper, Irish,
issue of, 217, 218.
Peada, k. of Mercia, coins of, 3.
Pear, mint-mark of Worcester, 120.
Peckham, Sir Edward, his crest on coins,
88 ; strikes coins for Ireland, 231, 232.
Penny, copper, first issue of, English,
146, 152; Scottish, 190, 196; Irish,
231, 232.
j Penny, silver, Anglo-Saxon, its weight,
ix ; origin and early types, xi, 2, 3 ;
divided into halves and quarters for
halfpence and farthings, 30.
Penny, silver, English, its weight, 34,
37, 47, 56, 62, 66.
Penny, Sovereign type, of Edward the
268
INDEX.
Confessor, 32; of Stephen, 37; of
Henry VII, 74, 75 ; of Henry VIII, 78,
80; of Edward VI, 90.
' ' Petition Crown ," by Thomas Simon, 132 .
Pewter Money, Irish, of James II, 241,
242.
Philip and Mary, coins of, English, 92 ;
Irish, 231.
Pingo, Lewis, engraver to the mint, 147,
148.
Pingo, Thomas, engraver to the mint, 147.
Piri, Martyn, master of the Dublin mint,
228, 229.
Pistole, gold, Scottish, of William III,
209 ; Irish, of Inchiquin money, 235.
Pistrucci, Benedetto, engraver to the
English mint, 149, 150, 153, 154, 159 ;
makes dies for Irish coins, 248.
Plack, billon, first issue of, 174, 177;
derivation of its name, 177.
Plegmund, Abp. of Canterbury, coins
of, 10.
Plume, mark of Welsh silver, 104, 108,
132, 138, 139, 141, 143, 145.
Plume without band, mint-mark of
Shrewsbury, 119.
Pole, William Wellesley, master of the
mint, 150, 153.
Pontefract, siege pieces of (Charles I
and II), 124.
" Pontifex," title assumed by Aethel-
heard, Abp. of Canterbury, 9.
Portcullis, countermark of, on coins of
Edward VI, 88 ; of Mary, 92.
Portcullis Groat of Henry VII, 74.
Portraiture on coins, Anglo-Saxon, xxii,
32 ; English, xxxiii, 74.
Pound, Anglo-Saxon, a money of account,
ix.
Pound Piece or Twenty Shillings, silver,
English, issues of, 106, 116, 119.
Pownall, Archdeacon, on Irish coins of
Edward VI, 229.
Poynter, Sir E. J., P.R.A., his designs for
coins, 160.
Prince Elector Guinea of George I, 143.
Q.
Quarter-Angel, first issue of, 76, 81.
Quarter-Dollar, Scottish, issue of, 204,
206.
Quarter-Florin, gold, English, 47.
Quarter-Laurel, issue of, 99, 103.
Quarter-Merk or Half -Noble, silver,
Scottish, issue of, 190, 193.
Quarter-Noble, gold, English, first issue
of, 46, 49.
Quarter-Rider, issue of, 177, 179.
Quarter-Rose Noble, issue of, 66, 67.
Quarter-Thistle Merk, silver, Scottish,
issue of, 190, 195.
Quarter-Unit, Scottish, see Britain Crown.
Quentovic, coins struck at, 18.
R.
R, initial of Abp. Rotherham on coins of
Edward IV, 69.
Rawlins, Thomas, chief engraver of the
mint, 117.
Rebel Money struck for Ireland, 235, 237.
Redwulf, k. of Northumbria, coins of, 15.
Regnald I?, k. of Northumbria, coins
of, 20.
Regnald II, k. of Northumbria, coins
of, 20.
Richard I, coins of, English, 40, 41 ;
Anglo-Gallic, 41.
Richard I and John, classification of
their coins, xxvii, 40.
Richard II, coins of, English, 54 ; Anglo-
Gallic, 54, 56 ; no Irish coins, 217.
Richard III, coins of, English, 70 ; Irish,
224.
Richmond, Duchess of, strikes farthing
tokens, 121.
Richmond, Frances Stewart, Duchess of,
her portrait on copper coins, 133.
Ricsig, k. of Northumbria, no coins of, 16.
Rider, gold, Scottish, first issue of, 174,
175; its parts, classification of, 175,
177 note.
Rings, interlaced, mint -mark of Bp.
Neville of Durham, 63.
Roach, see Roche.
Robert Bruce, coins of, 166.
Robert II, coins of, 168.
Robert III, coins of, 169.
Robert de Hadley, his name on coins of
Edward I, 43, 44.
Robert, Earl of Gloucester, coins of, 30.
Roche, or Roach, strikes " Voce Populi"
money, 246.
INDEX.
269
Boettier, Jan, engraver to the English
mint, 131 ; makes dies for Scottish
coins, 206, 207.
Boettier, Norbert, engraves dies for coins
of James VIII, 212.
Boger, Earl of Warwick, coins of, 30.
Bomaii coins, types of, on sceattas, 1, 2 ;
on Anglo-Saxon pennies, 17.
Bose and sun, badges of Edward IV,
67, 69.
Bose, mark of West of England silver,
131, 138, 141, 143, 145.
Bose Noble, first issue of, 66 ; its current
value, 67 ; imitations of, ib.
Bose Byal or Thirty Shilling Piece, issue
of, 99, 102.
Botherham, Abp. of York, his initials on
coins of Edward IV, 69, 71 ; of Henry
VII, 73.
Boyal Crown, Scottish, form of, 197.
Boyal d'Or, struck by Edward the Black
Prince, 53.
Bunic letters on Anglo-Saxon coins, 1, 2,
11, 12.
Buthall, Bp. of Durham, his initials on
coins of Henry VIII, 78.
Byal, gold, Scottish, issue of, 184, 185.
Byal or Bose Noble, English, first issue
of, 66.
Byal, silver, Scottish, first issue of, 184,
189.
S.
S, initial of Bp. Sherwood on coins of
Bichard III, 71 ; of Henry VII, 73.
St. Andrew, cross of, on coins of
Bochester ?, 6 ; on Scottish coins, 170
et pas.
St. Andrew, gold, Scottish, first issue of,
169, 170.
St. Eadmund, memorial coinage of, xvii,
11, 13.
St. George and the Dragon, type of,
149 ; revived, 157, 159.
St. Martin of Lincoln, coin of, 13.
St. Patrick money, Irish, 240.
St. Peter money of York, xix, 21.
Salisbury mint ?, coins of (Charles I),
119.
Saltire Plack, billon, issue of, 190, 196.
Salute, struck by Henry V, 60 ; by Henry
VI, 64.
Salvator Farthings, copper, Irish, issue
of, 223.
Scarborough, siege pieces of, 125.
Sceattas, their weight and types, x;
currency of, xi ; described, 1, 3, 11.
Sceptre or Unit, Scottish, first issue of,
196, 197.
Scotland, Act of Union with, consequent
changes in coinage, 139, 140 twte ;
coinage, Scottish, subsequent to, 210,
211.
Scotland and England united, consequent
changes in coinage, 100, 196.
Scotland, royal crown of, its form and
difference from the English crown, 197.
Scottish coinage, history of, xlvi ; descrip-
tion, 162.
Scottish mint closed, 212.
" Sede Vacante " coins of Canterbury, 10.
Senhouse, Bp. of Durham, his initials,
D. S., on coins of Henry VII, 75.
Septim Groat, the, 74.
Septim Shilling, the, 75.
Seven Shilling Piece or Third-Guinea,
issue of, 148.
Sharington, Sir William, master of the
Bristol mint, 81-85; strikes coins for
Ireland, 229.
Shelf ord, coin of Earl Sihtric, struck at,
19.
Sherwood, Bp. of Durham, his initial, S,
on coins of Bichard III, 71 ; and
Henry VII, 73.
Shilling, Anglo-Saxon, a money of ac-
count, ix; English, first issue of, 71,
74; Scottish, first issue of, 196, 198;
Irish, first issue of, 230.
Short-cross type, introduced by Henry
II, 40.
Shrewsbury mint, coins of (Charles I),
119.
Siefred, k. of Northumbria, coins of, 18,
19.
Siege pieces, issues of, temp. Charles I,
xli, 122.
Sihtric III, coins of, 213, 214.
Sihtric, Earl, Northumbrian coins of, 19.
Sihtric Gale, k. of Northumbria, coins
of, 20.
Silver money, recoinage of, under William
III, 138.
270
INDEX.
Simon, Thomas, engraves dies for Crom-
well, 127, 128; for Charles II, 129;
replaced by Eoettier, 131 ; makes the
Petition Crown, 132; makes models
for Scottish coins, 204 note.
Sivert, see Siefred.
Six Angel Piece, English, a pattern, 89 ;
Scottish, a pattern, 179.
Sixpence, first issue of, English, 85, 90 ;
Scottish, 210, 212 ; Irish, 227, 228.
Six Shilling Piece, silver, Scottish, first
issue of, 196, 198.
Six Shillings, Bank token, Irish, issue of,
246, 247.
Sixteen Shilling Piece, silver, Scottish,
first issue of, 190, 193.
Sixteenth Dollar, silver, Scottish, issue
of, 204, 206.
Sixty Shilling Piece, Scottish, first issue
of, 196, 198.
Soho mint, Birmingham, 151, 152, 247,
248.
Solidus, Anglo-Saxon, its prototype, ix ;
issue of, 1 ; struck by Wigmund, xviii,
16.
South Sea Company, its initials on coins,
143.
Southwark mint, its mint-marks, 82, 87.
Sovereign, first issue of, 71, 72 ; its weight
and current value, 71 ; reissue of by
George III, 148.
Sovereign type of penny of Edward the
Confessor, 32; of Stephen, 37; of
Henry VII, 74, 75 ; of Henry VIII, 78,
80 ; of Edward VI, 90.
Spade Guinea, issue of, 147.
Spade Half-Guinea, issue of, 147.
Spanish Dollars countermarked for Eng-
lish currency, 150 ; used for striking
Irish Bank tokens, 247.
Spur Ryal or Fifteen Shilling Piece, gold,
issue of, 99, 102, 103.
S. S. C. (South Sea Company), mark of,
on coins, 143.
Standard, battle of the, commemorated
on coins of Stephen, 37.
Standard gold and silver, their fineness,
75.
Star and heart, countermark of James,
Earl of Morton, 187.
Stephen and Matilda, coins of, 38.
Stephen, coins of, 37 ; imitated in Scot-
land, 162.
Styca, Anglo-Saxon, its weight, ix ; early
types, xvii ; descriptions of, 14.
Svend, k. of Norway, invades England, 29.
Swift, Dean, decries Wood's halfpence,
245.
Sword and Sceptre Piece, gold, Scottish,
issue of, 190, 192.
T.
T, initial of Abp. Rotherham on coins of
Edward IV, 69, 71 ; of Henry VII, 73.
T, initial of Thomas Tod, on Scottish
coins, 175.
T. or T. C., initials of Thomas Chamber-
lain of the Bristol mint, 83, 88.
Tanner, John Sigismund, imitates coins
of Cromwell, 127, 128 ; engraver to the
English mint, 144, 147.
T. C., initials of Abp. Cranmer on coins
of Henry VIII, 80.
T. D., initials of Bp. Ruthall on coins of
Henry VIII, 78.
Ten Pence, Bank token, Irish, issue of,
246, 247.
Ten Shilling Piece, silver, Scottish, first
issue of, 190, 194.
Ten Shillings or Half-Pound Piece, silver,
English, issues of, 106, 117, 119.
Testoon, silver, Scottish, first issue of,
184, 185.
Third-Guinea, issue of, 146, 148.
Thirty Pence, Bank token, Irish, issue of,
246, 247.
Thirty Penny Piece, silver, Scottish, issue
of, 190, 195.
Thirty Shilling Piece or Rose Ryal, gold,
English, issue of, 99, 102.
Thirty Shilling Piece, silver, Scottish,
first issue of, 190, 194.
Thistle Crown, issue of, English, 90, 101 ;
Scottish, 196, 198.
Thistle crowned, countermark on Scottish
coins of Mary, 186, 193.
Thistle Dollar or Double-Merk, silver,
Scottish, issue of, 190, 193.
Thistle Merk, silver, Scottish, issue of,
190, 195.
Thistle Noble, gold, Scottish, issue of,
190, 192.
INDEX.
271
Three Crowns money, Irish, first issue
of, 222.
Three Earthings, silver, issue of, English,
94, 99 ; Irish, 227, 229.
Three Halfpence, silver, issue of, English,
94, 99 ; for Jamaica and Ceylon, 155 ;
Irish, 227, 229.
Threepence, first issue of, English, 85,
90; Irish, 227, 228; re-issued in
England, 158.
Three Pound Piece or Triple-Unite, gold,
English, issue of, 106, 116.
Three Pound Piece, silver, Scottish, issue
of, 199, 201.
Three Shillings, Bank token, English,issue
of, 151.
Three Shillings, silver, Scottish, first issue
of, 199, 203.
Throgmorton, Nicholas, his mint-mark,
a ton, 89.
Thrymsa, a money of account, its
value, ix.
Tin money, English, when first struck,
133.
Tod, Thomas, Scottish coiner, 175, 179.
Ton, the mint-mark of Abp. Morton, 74 ;
also of Nicholas Throgmorton, 89.
Tonstall, Cuthbert, Bp. of Durham, his
initials, C. D., on coins of Henry VIII, 80.
Touch Pieces, when first struck, 107.
Tradesmen's tokens, issue of, English,
126, 133, 147 ; Irish, 238, 245, 246.
Tribrach, symbolical of the archiepiscopal
pall, 5.
Triple-Sovereign, first issue of, 85, 87.
Triple-Unite or Three Pound Piece, gold,
English, issue of, 106, 116.
Turner, copper, Scottish, first issue of,
196, 198 ; derivation of its name, 199.
T. W., initials of Abp. Wolsey on coins of
Henry VIII, 77, 78, 80.
Twelve Penny Groat or " Non Sunt,"
billon, Scottish, issue of, 184, 188.
Twelve Penny Piece, silver, Scottish,
issue of, 190, 195.
Twelve Shilling Piece, silver, Scottish,'
first issue of, 196, 198.
Twenty Penny Piece, silver, Scottish,
issue of, 199, 202.
Twenty Pound Piece, gold, Scottish, issue
of, 190, 191.
Twenty Shillings, gold, Scottish, issue of,
184, 185.
Twenty Shillings or Pound Piece, silver,
English, issues of, 106, 116, 119.
Twenty Shillings, silver, Scottish, first
issue of, 190, 194.
Two Guineas, first issue of, 128, 131.
Two Merk Piece, silver, Scottish, issue of,
204, 205.
Twopence, copper, issue of, English, 146,
151 ; Scottish, first issue of, 190, 196.
Two Shilling Piece, silver, first issue of,
English, 157 ; Scottish, 190, 193.
Two-Thirds Bonnet Piece, gold, Scottish,
issue of, 181, 182.
Two-Thirds Lion Noble, gold, Scottish,
issue of, 190, 191.
Two-Thirds Ryal, silver, Scottish, first
issue of, 184, 189.
TJ.
Ulster, John de Curcy, Earl of ; sec De
Curcy, &c.
Una and the Lion, type of, on pattern
Five Pound Piece of Victoria, 157.
Unicorn, Scottish, first issue of, 174, 175.
Union, Act of, with Ireland, change of
king's title after, 148.
Union, Act of, with Scotland, consequent
changes in coinage on, 139, 140 note,
210, 211.
Unit or Sceptre, Scottish, first issue of,
196, 197.
Unite, English, first issue of, 99, 101.
V,
Value, marks of, when first used on
English coins, silver, 90 ; gold, 103.
Values, current, see Current values.
Victoria, coins of, 156 ; her Jubilee
coinage, 159.
" Vigo " on coins of Anne, its meaning,.
140.
Vikings, tribute paid to, xx, 29.
" Voce Populi" halfpence, 246.
W.
W, mint-mark of Weymouth, 120.
W. A., initials of Abp. Wareham, on coins
of Henry VIII, 77, 78, 80.
272
INDEX.
Wareham, Abp. of Canterbury, his
initials on coins of Henry VIII, 77,
78, 80.
Waterford, kings of, coins attributed to,
213.
W. C. C. (Welsh Copper Company), mark
of, on coins, 143.
Welsh Copper Company, its initials on
coins, 143.
Welsh mines, silver from, used for coinage,
104, 108, 116, 132, 138, 139, 141, 143, 145.
Wessex, history of coinage, xix ; its coins,
22.
West of England, silver from, used for
coinage, 131, 138, 141, 143, 145.
Weymouth mint, coins of (Charles I), 120.
White Metal Money, Irish, struck by
James II, 241, 242.
Wiglaf, k. of Mercia, coins of, 6.
Wigmund, Abp. of York, coins of, 16;
his solidus, xviii, 16.
William I, coins of, 34.
William I and II, coins of, 34, 35.
William II, coins of, 35.
William III (II of Scotland), coins of,
English, 137; Scottish, 209; Irish,
224 ; his great re-coinage of English
silver money, 138.
William IV, coins of, 155.
William and Mary, coins of, English,
135 ; Scottish, 208 ; Irish, 243.
William, son of Stephen, coins of, 40.
William the Lion, coins of, 163.
Wolsey, Thomas, Bp. of Durham and Abp.
of York, his initials, &c., on coins of
Henry VIII, 77, 78, 80 ; his groat, 78, 80.
Wood's Halfpence for Ireland, 244.
Wood, William, strikes coins for Ireland,
244 ; surrenders his patent, 245.
Worcester mint, coins of (Charles I), 120.
W. S. (mon.) initials of Sir William
Sharington, on English coins, 81, 82,
83, 86 ; on Irish coins, 229.
Wulfhere, Abp. of York, coins of, 17.
Wulfred, Abp. of Canterbury, coins of, 10.
Wulfsig, Abp. of York, no coins of, 16.
Wyon, Thomas, engraver to the mint,
150 ; engraves coins and tokens for
Ireland, 247.
Wyon, William, engraver to the mint,
153, 154, 155, 157 ; makes dies for Irish
coins, 248.
X.
X. B., initials of Abp. Bainbridge on
coins of Henry VIII, 77.
Y.
Y, initial of Sir John Yorke, master of
the Southwark mint, 87-90.
Yeo, Richard, engraver to the mint,
147, 149.
York, archiepiscopal coins of, Anglo-
Saxon, their history, xviii ; description
of, 16.
York, minster of, represented on coins of
Aethelstan, 27.
York mint, coins of (Charles I), 121.
York, St. Peter money of, xix, 21.
Yorke, Sir John, master of the Southwark
mint, 87, 88, 89.
Youghal, copper coins struck at, 238.
Young, Matthew, restrikes Scottish coins
from old dies, 207, 212.
LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED. STAMFOKD STIIKET
AND CHAItINQ CKOSS.
PLATE I
ANGLO SAXON COINS
Sceattas Mercia
PLATE II
ANGLO-SAXON COINS
Mercia, Kent, and East Anglia
PLATE III
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ANGLO-SAXON COINS
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PLATE IV
ANGLO-SAXON COINS
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PLATE LVI
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IRISH COINS
Aethelred Il-Edward IV
PLATE LVII
IRISH COINS
Edward IV
PLATE LVIII
53
57
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IRISH COINS
-Henry VI11
IRISH COINS
Mary Elisabeth
PLATE LX
IRISH COINS
James I Charles 1
PLATE LXI
IRISH COINS
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PLATE LXIH
112
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James II George I
PLATE LXIV
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British Museum. Dept. of
Coins and Medals
Handbook of the coins of
Great Britain and Ireland
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