Shield / Cross

Pellet at centre of cross

S1675; 20mm, 1.88g

A decent example with clear name and much detail.

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Richard II was the son of the Black Prince and grandson of Edward III. The Black Prince died the year before his father and so Richard who was next in line succeeded to the throne, aged 10, upon the death of his grandfather in AD 1377. Until Richard came of age his uncle John of Gaunt became the effective Regent.

One of Richards first challenges was the Peasants Revolt of AD 1381. This was brought about by the high level of taxation and in particular a Poll Tax which was levied to help pay for the war with France. The Black Death thirty years earlier had decimated the population thereby leading to a severe shortage of serfs. One of the Peasants demands was that serfdom be abolished. When the revolt reached London John of Gaunt’s palace was burnt down and the Bishop of London was killed. Richard rode out to meet the leaders of the Revolt at Blackheath. Here the leader of the peasants, Wat Tyler, was pulled from his horse and killed. Richard showing presence of mind addressed the peasants directly telling them that he agreed to act upon their grievances. Although the revolt then petered out the charters to which Richard had agreed were not acted upon.

Richard was considerably less war like than his father and grandfather. Richard tried to stop the war with France. Although he failed in stopping the war there was effectively a truce. An expedition he led to Ireland was however successful in securing the support of the Irish nobles.

Richard tried to reduce the power of the aristocracy but this resulted in their revolt and the setting up of the Lords Appellant. Although Richard regained control when he took his revenge by killing or exiling the Lords who had revolted the son of John of Gaunt, Henry Bolingbroke returned with an army which landed in Wales. Rather than fight Richard agreed to abdicate and was then taken back to London as captive. Although Henry had agreed to spare Richard’s life when a plot was discovered to have Richard reinstated Henry had Richard moved to Pontefract Castle where he is believed to have been starved to death early in AD 1400.

Although Shakespeare describes Richard as being weak and vindictive he was in fact intelligent and a patron of the arts as well as of architecture. It was during Richards reign that Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales were written.

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1st Reign

King in ship holding Royal Shield, E in waves / Fleur in spandrels

York

S1963; 27mm, 3.82g

A lovely coin in hand, clear detail and little wear. The half ryal being much rarer than the full.

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Edward IV was born in Rouen and until the death of his father at the Battle of Wakefield in AD 1460 was known as the Earl of March. Taking up the Yorkist cause upon the death of his father Defeating the Lancastrians at Mortimers Cross and Towton he claimed the throne and was first crowned in AD 1461. He married Elizabeth Woodville in AD 1464. This led to a dispute with his chief adviser Richard Neville the Duke of Warwick. Eventually Warwick defected to the Lancastrians which resulted in Edward being deposed and Henry VI being reinstated. Edward fought back defeating Warwick at the Battle of Barnet and the Lancastrians at the Battle of Tewkesbury in AD 1471. Warwick as well as Henry VI’s son Edward were killed and shortly afterwards Henry VI in the Tower. Edward reclaimed the throne.

Edward’s spending greatly exceeded his income and as a result the coinage was debased during his reign with the introduction of the Light coinage in AD 1464. Edward was keen on the arts and his count was described as being one of the most splendid in Europe. Edward died suddenly in AD 1483.

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1st Reign

Annulet Issue

King in ship holding Royal Shield. Annulet by sword arm / Royal Cross in tressure. Annulet in one spandrel

S1799; 32mm, 6.87g

An attractive example.

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Henry VI was the infant son of Henry V when he was crowned king in AD 1422. Later crowned king of France in Notre Dame, Paris in AD 1431 he later presided over the reconquest of all of his French empire with the exception of Calais by the time the Hundred Years war ended in AD 1453. A weak but pious and learned man he founded Eton College as well as Kings College, Cambridge and All Souls , Oxford. Married to a strong willed woman, Margaret of Anjou, he became increasingly unpopular. Eventually the Dukes of York and Somerset broke and away and the civil war which broke out in AD 1455 became known as the Wars of the Roses. Defeated Henry was deposed in AD1461 and succeeded by York’s son Edward IV. Later restored briefly in AD 1471 Henry was again deposed and this time killed.

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Class F

King in ship holding Royal Shield. No pellet at sword point / Royal Cross in tressure

S1746; 31mm, 6.44g

Bold portrait and detail, minor clipping.

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Henry V is perhaps England’s most famous warrior king and was immortalised by Shakespeare for his victory over the French at Agincourt. Henry as Duke of Monmouth was increasingly involved in the affairs of state as his father Henry IV became increasingly ill from about the middle of his reign. As a young man Henry V was injured by an arrow at the Battle of Shrewsbury and all his subsequent portraits show only the left side of his face.

Civil Wars in France gave Henry IV the chance to re ignite the Hundred Years war and 2 expeditions were launched against France in AD 1411/1412. In AD 1415 Henry led another expedition to France capturing Harfleur. Against advice he decided to march back to Calais. It was on St Crispin’s Day, 25th October that he came up against the much larger French army. Deciding on battle he succeeded in routing the French force and winning one of the most famous victories in England’s history.

Returning for a second campaign he stormed across northern France capturing Rouen in AD 1419 and eventually Paris. Peace was negotiated at the Treaty of Troyes in AD 1420 whereby Henry was recognised as King of France after the death of the French king Charles VI. Unfortunately Henry died suddenly in AD 1422 shortly before Charles VI and before he could be crowned in Paris.

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Group D.  Tower under King

4th bust with falling lace collar / Oval shield with C-R at sides

mm. portcullis

S2691; 32mm, 9.03g

A wonderful portrait and detail, well toned.

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Born the second son of James I Charles became heir upon the death of his elder brother Henry in AD 1612. After an unsuccessful attempt to marry him to the Infanta of Spain Charles married the Catholic Henrietta Maria of France in AD 1625. Charles strongly believed in the divine right of kings and upon his accension to the throne in AD 1625 it was not long before he quarrelled with Parliament which tried to curb his powers. This caused increasing unrest at his attempts to raise taxes without Parliamentary consent. There was uneasiness with his religious policies in part due to his marriage to a Catholic queen. He also quarrelled with the Scottish bishops and eventually both the Scottish and English Parliaments rebelled starting the Civil War.
Having been defeated by armies raised by Parliament Charles eventually fled from Oxford to the north where he was captured by the Scots who handed him over to the Long Parliament in London. Refusing to accept a Constitutional monarchy Charles escaped to the Isle of Wight. Charles attempted to reassert his control but was defeated by the Parliamentarians under Cromwell who had him brought back to London and tried. This time Charles was sentenced to death and was executed in Whitehall in January AD 1649. This instigated the Commonwealth when the country was ruled as a Republic until Charles II was restored as king in AD 1660.
The reign of Charles I is one of the most interesting numismatically. Not only were many provincial mints set up, particularly during the Civil War period, some outstanding machine- made coins were produced both in England and Scotland under Nicholas Briot.

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Obverse – crowned lion walking left, within tressure of eleven arcs, mullet in one spandrel, pierced quatrefoils in other spandrels and on cusps, beaded circles and legend surrounding, Latin legend and beaded borders surrounding with double pierced quatrefoil stops, initial mark cross pattee, EDxx PmOxx GnSxx REGISxx ANGLIExx PnCEPSxx AQITAnIE., the last An ligatured.

Reverse – six pellets in central compartment of floreated ornamental cross, lions over pierced quatrefoils in angles, all within cartouche, voided quatrefoils in spandrels, Latin legend and beaded borders surrounding, +XP’Cxx VInCITxx XPCxx REGNATxx XPCxx IMPERAT.

The abbreviated Latin legends translate as on obverse “Edward, first born of the King of England, Prince of Aquitaine” and on reverse “Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ commands.”

29mm, 3.50g Elias 140; cf. SCH 31; AGC 150; S.8121

Some field scuffs in parts, crisp detail and little wear. Rare.

With previous handwritten label.

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Edward of Woodstock, latterly known as the Black Prince (1330–1376) was the eldest son and heir apparent of King Edward III of England and one of the most renowned military figures of the 14th century. Known for his leadership and bravery, Edward earned his title “the Black Prince” due to his fearsome reputation and distinctive black armour. He played a pivotal role in the Hundred Years’ War, achieving significant victories at the battles of Crécy (1346) and Poitiers (1356), where he captured the French King John II. Edward was also Prince of Wales in addition to Aquitaine.

Despite his military success, Edward’s life was marked by struggles with health, and he never ascended the throne; his death preceded that of his father, King Edward III, and so his son, Richard II, would eventually become King. Edward’s legacy is also tied to the Gold Leopard D’Or, symbolizing his influence in both military and economic spheres.

The coin’s name derives from its striking design, which features a leopard – the heraldic animal associated with Edward’s family. The coin was minted during a time when England sought to strengthen its economy and solidify the crown’s influence across Europe. This gold coin not only represented monetary value but also served as a symbol of the Black Prince’s authority and prestige.

The Gold Leopard D’Or was notable for its size and weight, making it an important part of international trade. It is a testament to Edward’s influence, not just as a warrior, but also as a key figure in the evolution of English currency. His coins remain valuable historical artefacts, providing a glimpse into the political and economic landscape of 14th-century England.

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Mary and Gabriel over shields / Latin cross

Rouen mint (mintmark lion)

S8164, 25mm; 3.09g

Probably once mounted.

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Henry VI was the infant son of Henry V when he was crowned king in AD 1422. Later crowned king of France in Notre Dame, Paris in AD 1431 he later presided over the reconquest of all of his French empire with the exception of Calais by the time the Hundred Years war ended in AD 1453. A weak but pious and learned man he founded Eton College as well as Kings College, Cambridge and All Souls , Oxford. Married to a strong willed woman, Margaret of Anjou, he became increasingly unpopular. Eventually the Dukes of York and Somerset broke and away and the civil war which broke out in AD 1455 became known as the Wars of the Roses. Defeated Henry was deposed in AD1461 and succeeded by York’s son Edward IV. Later restored briefly in AD 1471 Henry was again deposed and this time killed.

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Treaty Period AD 1361-9

Class IIIb

King holding shield and standing in Ship / Royal Cross

S1502, 34mm, 7.77g

A handsome coin with sharp detail, small field scuff at 6 o’clock on obverse.

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Son of Edward II Edward III is another great warrior king of The Middle Ages and is most famous for his campaigns in France and the great English victories at Sluys, Crecy and Poitiers at the start of the Hundred Years War. A campaign against the Scots at the start of his reign was unsuccessful however when Edward dismissed his chief minister, Roger Mortimer, he agreed a truce before taking up arms against France. The English won a naval victory at Sluys in AD 1340 which gave them control of the Channel. Landing an army in France Edward beat the French at Crecy capturing Calais. Ten years later his son Edward, The Black Prince, won an impressive victory at Poitiers thanks in part to the effectiveness of the English longbows. The Treaty of Bretigny in AD 1360 granted Edward additional territory in France although he also renounced his claim to the French throne. There was then a lull in the war and as Edward became older he became more lethargic leaving most of the campaigning to his sons
Edward’s reign saw the devastation of England’s population as well as those of most other European countries. Edward instigated various Legal reforms but is better known for his creation of various orders of chivalry which include the Order of the Garter. Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales were also written towards the end of his reign.
The Groat was reintroduced during Edward’s reign together the first issue of gold coinage. Firstly the florin or leopard followed by the noble. In Ireland there was a small issue of silver halfpennies however there was a large issue of Anglo Gallic coins both in Edward’s name and also his son the Black Prince.

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Light coinage.

Shield, trefoils and annulets by shield/Royal cross in tressure

S1717; 18mm, 1.47g

minor edge split between 12 & 1 o’clock on obverse.

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Henry Bolingbroke was the eldest son of John of Gaunt who had acted as Regent during the early part of Richard II reign. Henry was the first monarch to speak English as his native tongue. Although a cousin to Richard Henry was one of the Lords Appellant who revolted against Richard. by opposing his decision to try five of his courtiers for treason. The Appellants asserted Parliament’s authority and thereby controlled government policy at least until a royal recovery saw them swept from power. Initially Richard did not punish Henry when the revolt was put down even creating him Duke of Hereford. However when John of Gaunt died in AD 1399 Richard had Henry exiled and also disinherited of John of Gaunt’s titles and land.

Henry then raised an army and invaded Wales in August AD 1399. Richard, rather than fight, agreed to abdicate and was then taken back as captive to London where Henry was crowned. Although Henry had initially agreed to spare Richard’s life but upon discovering a plot to re instate Richard he had Richard taken to Pontefract Castle where Richard was starved to death early in AD 1400.

Henry faced many rebellions during his reign. These included a revolt by Owain Glyndwr who claimed to be the last Prince of Wales. Although Glyndwr was never captured Henry eventually managed to take control of Wales. He also faced an invasion by the Scots and a revolt from the Percy’s, the Duke of Northumberland, and his son Harry Hotspur. These were effectively put down when Henry succeeded in defeating them at the Battle of Shrewsbury in AD 1403.

Although Henry consulted with Parliament he was in disagreement with them when faced with by the Lollard movement. The Lollards were demanding unification of Western Christianity. Henry considered this to be heresy and wanted their leaders burnt as heretics. Parliament wanted some of the land belonging to the Church confiscated. Neither happened.

From the middle of his reign Henry was beset with ill health and relied increasingly upon his son Henry, Duke of Monmouth for support. Henry eventually died in AD 1413.

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3rd coinage

4th bust with small ties/ Crowned shield

mm. trefoil

S2641A; 27mm, 4.63g

A sharp example in hand, well struck & little wear.

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The son of Mary Queen of Scots, James acceded the Scottish throne as James VI when only 1 year old upon his mother’s abdication in AD 1567. He married Anne of Denmark and upon the death of the childless Elizabeth succeeded the English throne in AD 1603 being the nearest heir. Following the Gunpowder plot of AD 1605 James brought in severe sanctions against Catholics and also introduced the King James Bible. Scotland remained a separate kingdom and retained its own currency James established a currency of similar weight and fineness in both realms although a 12:1 ratio between Scottish and English denominations was maintained.

The reign saw a number of reforms in the English coinage most notably the introduction of the gold Unite, itself replaced in AD 1619 by the Laurel. Copper coins were also issued for the first time when a licence was issued to Lord Harrington to issue farthings.

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