© Pierre.B (CC BY)
© Pierre.B (CC BY)
½ Penny - John Short Cross type; class 5c ND
| Silver | 0.51 g | 11 mm |
| Issuer | England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| King | John (1199-1216) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1207-1210 |
| Value | ½ Penny (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 0.51 g |
| Diameter | 11 mm |
| Shape | Half circle |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#412604 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Voided short cross with four pellets in each angle within inner circle, legend around.
Script: Latin
Comment
House of Plantagenet (1154-1399), John (1199-1216), Short Cross coinage, silver cut halfpenny, possibly class 5c/6c.
All issues bear the name of John's father Henry, numerous moneyer and mint name variations exist.
Medieval coins were cut into halves and quarters to provide fractional denominations without the need to strike new coins. It is thought these were generally cut at the mint, although it is also likely to have happened during transactions. Cut halfpennies are known in England from Anglo-Saxon times (c. 750s) until Edward I introduced round farthings and halfpennies in 1279.
Interesting fact
The ½ Penny coin was minted during the reign of King John (1199-1216), and it features a unique "short cross" design on the reverse side. This design was used to distinguish the coin from other silver pennies minted during the same period, and it has become a distinctive feature of this particular coin. The "short cross" design features a cross with short arms, and it is believed to have been inspired by the design of the silver groat, which was a popular coin during the time. The ½ Penny - John (Short Cross type; class 5c) ND (1207-1210) coin is considered a rare and valuable collector's item, and it is highly sought after by numismatists.
