½ Penny - Richard I Short Cross type; class 4b ND
| Silver | 0.51 g | 11 mm |
| Issuer | England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| King | Richard I (1189-1199) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1189-1199 |
| 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 | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#275402 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 91% |
Reverse
Voided short cross with four pellets in each angle within inner circle, legend around.
Lettering: +FVLKE ON LVN
Translation: Fulke of London
Comment
House of Plantagenet (1154-1399), Richard I (1189-99), Short Cross coinage, Class 4b.All issues bear the name of Richard's predecessor Henry, numerous moneyer and mint name variations exist.
Uncut penny ref: Sp#1348C
The coins of Class 4 continued to be issued in the early years of King John's reign. Class 4c (and some argue part or all of Class 4b) was issued under John, with 5 pearls to the crown instead of seven.
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
One interesting fact about the ½ Penny - Richard I (Short Cross type; class 4b) ND (1189-1199) coin is that it was minted during the reign of King Richard I, also known as Richard the Lionheart, who was known for his military campaigns and his role in the Third Crusade.
