1 Penny - Henry III Long Cross type; class 3c ND
| Silver | 1.35 g | 17 mm |
| Issuer | England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| King | Henry III (1216-1272) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1249-1250 |
| Value | 1 Penny (1⁄240) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 1.35 g |
| Diameter | 17 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#227461 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 90% |
Reverse
Legend around voided long cross with trefoil of pellets in each angle.
Script: Latin (uncial)
Lettering: NIC OLE ON L VND
Lettering (regular font): NIC OLE ON L VND
Translation: Nicole of London
Comment
House of Plantagenet (1154-1399), Henry III (1216-1272), Long cross coinage (1247-79), Phase II (Provincial), Class 3c.Mintmark 4: larger 6-pointed star, struck at London and provincial mints, c.1249-50. For more details visit Rod Blunt's website here.
By the middle of Henry's reign the Short Cross coinage in circulation was in a poor state and, in 1247, a new coinage was ordered with the cross on the reverse extended to the edge of the coin in an attempt to prevent clipping. The earliest coins (1a) showed the names of neither the mint nor the moneyer. Class 1b includes the name of the mint and from Class 2 onwards all coins show the name of both the mint and the moneyer.
For further detail, please read this article published in the British Numismatic Journal
The Long Cross Coinage of Henry III and Edward I by L. A. Lawrence, F.S.A.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the 1 Penny - Henry III (Long Cross type; class 3c) ND (1249-1250) coin is that it was minted during a time of great change in England. Henry III was the first English king to issue a silver penny, which replaced the earlier copper pennies. This change in metal composition was significant because it reflected the growing wealth and influence of England during this period. Additionally, the Long Cross type design on the coin was a new design introduced during Henry III's reign, and it featured a long cross on the reverse side of the coin, which was meant to symbolize the king's commitment to Christianity. Overall, this coin is a fascinating piece of history that provides insight into the economic, social, and political changes that were taking place in England during the 13th century.
