© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
1 Penny - Henry III Long Cross type; class 4b ND
| Silver | 1.40 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| King | Henry III (1216-1272) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1250-1251 |
| Value | 1 Penny (1⁄240) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 1.40 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#323309 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Legend around voided long cross, with pellet at centre and three pellets in angles.
Script: Latin (uncial)
Lettering: RIC ARD ONL VND
Lettering (regular font): RIC ARD ONL VND
Translation: Ricard of London
Comment
House of Plantagenet (1154-1399), Henry III (1216-1272), Long cross coinage (1247-79), Phase III (Post-provincial), Class 4b.Mintmark 5 (8 pointed star), struck at the London and Canterbury mints, 1250-51. For more detail, please see 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.
Interesting fact
The Long Cross type penny of Henry III, like the one , is notable for its unique design. The coin features a long cross on the reverse side, which gives it its name. This design was introduced during Henry III's reign to combat the problem of clipping, which was a common practice where people would shave off small pieces of the coin's edges to collect the precious metal. The long cross design made it easier to tell if a coin had been tampered with, and it also made the coin more difficult to counterfeit.
