© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
1 Penny - Henry III Long Cross type; class 5b ND
1253 year| Silver | 1.4 g | 18 mm |
| Issuer | England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| King | Henry III (1216-1272) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1253 |
| Value | 1 Penny (1⁄240) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 1.4 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#52364 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 71% |
Reverse
Legend around long voided cross with trefoil of pellets in angles.
Note: varieties exist (see below)
Script: Latin
Lettering: NIC | OLЄ | ON C | ANT
Translation: Nicole of Canterbury
Comment
House of Plantagenet (1154-1399), Henry III (1216-1272), Long cross coinage (1247-79), Phase III (Post-provincial), Class 5b.No mintmark, struck at the London, Canterbury, Bury St Edmunds and Durham mints, c.1253.
Weight/diameter range: 1.3-1.5g, 17-19mm.
Varieties exist:
Sp#1368 Class 5b1 Large oval bust, sometimes narrower with more pointed chin, half fleur crown ends;
Sp#1368A Class 5b2 As above but crown with end pellets.
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.
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 used to differentiate the coin from earlier pennies that had a shorter cross. Additionally, the coin's silver content was increased during Henry III's reign, making it a valuable and sought-after collector's item.
