ENGLAND – EDWARD IV (1461–1470) – SILVER HALFGROAT – CANTERBURY MINT – MEDIEVAL HAMMERED COIN

Kingdom: England

Ruler: Edward IV (First Reign, AD 1461–1470)

Dynasty: House of York

Mint: Canterbury

Ecclesiastical Authority: Archbishop Thomas Bourchier

Denomination: Halfgroat (2 Pence)

Date: AD 1461–1470

Metal: Silver (AR)

Weight: 1.25 g

Diameter: 18 mm

Reference: Cf. Spink (SCBC) 2027

Condition: About Very Fine (aVF)

Obverse

Crowned facing bust of King Edward IV within a tressure of arches, with fleurs on the cusps and a knot at the base. Surrounding Latin legend.

Reverse

Long cross pattée extending to the outer legend, with three pellets in each quarter. Canterbury mint inscription within the inner circle, surrounded by the royal legend.

Historical Background

Edward IV (1442–1483) was the first Yorkist king of England, ascending the throne in 1461 during the Wars of the Roses. His reign marked a turbulent period of dynastic conflict between the Houses of York and Lancaster.

The Canterbury mint operated under the authority of Archbishop Thomas Bourchier, an influential ecclesiastical figure who served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1454 to 1486. Silver halfgroats of this period represent an important part of late medieval English monetary history.

Condition and Remarks

Attractive medieval hammered silver halfgroat displaying a recognizable crowned portrait, a well-defined long cross and partially legible legends. Some areas of weakness, surface wear and irregularities consistent with medieval hammered coinage and circulation.

An appealing historical example of Yorkist silver coinage from the Wars of the Roses period.

The coin pictured is the exact specimen offered for sale.