England – Henry III (1216–1272) – AR Silver Long Cross Penny – London Mint (Attributed)
Country: England
Dynasty: Plantagenet
Ruler: Henry III (1216–1272 AD)
Period: Long Cross Coinage, c. 1247–1272 AD
Denomination: Penny
Mint: London (attributed)
Moneyer: Uncertain
Metal: Silver (AR)
Weight: 1.34 g
Diameter: 17 mm
Condition: Good Fine (GF)
Obverse: Crowned facing portrait of King Henry III, surrounded by a partially preserved Latin inscription. The crown and facial features remain recognizable, although the portrait exhibits considerable circulation wear.
Reverse: Voided long cross extending toward the edge of the flan, with a central pellet and three pellets in each quarter. Portions of the surrounding mint and moneyer’s inscription remain visible but are insufficient for a definitive attribution.
Historical Background:
Henry III ruled England from 1216 to 1272, during a period of significant political, economic and monetary development.
Introduced in 1247, the long-cross penny represented an important reform of English silver coinage. The extended cross design helped discourage fraudulent clipping by making the removal of silver from the coin’s edges more apparent.
These hammered silver pennies circulated extensively throughout medieval England and played a central role in everyday commerce during the thirteenth century.
Condition and Collector’s Notes:
An authentic-style medieval hammered silver penny with an irregular flan, natural grey toning and visible circulation wear.
The obverse displays a heavily worn but identifiable crowned portrait, while the reverse retains a comparatively strong long-cross design and clearly recognizable pellet groups.
The coin shows surface marks and areas of uneven striking consistent with its general appearance.
Traditionally attributed to the London mint, although the exact moneyer and variety remain undetermined.
An appealing historical example of English Plantagenet silver coinage, particularly suitable for collectors of medieval hammered coins.
The photographs show the actual coin offered for sale and form an integral part of the description.