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: Willem (traditionally attributed; unconfirmed)

Metal: Silver (AR)

Weight: 1.26 g

Diameter: 16.5 mm

Condition: Good Fine (GF)

Reference: Cf. Spink 1369 (provisional)

Obverse: Crowned facing portrait of King Henry III, holding a fleur-de-lis-tipped sceptre. Portions of the surrounding Latin royal inscription remain visible. The crown, eyes and upper facial features are recognizable, while the lower portrait displays substantial circulation wear.

Reverse: Voided long cross extending toward the outer edge, with a central pellet and three pellets arranged in each quarter. Portions of the surrounding moneyer’s and mint inscription remain visible. The cross and pellet groups retain good definition.

Historical Background:

Henry III ruled England from 1216 to 1272, one of the longest reigns in medieval English history.

The long-cross silver penny was introduced in 1247 as part of a major reform of English coinage. Its distinctive cross extended toward the edge of the coin, making unauthorized clipping easier to detect.

These pennies were widely used in medieval commerce and represent an important development in English monetary history.

Condition and Collector’s Notes:

An attractive medieval hammered silver penny displaying natural grey toning, an irregular flan and honest circulation wear.

The reverse is particularly appealing, with a well-defined long cross and recognizable pellet groups. The obverse exhibits greater wear, although important elements of the royal portrait remain visible.

The coin is traditionally attributed to the London mint and the moneyer Willem. The precise mint, moneyer and variety have not been independently confirmed from the surviving inscriptions.

A collectible example of medieval Plantagenet silver coinage, offering an appealing connection to thirteenth-century England.

The photographs show the actual coin offered for sale and form an integral part of the description.