England – Plantagenet – Edward III (?) – AR Silver Penny – Medieval Hammered Coin

Country: England

Dynasty: Plantagenet (attributed)

Ruler: Edward III (?) (1327–1377 AD)

Denomination: Penny (attributed)

Mint: London (?)

Metal: Silver (AR), as catalogued

Weight: 0.98 g

Diameter: 17 mm

Condition: Fair to Fine (Fair–F)

Obverse: Crowned facing bust of the monarch, surrounded by a partially visible Latin inscription. The portrait is heavily worn, with only limited details of the crown and facial features remaining. Considerable circulation wear and surface scratches are present.

Reverse: Long cross pattée dividing the field into four quarters, each containing three pellets arranged in a triangular formation. The central cross and pellet groups remain clearly recognizable. Portions of the surrounding medieval Latin inscription are visible but largely illegible.

Historical Background:

The English silver penny was one of the principal denominations of medieval England, circulating extensively in everyday commerce. During the Plantagenet period, the traditional crowned royal portrait and long-cross reverse became established features of English coinage.

The long-cross design, introduced during the thirteenth century, helped discourage fraudulent clipping and facilitated the division of pennies into smaller fractions.

Condition and Attribution:

An original-style medieval hammered silver penny with an irregular flan, dark grey toning, extensive circulation wear, surface scratches and minor edge irregularities.

The reverse retains a distinctive long-cross design with clearly visible pellet groups, while the obverse is substantially worn.

Traditionally attributed to Edward III (1327–1377), possibly from the London mint. However, the heavily worn inscriptions prevent a definitive identification of the ruler, mint or precise issue.

An interesting and affordable example of medieval English hammered coinage, suitable for collectors of Plantagenet and British medieval coins.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description.