Description
1279-1307 England Penny Edward I Hammered Coin
The 1279-1307 England Penny featuring Edward I is part of a series of medieval hammered coins struck during his reign. Edward I, also known as Edward Longshanks, ruled from 1272 until his death in 1307. His coins are a significant part of English numismatic history, reflecting the design and political themes of the time.
Key Features of the Edward I Penny:
-
Obverse (Front): Typically depicts a crowned bust of Edward I facing forward or in profile, often with a legend around it, such as “EDWARDUS REX” (Edward, King).
-
Reverse (Back): Often shows a long cross with a small pellet in each quarter, or a cross with a variety of different designs in the four quadrants. Around the cross, you would usually see the legend “CIVITAS LONDON” or another city name, depending on where the coin was minted.
-
Material: Made from silver, as was typical for pennies during this period.
-
Minting Process: These coins were hammered, meaning the metal blank (or “planchet”) was placed between two dies and struck by hand to imprint the design. This results in less precise edges and more variation than modern coins.
Historical Context:
Edward I was a powerful king, best known for his military campaigns in Wales and Scotland. His coinage was part of his effort to control and organize the economy, and his reign marked a shift towards a more standardized currency system.
Edward I’s pennies were issued in several mints across England, including London, York, and other regional mints. They were primarily used for everyday transactions and circulated widely throughout England.
