Description

The Hammered English Coin Edward I 1279-1307 Penny Canterbury refers to a penny minted during the reign of King Edward I, struck between 1279 and 1307 at the Canterbury mint. This period is a significant one for English coinage, as Edward I enacted a major reform to standardize the weight and purity of coins.

Key Features of the Coin:

• Denomination: The coin is a penny, which was the most common and important small denomination in medieval English coinage.

• Obverse: The obverse typically features a portrait of King Edward I, with a crown and sometimes a sceptre or other royal regalia. The inscription around the portrait would generally read “EDWARDUS REX” or “EDWARDUS DEI GRA”, meaning “Edward, King of England” or “Edward by the Grace of God.”

• Reverse: The reverse features a long cross, which was a standard design for coins of this period. The cross divides the coin into four quadrants. Each quadrant may have a small floral design, crown, or other symbols. The inscription on the reverse would typically be “CIVITAS CANTOR” or “CIVITAS CANTERBURGI” (City of Canterbury), indicating that the coin was minted at the Canterbury mint.

Edward I’s Coinage Reform:

• Reform of 1279: Edward I introduced a major coinage reform in 1279, which sought to standardize the weight and silver content of the coinage. Before this, coins had been subject to clipping (removing metal from the coin’s edge) and debasement (reducing the amount of precious metal), which led to inflation and instability in the economy. The reform established the Tealby penny style and aimed to ensure that coins had consistent weight and purity.

• Tealby Penny: The long cross design on the reverse of the coin is a hallmark of the Tealby penny introduced by Edward I in 1279. The long cross divided the coin into four equal quadrants, and this design helped make the coin easier to handle and recognize.

• Minting in Canterbury: The Canterbury mint was one of the key regional mints during Edward I’s reign. Coins struck in Canterbury often carry the inscription “CIVITAS CANTERBURGI” to indicate the location of the mint. Although London was the primary mint, Canterbury was a significant mint in southern England, and it produced large numbers of coins during this time.

Design Characteristics:

• Obverse Design: Edward I’s portrait on the obverse typically shows him in profile with a crown, sometimes holding a sceptre or other royal regalia. The portrait design is relatively simple but striking and was used to reinforce his authority.

• Reverse Design: The long cross design on the reverse is divided into four quadrants, often containing floral patterns or crown symbols. This design was a key feature of Edward I’s reform and was meant to prevent counterfeiting and make the coin easily recognizable.

• Mint Mark: In addition to the “CIVITAS CANTERBURGI” inscription, there may be other mint marks or symbols that can help date the coin and give clues about its particular year of minting. These can be important for collectors as they help identify specific issues of the coinage.

Value and Rarity:

The value of a Edward I penny from Canterbury depends on several factors:

1. Condition (Grade): The condition of the coin is one of the most important factors in determining its value. Coins with clear portraits, legible inscriptions, and minimal wear will be worth more. In contrast, coins that are worn, damaged, or have faded details will be less valuable.

2. Rarity: The Canterbury mint is one of the more prominent mints of Edward I’s reign, but coins from regional mints are often rarer than those from the London mint. As a result, coins minted in Canterbury may carry a premium if they are in good condition and have distinctive features.

3. Historical Significance: Coins from Edward I’s reign are highly valued by collectors due to the coinage reform he introduced, which aimed to standardize currency and eliminate fraud. The long cross design is an iconic feature of this period and is often associated with Edward I’s efforts to create a reliable currency system.

How to Assess the Coin’s Value:

To assess the value of a Hammered Edward I penny from Canterbury, you should consider:

• Condition: The coin’s grade (e.g., Good, Very Fine, Extremely Fine) will significantly affect its value. Well-preserved coins with clear legends and designs will fetch a higher price.
• Mint Mark and Features: Coins with distinctive mint marks or unusual design variations can be rarer and more valuable. For example, a coin from Canterbury that shows distinctive mint marks could be considered more valuable to collectors.
• Demand: As with any collectible, market demand plays a role in determining the coin’s value. Coins from Edward I’s reign, especially those that are well-preserved and historically significant, are often in demand.