Description

The Hammered English Coin Henry III 1216–1247 Penny refers to a penny minted during the reign of King Henry III, who ruled England from 1216 to 1272. The 1216–1247 period covers part of his long reign and a time of significant political, military, and monetary change in England.

Key Features of the Coin:

• Denomination: The coin is a penny, which was the basic unit of currency in medieval England and widely circulated during Henry III’s reign.

• Obverse: The obverse of the coin typically features a portrait of Henry III, often depicted facing forward or in profile, wearing a crown. The inscription surrounding the portrait would read “HENRICUS REX”, meaning “Henry King,” or similar variations in Latin.

• Reverse: The reverse features a long cross dividing the coin into four quarters. Inside the cross, there are sometimes symbols like floral designs or crowns. The reverse inscription would often read “CIVITAS LONDON” or “CIVITAS” followed by the name of the mint city, such as London, indicating where the coin was minted.

Henry III’s Coinage:

• Coinage Reform: Henry III’s reign saw several important changes in English coinage. When he ascended to the throne, the coinage was in a state of crisis due to his father, King John, having debased the currency. Henry III initially continued his father’s policies of issuing silver pennies, but later in his reign, he reformed the coinage by issuing higher-quality silver pennies with a more consistent weight and design.

• The Long Cross Design: The long cross design was introduced during Henry III’s reign as part of a coinage reform. The long cross divided the coin into four quadrants, each often containing a small symbol such as a crown or floral motif. This design became a hallmark of English pennies during Henry III’s time and served as a way to prevent counterfeiting and distinguish coins from other medieval coins.

• Minting: Henry III’s coinage was minted in various cities, with London being the main mint. “CIVITAS LONDON” was often inscribed on coins minted in London, while other cities like York, Bristol, and Canterbury also produced coins for circulation.

Design Characteristics:

• Obverse Design: The portrait of Henry III is often depicted wearing a crown, and the design can show him facing forward or in profile. The legend surrounding the portrait reads “HENRICUS REX” or something similar, emphasizing his status as the King of England.

• Reverse Design: The long cross on the reverse of the penny divides the coin into four quadrants, which sometimes contain crowns or symbols like floral motifs. The reverse inscription typically reads “CIVITAS LONDON” for London or another mint city, depending on where the coin was struck.

• Mint Marks: In addition to the mint city inscription, some coins may also feature mint marks, which were symbols used to identify the specific minting period. These could help collectors date the coin more accurately and identify specific issues of the coinage.

Value and Rarity:

The value of a Henry III penny from 1216–1247 depends on several factors:

• Condition (Grade): As with all hammered coins, the condition plays a significant role in determining value. Coins with clear portraits, legible inscriptions, and well-defined cross designs are more valuable than coins that are heavily worn or damaged.

• Rarity: While pennies from Henry III’s reign are common, those with unique mint marks or in exceptional condition may be rarer and more valuable. Coins minted at secondary mints (other than London) may also be more sought after by collectors.

• Historical Significance: Henry III’s coinage is of great interest to collectors due to the political and economic significance of his reign. The reform of the coinage during his reign helped to standardize the currency and was an essential part of the effort to maintain economic stability in England.

How to Assess the Coin’s Value:

To assess the value of a Henry III penny from the 1216–1247 period, consider the following factors:

1. Condition: The coin’s grade (such as Good, Very Fine, or Extremely Fine) is one of the most important determinants of value. Well-preserved coins with clear designs are generally worth more.

2. Mint City and Mint Marks: Coins from different mints (such as London, York, or Bristol) can have varying levels of rarity. If the coin features a unique or rare mint mark, it may carry a premium.

3. Historical Importance: Coins from the early years of Henry III’s reign, particularly those minted before the major reforms of his later years, can be of greater interest due to their rarity or early design features.