Edward III Penny Fine

The silver threepence of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603), first minted at the Tower mint in 1561, was part of her broader effort to reform England’s currency and stabilise the economy following the monetary debasements of her father – Henry VIII. The threepence was commonly used in everyday transactions during the 16th century. The threepence features the bust of Elizabeth I on the obverse, with the inscription and a long cross over a shield bearing the royal arms on the reverse. They also have the Tudor rose behind the Queen’s bust to make so that they wouldn’t be mistaken for the Groat or Halfgroat. These coins are highly collectible due to their association with Elizabeth I’s reign, a period of significant cultural, political, and economic development. They were amongst the first British coins to feature dates and therefore, like the sixpences are popular with collectors. This comes in Fine grade, have a portrait of the Queen and are at least 442 years old. This denomination was last offered as a feature over six years ago, so make the most of the opportunity.

One of the earliest and least expensive English coins you can get is a Silver Penny of King Henry III. He reigned from 1216-1272 so that makes it between 700 and 800 years ago. The Silver Penny was the only denomination issued during his rule. You have a stylized portrait of the monarch on one side and a long cross on the other side. This long cross was so that you would have guidelines if you wanted to cut the coin in half, thus making two Halfpennies, or in Quarters thus making four Farthings. The Silver in the coin was good, that many were illegally exported and melted down. The excess money was the profit, but it was illegal to export these coins. We can offer them in Fine and we think that they are excellent value considering their age and history.

Edward II also called Edward of Caernarfon, was King of England from 1307 until he was deposed in January 1327. Following the death of his father Edward “Longshanks”, Edward succeeded to the throne in 1307. The “Long Cross Penny” was the largest coin of the period and those of Edward II closely resemble those of his father. He adopted the same bust and legend. It takes a trained eye to spot differences in the lettering and the King's crown to spot a genuine Edward II. The pennies on offer here come in “Fine”. They are from London or Canterbury Mints, depending on availability. You have the crowned bust of the King on one side, under the name of Edward I. On the reverse you have CIVI TAS LONDON or CIVI TAS CANTOR, meaning “City of London (or Canterbury)”. This is the first time we have accumulated enough Edward II Pennies to offer you in almost three years, so get one while you can.