English Hammered Coins

In the reign of King Edward I, 1272-1307, the largest denomination in circulation was the Silver Penny. They were of such good silver quality that they were illegally exported and melted down. You have a facing portrait of the King on the obverse and a cross on the reverse. Here we present examples of the Edward I Silver Penny from the London Mint in Very good condition. These were the largest denomination struck over 700 years ago.

Edward I, also known as Edward Longshanks reigned from 1272 to 1307. Historians have conflicting opinions on his reign, many credit the Monarch for restoring royal authority after the reign of Henry III, establishing Parliament as a permanent institution, and reforming the law through statutes. Others condemn his brutal actions towards the Welsh and the Scots. In the reign of Edward I, the Silver Penny was the largest denomination made for circulation. And regardless of where you stand on Edward I's reign, we think that adding a Silver Penny coined by one of England's most well-known monarchs to your collection will certainly enrich it. Here we offer an Edward I Silver Penny from the London Mint in Very Good condition with a certificate of authenticity!

Edward I, 1272-1307, Penny, Newcastle Mint. Rev. VILL ANO VICA STRI

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.

Edward III (1327-1377), Half Groat, London, Civitas London. Very fine.

When Elizabeth took the throne in 1558, much of the country’s coinage was in a poor state after her father, Henry VIII’s debasement of silver coins. It was Elizabeth’s intention to raise the quality of the country’s coinage back up to Sterling quality, and in 1560, the Tower mint began striking her Fine Silver coins. They feature Elizabeth facing left on the obverse and cross over a shield on the reverse, they were struck between 1560 and 1602 and are getting very expensive in higher grades. For the first time in 13 years, we’re able to offer you Elizabeth I’s Fine Silver shillings, they are graded Fair as these were heavily circulated for about a century and are now up to 463 years old.