English Hammered Coins

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.

In 2016 a hoard of English silver coins, buried during the Civil War (1642-1651) was discovered in Ewerby, Lincolnshire. They were declared and are thus legal for you to own. They were put up for auction and we bought all the Elizabeth I Silver Sixpences at the auction. It is normal to find earlier coins in a hoard from the date it was buried, as they were buried to protect the hoard and the owner. We bought the Sixpences because that is one coin of Elizabeth I that has a date on it. Elizabeth I Silver Sixpences are dated between 1560 and 1602 and while having seen a lot of circulation they are struck in good silver. Don’t forget these coins are between 420-460 years old and are real British Treasure. The sixpence is great because it has a date on it and is also great for weddings, where the bride should carry a sixpence in her shoe. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe. In the days of Elizabeth I, you could get by for about a week if you had a sixpence. It was real money at the time. We offer these coins in five different grades. Each coin comes with a certificate of authenticity. Supplies are limited.

Coins are occasionally clipped. The obverse portrait will be worn out but legends are readable. The reverse will usually have a clear impression of the shield and date.

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.