I recently acquired this as a Richard III penny - to fill one of the last gaps in my line of British Monarchs. The S below the bust identifies it as minted by Bishop Sherwood of Durham, but he also had coins under Henry VII, Richard's nemesis! It comes down to the very indistinct mintmark above the crown - if it is a Lis, it is Richard, if it is a plain cross it is Henry. Any thoughts?
Paddy, That is quite a awesome explanation for us new to British coins. I am curious on them, but as of now do not have the funds to obtain them. Thanks, Stan
Thanks Stan - I collect almost entirely British coins. It is amazing that many of the early hammered pennies from the reigns of Edward I to III (1272 to 1377) can be picked up for only a few pounds. But other monarchs (Richard III for example) cost hundreds of pounds for any identifiable example. By the way - the title on this thread should read "Penny" not "Halfpenny" but I can' see how to edit that bit! Paddy
Paddy, I would assume that is due to the same as american coins. If more were made during a certain reign that would explain it. I do have a Coins of England book 2002, I think. Not sure how good it is, as it is the only book I have. Love looking thought it as the British coins go so much further back then American coins. Though my passion is in American and colonial coins. Thanks, Stan
Hi Stan, If what you have is the Spink 2002 book, that is about as good as you are likely to need. They produce this every year, and it is pretty comprehensive. You would only need more if you were getting quite specialised, or branching out into tokens. The illustrated coin should be S2169 in your catalogue, but could also be S2222 if I have got it all wrong! Paddy
