YeOldeCollector

YeOldeCollector - 1837 Sixpence - Group 5 http://www.omnicoin.com/coins/977997.jpg An absolutely brilliant little coin, virtually uncirculated. A sixpence of 1837 minted by William IV.

YeOldeCollector - 1717 George I 'Dump Issue' Halfpenny - Group 4 http://www.omnicoin.com/coins/977996.jpg George I 'Dump Issue' Halfpenny with some lovely toning. They were called 'dump' issues due to their thick size.

YeOldeCollector - 1710 Fourpence - Group 4 http://www.omnicoin.com/coins/977995.jpg A Fourpence of Queen Anne, dated 1710. This coin is part of a set of four coins which are thought to have been a Maundy Money set. They can all be seen here: http://www.coinsgb.com/Anne/7-Silver-1-4-1703-1713.html

YeOldeCollector - 1794 Chichester Trader's Halfpenny - Group 4 http://www.omnicoin.com/coins/977994.jpg Minted in solid copper in 1794 by a trader in Chichester. The edge reads "PAYABLE AT DALLYS CHICHESTER" whilst the coin has a fantastic image of Queen Elizabeth in elaborate dress. A fantastic piece that looks so much better in-hand.

YeOldeCollector - Edward the Confessor Jewellery Penny - Group Ten http://www.omnicoin.com/coins/977035.jpg This coin is an example of Edward the Confessor's "Expanding Cross" penny. All Anglo-Saxon pennies of this era were struck from silver blanks and this is of no exception. However, you should notice that one side is gold in colour, I shall explain why later. The photos really do not do it justice, its slightly wavy flan prevent true photos from being taken by myself. The obverse legend, starting at 12 O'clock, reads "+EDP RDREX" which means King Edward. The obverse depicts a diademed bust facing left with a trefoil-headed sceptre in front. The reverse legend, also starting at 12 O'clock, reads "+GODRICONLVNDE:" which is essentially Godric on Lvnde which signifies that Godric was responsible for minting this coin at London. The reverse features a short voided cross with expanding limbs joined at the base by two circles. This coin was made into a brooch, one would suspect it to be contemporary as he marked the end of Anglo-Saxon reign it seems unlikely that the Norman reign would have seen such actions. I suspect that it was done by someone of wealth as it would be have been rather expensive to get something made of solid silver to be coated on one side in gold and then to have two silver pins put through the reverse all by hand. Bearing in mind that the two silver pins would most likely have been connected by a silver bar clasp then this is a high status symbol of wealth. Perhaps a nobleman or a very wealthy merchant would have worn such an item to display the wealth. As the reverse is gilded and the king's portrait is facing the wearer and not on display, one can assume that it was not worn as some sort of monarch-support badge like we see in the Cromwellian/Charles civil war of the 17th Century. These brooches really are quite scarce and one like this is even more so as it still has its original pins and the coin shows very little wear if any. The level of detail remaining is literally as if it has just left the mint with the gilding reducing the relief somewhat. A coin that is not too far off one thousand years old is nothing special as they can be quite easy to acquire. A coin of that age of English origin makes it a little scarcer but to have something of that age with the social ideology intertwined with the history is something that I find exceptionally impressive. I want to know who made it, who owned it, how it was lost and why was it made. I cannot help but wonder what sort of person last wore it as it sits on the palm of a hand the 21st Century, glistening in the light. This is something I consider to be 'Special' as it is not just a coin but a status symbol and something which has another practical use.

YeOldeCollector - Robert of Anjou Gigliato - Group Ten http://www.omnicoin.com/coins/977992.jpg This is a large hammered coin at well over an inch in diameter. Robert of Anjou Gigliato of Avignon mint. The obverse features Robert seated with an orb and sceptre and a lion either side of him. The reverse features a very ornate cross fleuree with each quarter dominated by a lis. Robert was a very powerful figure in Europe at the time, (1309-1343). He was King of Naples, titularly King of Jerusalem, Count of Provence & Forcalquier, Duke of Calbria and ruler of many other parts of Italy. The design of this coin, and its size, has really captivated me. So different from its English counterparts. I do believe this to be a contemporary forgery. I understand that such coins were copied in places such as Rhodes and then shipped to the mainland for circulation. Such a beautiful example of Medieval art which has both numismatic and, due to its brilliant quality forgery, social history as this was contemporaneously made to be circulated as a genuine example alongside genuine pieces.

I've got plenty of 70s and 60s, just no 1579...

Excuse the bad photo.

You would probably like something like a Voided Longcross penny of Henry III either that or an Edward I penny. For a decent VF example and plenty of patience, you would be looking at about £30-£35 on a good day.

I know. I missed my 1586 chance.

1584

The Robert coin is the same diameter as a pre-Decimal penny, do have one to hand? I think that's pretty large to be honest. I assume that the direction of the portrait would be entirely up to the designer. It is thought that such designs were presented to the monarch before coins were produced and so, if he was happy with it, it would be minted. Obviously this cannot be true for every monarch, I do think that the designers would have a lot of freedom to do what they wanted to his portrait. Therefore I think it is purely up to the 'artist' as to which way the monarch is facing. Of course, they would have to follow tradition though.

Well, the postman has been quite good to me considering the snow although I am rather shocked to learn that he is still wearing shorts... First up is a Quadrilateral Cross on Fleury penny of Henry I. It's from the Pimprez Hoard and is pretty much as-struck. Just a shame that the portrait wasn't better struck in the first place. Still, a very nice coin. Looks like Aedgar on London. Secondly, I think I've found love... The size of this piece shocked me! Its diameter is well over an inch... Robert of Anjou Gigliato of Avignon mint. The obverse features Robert seated with an orb and sceptre and a lion either side of him. The reverse features a very ornate cross fleuree with each quarter dominated by a lis. Robert was a very powerful figure in Europe at the time, (1309-1343). He was King of Naples, titularly King of Jerusalem, Count of Provence & Forcalquier, Duke of Calbria and ruler of many other parts of Italy. The design of this coin, and its size, has really captivated me. So different from its English counterparts.

It also says in Art's post above.

YeOldeCollector; Oliver Cromwell Commonwealth Penny, Group 3. http://www.omnicoin.com/coins/977041.jpg A penny of the infamously turbulent English Civil War era. This penny was minted whilst Oliver Cromwell was Lord Protector and was minted at the London mint. The "I" above shields signifies the denomination. St George's Cross and Irish Harp intertwined. Absolutely stunning coin.

YeOldeCollector; Elizabeth I Sixpence, Group 3. http://www.omnicoin.com/coins/977039.jpg Elizabeth I Sixpence. One of the very best portraits of Elizabeth that I have ever seen, truly stunning. Scarce 'large flan' type of 1561. m.m. pheon. Large bust with hair swept back and rose behind. These are much scarcer compared to their smaller counterparts. Not often do you see these with no clipping either.

YeOldeCollector; Henry VIII Groat, Group 3. http://www.omnicoin.com/coins/977038.jpg Henry VIII Posthumous Groat minted at the Tower of London. A stunning portrait which is strikingly similar to the Hans Holbein portrait. The mint mark visible at just after 12 O'clock on the reverse is that of a marlet, a heraldic bird. This really is a stunning portrait on a fairly scarce coin. Afterall, the period in that this was minted was one of turbulence as Henry VIII had just died and he had wasted vast amounts of money and dissolved the monasteries. This coin is technically one of Edward VI, the Boy King, but features the name and portrait of his father. So much history attached to one piece.

YeOldeCollector; Edward III Gold Quarter Noble, Group 2. http://www.omnicoin.com/coins/977037.jpg Edward III Quarter Noble of the Transitional Treaty Period with France which secured Calais as a trading post for the English. This coin is made of solid gold and was minted at London mint. The obverse features a decorative shield with fleurs-de-lis in two quarters and heraldic leopards in the other two. The reverse features radiating limbs with a plethora of heraldic symbols. This really is a piece of art and is something which is a true status symbol when compared to many other coins of the period.

YeOldeCollector; William the Conqueror Penny, Group 2. http://www.omnicoin.com/coins/977036.jpg This particular William the Conqueror penny was minted at Bristol mint by the moneyer Beorhtweard. The reverse reads BRIHTPORD ON BRI. Now, 6,500 William I pennies were found in one hoard alone and there must be thousands more in collections so it is most surprising that less than fifty coins of William I are known for Bristol mint. That is less than fifty coins from all his types, not just the Paxs. Therefore this penny is quite scarce given the lack of apparent Bristol pence. The reverse features a short cross pattée with PAXS within its limbs. The obverse features William's draped bust with arm and hand holding a sceptre which is spread across his breast. Reading PILLELM REX, i.e. King William. This is my favourite William I Penny, Paxs issue. Beorhtweard on the scarce mint of Bristol. Not far off as-struck condition and measuring just under 2cm in diameter or about 3/4 of an inch.

YeOldeCollector; Edward the Confessor Jewellery Penny, Group 2. http://www.omnicoin.com/coins/977035.jpg This coin is an example of Edward the Confessor's "Expanding Cross" penny. All Anglo-Saxon pennies of this era were struck from silver blanks and this is of no exception. However, you should notice that one side is gold in colour, I shall explain why later. The photos really do not do it justice, its slightly wavy flan prevent true photos from being taken by myself. The obverse legend, starting at 12 O'clock, reads "+EDP RDREX" which means King Edward. The obverse depicts a diademed bust facing left with a trefoil-headed sceptre in front. The reverse legend, also starting at 12 O'clock, reads "+GODRICONLVNDE:" which is essentially Godric on Lvnde which signifies that Godric was responsible for minting this coin at London. The reverse features a short voided cross with expanding limbs joined at the base by two circles. This coin was made into a brooch, one would suspect it to be contemporary as he marked the end of Anglo-Saxon reign it seems unlikely that the Norman reign would have seen such actions. I suspect that it was done by someone of wealth as it would be have been rather expensive to get something made of solid silver to be coated on one side in gold and then to have two silver pins put through the reverse all by hand. Bearing in mind that the two silver pins would most likely have been connected by a silver bar clasp then this is a high status symbol of wealth. Perhaps a nobleman or a very wealthy merchant would have worn such an item to display the wealth. As the reverse is gilded and the king's portrait is facing the wearer and not on display, one can assume that it was not worn as some sort of monarch-support badge like we see in the Cromwellian/Charles civil war of the 17th Century. These brooches really are quite scarce and one like this is even more so as it still has its original pins and the coin shows very little wear if any. The level of detail remaining is literally as if it has just left the mint with the gilding reducing the relief somewhat. A coin that is not too far off one thousand years old is nothing special as they can be quite easy to acquire. A coin of that age of English origin makes it a little scarcer but to have something of that age with the social ideology intertwined with the history is something that I find exceptionally impressive. I want to know who made it, who owned it, how it was lost and why was it made. I cannot help but wonder what sort of person last wore it as it sits on the palm of a hand the 21st Century, glistening in the light.

Here's one of my latest acquisitions. I've been meaning to get one for a while, now I finally have. Bohemond III of Antioch helmet-head denier. +BOAMVDNVS on obverse. Star to right of bust, crescent to left. +AMTIOCNIA on reverse. Crescent in top left quarter.

Here's another. This is a class IIIb in the name of Tomas of York. The obverse reads "+HECVSREXREXIII" rather than "+HENRICVSREXIII". The reverse has distinct remnants of both strikes. Another. Willem on Oxford, IIIb. Neither side fills the coin, yet there are two strikes on each side. Another. Ricard on Lincoln, IIIb. Textbook example of a double-struck example, literally 'as-struck'. Another. This one is reminiscent of a King in a pack of cards. The obverse is exactly the same when rotated 180 degrees, by pure coincidence the striker rotated it almost perfectly. It is a class Vb, Nicole on Canterbury with a distorted reverse cross. George, as you can see, not all errors are unsightly horrors. Many are very interesting examples and prove to us that human error isn't a modern invention!

George, as promised, here are some more Henry III double strikes. First off, here's a normal one to relatively compare to. Here's the first. Now, this is not just double struck. This penny has been struck in the name of two different moneyers. It was originally struck under Walter on Canterbury but it was then placed under another reverse die and minted in the name of Ion of Canterbury. As you can see, the reverse is brilliantly well-centred whilst the obverse has a reverse striking on it too. A very interesting coin!

Double struck coins are normally, as you suggest, rather 'out of place'. I liked this one because it had a full flan as well as being fairly centrally struck, capturing all of the detail. Normally they can be quite indecipherable and ugly. I shall post some photographs of a couple of my other doublestruck Henry IIIs, ones which I really like. They are not always as good.

Another'un arrived today. Henry III Longcross. Class IIIb, Ion on Exeter and double struck.