Great Britain: Henry III (1216-1272) gold Penny of 20 Pence ND (c. 1257) UNC Details (Bent) NGC,...

Description

Monumental Henry III Gold Penny of 20 Pence

Henry III (1216-1272) gold Penny of 20 Pence ND (c. 1257) UNC Details (Bent) NGC, Willem (likely William of Gloucester [William Fitz Otto], the King's goldsmith) as moneyer, Fr-80 (7 known), S-1375, N-1000 (ER), Schneider-1. 21mm. 2.93gm. h | ЄNRIC' | RЄX •I•I•I• | :, bearded and crowned king enthroned facing, lis-tipped scepter in right hand, globus cruciger in left / WIL | LЄM | ONL | VND, voided long cross with rose and three pellets in each angle. A truly magical recent discovery of this monument in the British Medieval series, the present coin now being one of only four in private hands, and the second of this coveted type we've handled. Proposed by the famed British numismatist Sir John Evans to be the 'true' first portrait of an English king on the coinage prior to the Tudor issues inaugurated by Henry VII. Despite there being so few surviving examples, the details of this specimen are notably different from our first offering, namely in the refined rendering of Henry III and his throne, showcasing a slightly different perspective with added depth. As is often the case in the "creation" of ultra-rarities in numismatics, this ill-fated issue was ultimately unsuccessful as a circulating monetary unit and most of the modest mintage was withdrawn and melted down soon after production. A circulating British gold issue would not replace this emission until the Florins of Edwards III in 1344. Despite crimping and a few scattered scrapes, most of the majestic nature of this coin remains. The details are well-struck-up on both sides and display as such despite the waves in the flan created by the damage. Even an adequate amount of residual luster still results in a muted glow underneath a lightly toned golden patina. It is a true joy that ultra-elusive numismatic delicacies such as this can still be uncovered after centuries of anonymity, and we are proud to usher this wonder into a deserving collection when its time to cross the auction block arrives.

Ex. Spink Auction 22104 (January 2022, lot 220)

More information about Great Britain Coins. See also: Great Britain World Coin Nationality.

View Certification Details from NGC