A description and discussion of a rare Irish coin dating to Richard III’s reign, with conclusions drawn as to it’s likely origin, and how it may relate to other similar coins of the period.
Author: BNS Blog Coordinator
The Numismatic Ancestors of Francis Cokayne – Gary Oddie
One of the interesting aspects of researching tokens is sometimes finding more than the usual who, when, where and why? In many, if not most, cases information can be hard to find and the story difficult to put together. In the case presented here and first presented at the 2018 Token Congress, the challenge was how to distil a very big story into a one hour presentation. Here I will present a brief summary of how a very unexpected connection was made; that between Sir Vicary Gibbs, Antony Gibbs, Henry Hucks Gibbs and Francis Cokayne.
Two ‘New’ Varieties of Edward III Pre-Treaty Series Pennies – Duncan Russell
In one of the last Issues of Spink’s Numismatic Circular (April 2012 Volume CXX Number 1) I wrote a short Article on the subject of two additional varieties of Pre-Treaty Series Pennies of Edward III. In the interval a further example of a Series G Mule Penny has recently come to light. As a result I thought that it may be worthwhile reproducing the original article to provide a context and reference to earlier work, and to provide a greater degree of accessibility within the written record. As with my earlier Blog I reproduce the original article and then have added an image and description of the new Series G mule. If readers become, or are, aware of any further examples then please leave a comment / image below.
Atypical single-cross sterlings of Alexander III – David Rampling
Five unusual coins from this series are presented, including one displaying a new variety of the very rare twenty-one points reverse. …. and be sure to see the preceeding two articles on Alexander III’s single-cross sterlings.
Vagaries and constants of epigraphy and design in the single-cross sterlings of Alexander III – David Rampling
The single-cross coins exhibit a diversity of letter forms and other design elements. These differences form the basis of the classificatory system, but some inconsistencies both within individual coins and more generally, may pose difficulties in attribution. These vagaries are both a delight and a stumbling block. The constancy of other features point to purposeful design. The article describes and illustrates some of these issues. …. and be sure to see the other two articles in this series on Alexander III
The classification of single-cross sterlings of Alexander III – David Rampling
The Second coinage sterlings of Alexander III are among the most readily available hammered Scottish coins. They are an attractive series, displaying a diversity of subtle epigraphic and design differences. These variables add to their enchantment for collectors, but also create classificatory difficulties. This article, the first of three related contributions, revisits ground that has been extensively covered by eminent numismatists, so it is with some trepidation that I submit these articles. I shall be grateful for comment or criticism. …. and be sure to see the associated following two articles on Alexander III single-cross sterlings.
Mints and Moneyers of the Expanding Cross type of Edward the Confessor – Hugh Pagan
This note offers an up-to-date listing of the moneyers for Edward the Confessor’s Expanding Cross type, recording which are currently known for the Heavy series of the type, struck to a weight averaging 1.65g, and those known for the Light series of the type, struck to a weight averaging 1.09g, and adding notes to explain the addition of some moneyers to those previously recorded for the type, and the removal of others. The opportunity has also been taken to record the existence of coins of Light series weight which have been struck from Heavy series dies, and other instances where coins are of anomalous weight.
A New Type of Shovel Board Shilling – Gary Oddie
Some years ago I wrote a short article on hammered shillings that had an extra silver rim added, probably for use in the game of Shovel Board Shilling. Contemporary references from the Tudor and Stuart period were identified along with a surviving original table that was 27 feet long at Astley Hall, Lancashire.Since the original article, an image of another shovel board table has been found and several more shillings have come to light, including two pieces with a different design. This note presents details of the 15 pieces known to the author.
A Richard II Early Type IB Penny from York – Duncan Russell
In one of the last issues of Spinks Numismatic Circular (May 2011) I wrote a short Article on the subject of a further pair of Obverse and Reverse Dies used at York Mint for the early Type IB Pence of Richard II. In the light of yet another example coming into my possession, I thought it might be worthwhile reproducing the Article as a contribution to the BNS Research Blog to give the subject a potentially wider circulation with possibly a greater degree of permanence within the written record. Firstly, I reproduce the original Article, and have then added the additional coin, which is currently identified as part of the this die sequence. If readers of this Blog are aware of any further examples then please leave a comment/image below.
The Case of John Orme – Gary Oddie
The following note arose after a chance find of an engraving cut from a magazine with the caption “John Orme’s Case – Orme broke open his absent lodger’s door, when, on entering the room, he found a crucible for coining and a few base shillings”. With no other information to work with, the search began. The story is traceable to original records, including several unexpected connections and a surprising twist. John Orme of Rainow in Cheshire was caught in possession of counterfeits, and counterfeiting equipment was found in his house. He was found guilty at the Chester Assizes in April 1784. He escaped the gallows twice and avoided the First Fleet of convict transportation to Botany Bay. He died in Rainow in 1805.
