This short note presents the background to the coinage trials held at Whitehall on 8 May 1651 and the details of the grained edges that were specified as part of the trials. The sequence of events can be found in the book; “The Answer of the Corporation of Moniers in the Mint“, published in 1653, which is a compilation of several documents, letters and pamphlets. These trials heralded the introduction of grained and lettered edges to the silver and gold coins to ward against counterfeiting and clipping. The grained edges of the trial pieces produced by David Ramage and Peter Blondeau are looked at in detail, along with the grained edges that can be found on later ‘milled’ coins. Features of the grained edges confirm that the Blondeau patterns and later pieces were edged using a Castaing type machine, the design and operation of which is described.
Author: BNS Blog Coordinator
Will Bassett of Cambridge/Cowbridge – The Last Piece of the Jigsaw – Gary Oddie
The 17th Century Cambridge token of Will Bassett (W/D 15) shares the same obverse die as a Cowbridge, Wales piece (W/D 30). This was first noticed in 1963 and subsequent research at both ends of the claim have led to the conclusion that the Cambridge piece was manufactured in error and that a subsequent issue was made for Cowbridge. The evidence is revisited and after some initial doubts, a newly discovered piece conclusively attributes Will Bassett to Cowbridge in Wales.
Victorian Gothic Florins: A Question – Joseph Short
A quick question from a retired economist.
Henry III (Posthumous) Class 7 Pennies – Part 6: The Ecclesiastical Mints – Robert Page
This article completes the survey of class 7 pennies, and covers the rare coins from the Bury and Durham mints. Originally published in September 2021, this revised version includes details of a recent metal detector find of a class 7 coin from Durham.
Note on the 1,916 Bury St Edmunds class 6 coins from the 1969 Colchester Hoard – Bob Thomas
A brief note documenting a few interesting points concerning the 1969 Colchester Hoard.
Counterfeit Shillings of George III 1816-1820 (ii) The Observed Metals – Gary Oddie
The previous note presented details of the reference collection of 1,490 counterfeit shillings of George III dated 1816-1820. This note will look at the metal composition and plating based on the data gathered in the previous spreadsheet. Simple plots of the weights and densities of the pieces allow them to be separated into three groups ‘tin’, ‘copper alloys, brass and copper’ and ‘silver’ counterfeits, mostly consistent with visual observations.
Fishy Tales from King’s Lynn – Gary Oddie
Recently two notes have appeared on the E-Sylum about coins that have been found in the stomachs of fish. This short note presents a shilling that has been engraved ‘Found in the belly of a cod fish by T. Hendry Lynn 17 March 1773’, along with a brief history of King’s Lynn and its trade.
Modern Edward VI Fine Shilling Copies (ii) Postscript – Gary Oddie
Subsequent to the publication of the previous note regarding modern copies of Edward VI fine issue shillings, the opportunity has arisen to carry out improved measurements and a metallurgical analysis of another specimen. Three further specimens have also been seen on the well-known internet auction site, all from a single vendor. Three of these are described.
Counterfeit Shillings of George III 1816-1820 Part (i) Reference Collection and Statistics – Gary Oddie
This is the first of a series of short notes looking at the counterfeits of the shillings issued during the recoinage of 1816-1820. This will begin with a statistical analysis of a reference collection which, at the time of writing, contains 1,490 pieces. Subsequent notes will look at the metallurgy, methods of manufacture and ultimately a die study.
An Act Touching the Moneys & Coyns of England – 17 July 1649 – Gary Oddie
This short note reproduces an original copy of the Act of Parliament that ushered in the coins of the Commonwealth, specifying the denominations, metal content and weights of the new coins along with the designs and, for the first time, English legends.
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