This is the first of four short notes prompted by the acquisition of a shilling sized disc of silver engraved with a three masted sailing ship and the motto “Succefs to the LORD RODNEY”. In this note the life of Admiral George Brydges Rodney will be described, along with a few contemporary tokens and engraved coins. Prior to Admiral Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar, Admiral Rodney was one of the most significant characters in British maritime history. Subsequent notes will describe some more tokens, coins and medals etc. that were struck in celebration of Lord Rodney and his naval successes. The final note will present the story behind the engraved coin that started this work and the ship The Lord Rodney.
Author: BNS Blog Coordinator
Crisis in the Eastern Channel: the transformation in Iron Age/Celtic coinage wrought by Cæsar – David Swan
This talk examines the connection between the Iron Age/Celtic coinage of Britain and Gaul. The changes in British coinage after the conquest of Gaul have primarily been seen as an independent development or one inspired by political relationships between British elites and officials in Rome. Through the use of coin hoards and iconographic evidence, this paper demonstrates that a cross-Channel connection between the coinage of Gaul and Britain existed from the beginning of coinage in Britain. This connection continued even after the Gauls were conquered and the cross-Channel relationship remained despite changes in political circumstances. This had implications for other forms of material culture, which became tied to changes in the coinage. David Swan has recently submitted his PhD on cross-Channel developments in Iron Age coinage at the University of Warwick. He has published a paper comparing the use of the image of the carnyx on both the Iron Age and Roman coinages, and he has worked as an intern at the British Museum and as a
A Commonwealth Bronze Mortar design inspired by the Domestic Coinage – Graham Birch
This brief article refers to an antique vessel, probably used by an apothecary, and discusses it’s decorative design in relation to Commonwealth coins of the period.
An Unrecorded Penny Variant of the Drogheda Mint, from the Second Cross & Pellets Coinage of Edward IV, 1470-3 – Oisín Mac Conamhna
The purpose of this brief note is to record a new Drogheda penny variant of Edward IV’s second cross and pellets Irish coinage.
An Undated James I Sixpence – J. Davidson
A 2018 metal detecting find has revealed a previously unrecorded variety of James I sixpence, with no date present on the reverse. Although described in the Portable Antiquities Scheme as a probable contemporary copy, evidence is presented here that the coin is, in fact, genuine. As such, the coin is most likely due to a die-sinker’s error, and provides an interesting addition to the coins of this reign.
New Short Cross Class 1a dies for Turkil of York – Robert Page & Glenn P. Gittoes
A metal detecting find of a Henry II short cross penny appears to be from previously unpublished dies of Turkil of York. The article describes and discusses the coin, and concludes it is a class 1a2 penny, or a 1a2/1a1 mule, both of which have not previously been published for Turkil. The condition of the coin does not allow a firm identification at this time, and we hope that further examples from these dies will emerge in due course and allow a firm identification.
A Waterford Penny of Richard III (1483-85) – Oisín Mac Conamhna, Robert Page & Alan Smith
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.
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.
BNS Research Blog 