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
Author: BNS Blog Coordinator
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.
A Modern Copy of an Edward VI Fine Shilling – Philip Mernick and Gary Oddie
Copies of low grade hammered silver coins are quite unusual and when they are released slowly, no suspicion is raised. When die/mould duplicates appear showing the same features the game is given away. This note presents details of an Edward VI fine shilling with i.m. y. It is now known from five different specimens all showing the same flan crease, damage, and die/mould flaws.
The Publications of Thomas Violet – Gary Oddie
Thomas Violet was a goldsmith and writer on trade. He published several books and tracts, especially during the Commonwealth. One of his works “The Mysteries of the Mint” (1653) provides the earliest printed reference to the coinage trials of 1651 between David Ramage and Peter Blondeau. The recent publication by Amos Tubbs “Thomas Violet, A sly and dangerous fellow” revealed a colourful story of an interesting character and cited 15 works authored by Violet. This note provides a brief introduction to Violet and tracks down a further 9 tracts and provides links to where almost all of them can be found online either as pdf or plain text copies. The British Library catalogue gives Thomas Violet as the author of “The Great Trappaner”, which was certainly not the case as it is a stinging attack on the man himself and his activities! It is hoped this bibliography will be of use to others working in this interesting period of numismatics and
Edward III 4th Coinage Pre-Treaty Period Series Gb / Gf Mule Penny, London Mint – Duncan Russell
During an extensive re-listing of my collection I came across this Mule Penny which is described here. Effectively the current Corpus of Series G Pennies from London are only recognised as starting with Gc Obverses but this coin is clearly a Gb Obverse (Annulet Stops not Saltires) matched to a Gf reverse.
An Unlisted ‘Irish’ Medieval Jetton – A. G. Bliss
In 2017, the author was given an unusual jetton for recording on PAS. This jetton was particularly interesting, as its obverse face depicted a harp – a design unlisted in Mitchiner’s standard catalogue. Only one other parallel for this piece could be found, also recorded on the PAS. A third example appeared recently, offered for sale via an online auction site and reportedly found in Norfolk. This note serves to catalogue and discuss these interesting pieces, with the hope that more may emerge in the future.
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