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.
Author: BNS Blog Coordinator
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A metal detecting find of a Henry II short cross penny appears to be from previously unpublished dies of Turkil of York.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.
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.
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