Henry IV Long Cross Penny, York Mint, 1399-1412 Ex Rare

Description

Heading: Henry IV, Silver Penny, Long Cross Type, Heavy Coinage, York Mint, 1399-1412 AD, EX RARE

Denomination: Silver penny

Period: Lancastrians

Date: 1399-1412

Origin: York mint

Condition: Fine, better in places, clipped or off centre, but extremely rare in any condition

Obverse: Crowned facing bust of Henry IV, with broad face and round chin, legend around +HENRIC D[I REX ANGL] or similar

Reverse: Long cross with quatrefoil in centre, legend around [CIVI] TAS EBO [RACI]

Size and Weight: 17mm, 0.89g

References: S 1722; North 1351

Henry IV. otherwise known as Henry Bolingbroke (he was born in Bolingbroke Castle). was the son of John of Gaunt. himself the son of Edward III. and Henry also had links to the throne of France. In 1399 he became the first king to have English as his mother tongue since the Norman invasion. some three hundred years earlier. He immediately had to deal with a number of uprisings led by the Welsh leader Owain Glyndwr. Later in his short reign. his son took much of the responsibility of power due to his ill health and he died in 1413 at the age of only 45 possibly due to leprosy.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible