Edward III Silver Halfpenny London 1344-1351

Description

Heading: Edward III silver halfpenny 1344-1351

Denomination: Silver halfpenny

Period: Plantagenet

Date: 1344-1351 3rd or Florin issue coinage, pre-treaty, class C 

Origin: London mint,

Condition: VF, toned, slightly off centre

Obverse: Crowned facing bust of king, +EDWARDVS REX

Reverse: Long cross with three pellets in each angle,  CIVI TAS LON DON

Size and Weight: 15.5mm, 0.52g

References: Sear 1557, North 1131, Withers Type 7

Features and Provenance: Ex CNG auction part of the Old Bailey collection.

It has been calculated by a genealogist, that nearly every Briton is related to Edward III! Whether true or not, he and his wife, Philippa of Hainault, had eight sons and five daughters, so there was a large affected gene pool to start with.

The treaty in the title was that produced between England and John II of France known as the Bretigny Treaty, but was never fully implemented as John was captured after a battle and ransomed for 3 million crowns or ecu, equivalent to £500.000. Remarkably, to raise this sum John was allowed to return to France after a million crowns was paid and he left his two sons and other individuals as hostages instead. However, one of his sons escaped and to fulfil his promise John returned to England to be imprisoned! He later died in captivity and his son took the throne and promptly called the treaty void and declared war again—continuing the hundred years war!

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