Henry IV & Henry V Groat, Contemporary Forgery, 1413-1422

Description

Denomination: Henry IV / Henry V Groat – contemporary fogery

Period: Lancaster

Date: 1413-22

Origin: A probable contemporary forgery which makes it very rare, London 

Condition: F, a very well made copy using dies from both Henry V and Henry IV’s dies, a damaged die is used for obverse

Obverse: Crowned facing bust, mullet on right shoulder ‘scowling bust’ type , +HENRIC DI GRA REX ANGLI Z FRA or similar

Reverse: Long cross with three pellets in each quarter, two circles of legend

Size and Weight: 27mm, 3.18g

References: S1762B-1763, N 1386

Features and Provenance: This coin comes from the renowned Motcomb Collection (2016), an old ticket that came with the coin indicates that the obverse is Henry V and the reverse Henry IV. It is quoted as a ‘probable forgery’ and its slightly debased silver, cruder style and die damage would indicate this, but this is not absolutely certain as mules of this coin are not unheard of, and either way, this coin is very rare and of great numismatic and academic interest.

When dies were damaged or worn they would be replaced and the old ones were melted down for security, but there were times when unscrupulous moneyers or engravers would use the dies to their own advantage. However, the laws were strict and the crime of forgery and theft were punished severely.

Previously Ex Lockett collection, Glendining 1960. From a Morton & Eden sale.

Henry V was one of the greatest of kings. His victory at the battle of Agincourt is well known, but although he was considered charming and gracious, he was also ruthless – in battle he ordered every man captured, over the age of 12, to be killed – and much worse. His nefarious deeds have been glossed over when needed as a propaganda tool, even as late as World War II.

Shakespeare thought a lot of him, giving him glorious speeches in this play, Henry V, but the French were not amused, his archers supposedly inventing the ‘two fingered salute’ but this is probably a myth.

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; 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