Henry V Coin – Silver Halfpenny – London 1413-22

Description

Header: Henry V Coin – Silver Halfpenny – London 1413-22

Denomination: Silver halfpenny

Period: Lancaster

Date: 1413-22

Origin: London mint, pierced cross with pellet centre initial mint mark

Condition: AVF, good portrait for type, light scratching to obverse

Obverse: Crowned facing bust, broken annulet to either side, +HENRIC REX ANGL

Reverse: Long cross with three pellets in each quarter. +CIVI TAS LON DON

Size and Weight: 13.5mm, 0.49g

References: S1795

Features and Provenance: 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 inventing the ‘two fingered salute’.

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