| Numismatica Ars Classica > Auction 161 with David Guest Numismatics | Auction date: 6 November 2025 |
| Lot number: 801 Price realized: 16,000 CHF (Approx. 19,724 USD / 17,183 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Edward I, 1272-1307. AR Groat. New coinage, variety C, London, im: cross pattée. Struck 1279-1280. Crowned facing bust in quatrefoil of three lines, rose on drapery, flower in each spandrel, pierced cinquefoil each side of head, EDWARDVS:DI:GRA':REX:ANGL':, rev. (triple stop) DN'S/HIBN'/EDVX/AQVT', LON/DON/IAC/IVI, long cross with foliate ends, three pellets in each quarter. 5.46 g. Allen dies c1/r10, no.32 - this coin; SCBI 39, 8; Fox 3; N.1005; S.1379C. A very handsome example of the first English Groat. Some marks and light porosity beneath a rich and iridescent blue-grey tone. Good VF. Well struck with much detail to face and lettering. Very rare thus. Ex SNC, October 1976 (8261); purchased from Dr Calderwood 1976, Dr. E. C. Carter, L. E. Bruun (Pt. I, lot 276, pl. VI), H. Montagu (Pt. II, lot 402), and W. Brice. The progressive debasement of the Carolingian silver denarius, which had been the basis for much of the European coinage system since the eighth century, provided the context for the first issue of large fine silver coins on the Continent. Struck first in Venice at the beginning of the thirteenth century these Grossi (from the Latin grossus meaning thick) were subsequently widely adopted. English kings had resisted the temptation to debase the Penny maintaining its fine silver content. As a result the need for a large silver coin was not pressing. In 1268, before coming to the throne, Edward 'took the cross' at the behest of St. Louis IX of France and began preparations for what would be the Ninth Crusade. During his journey to and from the Holy Land Edward would have been exposed to the numerous different types of silver Grossi being issued by various European and Crusader powers including the Gros Tournois of Louis, first struck in 1266. Edward's issue of Groats in England in 1279 was arguably as much about prestige as to fill an economic need. Estimate: 7500 CHF |  |
