Silver penny type coins from Medieval Europe

These are some of the medieval European coins I have. This isn't a collection with any particular purpose or direction - just 50 or so odd coins that I have aquired. For this section I have included coins up to the year 1500, though most historians put the end of the medieval at 1453 or the fall of Constantianople.

French Feudal State - Counts of Maine (1015-1036)
French Feudal State - Bishopric of Clermont (1100-1150)
French Feudal State - Duke of Aquitaine / Count of Poitiers (1127-1137)
French Feudal State - Viscountcy of Albi (1150-1250)
French Feudal State - Comtes d'Angouleme et de la marche (1180-1220)
French Feudal State - Abbey of Saint Martial (1106-1245)
French Feudal State - Viscounts of Béarn (Lord of Forcas) (1080-1250)
French Feudal State - Saint-Martin de Tours (12th-early 13th centuries)
French Feudal State - Brittainy John I (1237-1286)
French Feudal State - Archbishopric of Lyon (1150-1250)
France - Charles VII (1422 – 1461)
Italian State - Genoa (Republic) (1139-1339)
Italian State - Milan - Galeazzo II Visconti and Barnabò Visconti (1355-1378)
Frankish Greece - Charles II de Anjou (1285-1289)
Frankish Greece - Philip II of Taranto (1285-1289)
Frankish Greece - Principality of Achaea (1163-1201)
Frankish Greece - Despotate of Epirus (1307-1313)
Principality of Antioch - Bohemond III (1163-1201)
Holy Roman Empire - Dortmund (1056-1106)
Holy Roman Empire - Archbishopric of Vienne (1150-1250)
Holy Roman Empire - Hungary - Sigismund of Luxembourg (1295-1312)
England - Henry III (1216 – 1272)
England - Edward I (1272 – 1307)
England - Edward III (1327 – 1377)
England - Richard II (1377 – 1399)
England - Henry VI (1422 – 1461, 1470 – 1471)
England - Henry VII (1485 – 1509)
Cyprus James I (1382-1398)
Spain, Castile and Leon - Fernando IV (1295-1312)
Spain, Castile and Leon - Henry IV (1471-1474)
Hungary - Maria (1382-1385)


French Feudal State - Counts of Maine - Herbert I (1015-1036)

Herbert I was a count of Maine in western France and was also known as Herbert "Wakedog." He was a restless and aggressive ruler who earned his nickname for his constant vigilance in defending his county, particularly from his powerful neighbor, the Counts of Anjou. He was held prisioner by the Count of Anjou, Fulk Nerram for two years between 1025-1026 and during this time lost some of his territories. Herbert I did however leave a significant numismatic legacy. At some point between 1020 and 1030, he introduced a new type of coinage that became the standard for the county for centuries in that they featured his monogram, a stylized representation of his name, HERBERTUS. However, the coin preserved a strong connection to the church by using the inscription SIGNVM DEI VIVI ("the symbol of the living God").

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1015-1036)
1 Denier

Mint
LE MANS
Counts of Maine coat of arms

Counts of Maine coat of arms
+ COMES CENOMANNIS
Cross within circle, lettering around

+ SIGNVM DEI VIVI
Duplessy I 397
Numista 48856

ND (1015-1036)
1 Denier

Mint
LE MANS
Counts of Maine coat of arms

Counts of Maine coat of arms
+ COMES CENOMANNIS
Cross within circle, lettering around

+ SIGNVM DEI VIVI
Duplessy I 397
Numista 48856



French Feudal State - Bishopric of
Clermont (1100-1150)

The Bishopric of Clermont, now Clermont-Ferrand, was a powerful ecclesiastical and feudal entity in medieval France. Its bishops were not just religious leaders but also functioned as temporal lords who held the right to mint their own coinage. This coin has SCA MARIA on the obverse which stands for Sancta Maria, or Saint Mary. The reverse VRBS ARVERNA means City of Auvergne which is actually the region in which Clermont is located. It was not uncommon for issuing authorities to do this to assert their authority over the larger area. A bishop called Aimeric ruled from 1111 to 1150 so the coin could well have been mintued during his time in office.

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1100-1150)
1 Pfennig

Mint
CLERMONT
Bishopric of Clermont

Anonymous

Bishopric of Clermont
SCA MARIA
Virgin Mary crowned facing

+ VRBS.ARVERNA
Cross with clovers in quarters linked to the center.

Poey d'Avant 2253
Numista 50877


French Feudal State - Duke of Aquitaine / Count of Poitiers -
William X (1127-1137)

William X was also known as "William the Saint" or William the Younger. When William died in 1137, his titles, including Count of Poitiers and Duke of Aquitaine, passed to his eldest daughter, Eleanor - yes that Eleanor. She was the most powerful woman in Europe and inherited vast lands and wealth. Eleanor continued to issue coins in her name, but their design remained very similar to her father's. The coinage of Poitiers under William X were the mainstay currency of the Angevin Empire and when Eleanor's married Henry II of England it brought her lands and their mints under his control.

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1127-1137)
1 Denier

Mint
BORDEAUX
William X

Bishopric of Clermont
+ GLVILILMO
William
Four crosses set in cross shape, legend surrounding

+ BVRDEGIIILA
Burdeghla or Bordeaux
Large central cross, legend surrounding

Poey d'Avant 2735
Numista 48566


French Feudal State - Viscountcy of Albi (1074-1250)

The Viscountcy of Albi, in the Languedoc region of France was ruled by the powerful House of Trencavel. The family also held the titles of Viscounts of Carcassonne, Béziers, and Nîmes. The coin below is a denier from Viscount Bernard Aton IV Trencavel (ruled 1074-1129) or one of his direct successors. The legend + IAMVIVMD is a corruption of BERNARDUS-ATONUS. This area had a substantial presence of Cathars at the time and the vicounts were tolerant of their presence at a time of religious animosity.

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1127-1137)
1 Denier

Mint
ALBI
Viscountcy of Albi

William X

Viscountcy of Albi.
+ IAMVIVMD
Tapered cross. Degenerate legend.

AM-MECI
V under a crozier between two I. Degenerate legend.
Note: there is some uncertainity as to what the design on the reverse represents. See here
Poey d'Avant 3898
Numista 45556


French Feudal State - Comtes d'Angouleme et de la marche (1180-1220)

Comtes d'Angouleme et de la marche issued coins with an immobilized legend (it stayed the same) all honoring a long-dead Carolingian king: Louis IV (936 to 954). The reverse shows +EGOLISSIME, a medieval name for Angoulême. Minting coins in the name of Louis IV served as a powerful statement that the counts' right to mint their own currency was not a recent usurpation, but a long-established privilege granted by the French king, thus solidifying their authority. The obverse design clearly shows the relationship to the church and the divine right to rule, while the reverse of 5 circles (one with a cresent moon and cross) may represent the 5 wounds of Christ or may just be another variation of a cross as the engravers lacked the skills to do anything more advanced.

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1127-1137)
1 Denier

Mint
ANGOULEME / CHABANALS
Comtes d'Angouleme et de la marche

Anonymous

Bishopric of Albi
+ LODOICVS
"Louis"
Cross

EGOLISSIME
"Angouleme"
Cross cantoned with three rings and a crescent.
Poey d'Avant 57/6
Boudeau II féodales 436 (1f)
Numista 110581
ND (1127-1137)
1 Denier

Mint
ANGOULEME / CHABANALS
Comtes d'Angouleme et de la marche

Anonymous

Bishopric of Albi
+ LODOICVS
"Louis"
Cross

EGOLISSIME
"Angouleme"
Cross cantoned with three rings and a crescent.
Poey d'Avant 2662; Dy F# 944;
Numista 47723


French Feudal State - Abbey of Saint Martial (1106-1245)

The Abbey of Saint-Martial in Limoges was a significant monastic center in medieval France. While many French abbeys minted coins, those from Saint-Martial are unique because they were not issued under the authority of a bishop or a count, but rather under the direct authority of the abbot, with a specific and unusual set of legends. The obverse legend SES • MARCIAL directly invokes the abbey's patron saint, Saint Martial, who was revered in the region. The reverse LEMOVICENSIS refers to the city itself.

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1106-1245)
1 Denier

Mint
LIMOGES
Abbey of Saint Martial

Anonymous

Abbey of Saint Martial
SES • MARCIAL
Bearded portrait of St Martial in an inner circle, legend around starting 19h.

+ LEMOVICENSIS
Cross with 4 pairs of dots within an inner circle, legend around
Duplessy 1241
Poey d'Avant 3233,
Numista 56139


French Feudal State - Viscounts of Béarn (Lord of Forcas) (c. 1080-1250)

The Viscounts of Béarn were the rulers of a medieval lordship in the Pyrenees region of southwestern France. They governed the Viscounty of Béarn, which over time evolved into a semi-independent principality before being absorbed into the Kingdom of France. The phrase ONOR FORCAS on the coins of the Viscounts of Béarn is not the name of a person. Instead, it refers to "the right of the gallows", or the authority to administer high and medium justice. This was a crucial feudal privilege that signified a lord's power over life and death within their domain. Forcas is the Latin word for gallows and the presence of this term on coinage was a bold public statement of the lord's complete and independent judicial power.

The legend CENTVLLO COM is an abbreviation for Centullo Comes. This translates from Latin to "Count Centule. This inscription was used on "immobilized" coinage, meaning the design and inscription were kept the same for a long period, even when the actual ruler had a different name. The legend originally refers to Centule V of Béarn (d. 1090), a powerful and highly influential viscount who significantly expanded the autonomy of the viscounty.

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1080-1250)
1 Denier

Mint
MORLAAS
Centulle of Forcas crest

Anonymous

Centulle of Forcas crest
CENTVLLO COM
Cross with a pellet in two first angles.

PAX ONOR FORCAS
"Peace; Right to Gallows."
PA+ framing a triangle.
Duplessy 1241
Poey d'Avant 3233,
Numista 7911


French Feudal State - Saint-Martin de Tours (12th-early 13th centuries)

The deniers minted at Saint-Martin de Tours were part of the feudal coinage system of medieval France. The deniers of Saint-Martin de Tours usually feature a stylized castle known as a "château tournois" on one side. The obverse legend SCS MARTINVS (Saint Martin) directly links the coinage to the abbey's patron saint, St. Martin of Tours, a highly venerated figure in medieval France. The right to mint coins was not universal and was often a point of contention between feudal lords and the French monarchy. For the Abbey of Saint-Martin, issuing its own coinage was a tangible symbol of its autonomy and immense influence in the region of Touraine. The abbey's right to mint coins eventually ended in 1204 when King Philip II Augustus of France incorporated Touraine into the royal domain, consolidating the royal authority over local feudal mints. Interestingly during the Abbatial Period (The period where the coinage of Saint-Martin de Tours truly becomes "abbatial" in its authority is in the 10th and 11th centuries), the powerful counts of Blois and Anjou often held the title of lay-abbot (abbé laïc). This meant that while the abbot in charge of the spiritual life was a cleric, the economic and military control, including the minting of coins, was in the hands of a lay lord indicating a parallel system of lay-abbacies, where a secular ruler would collect the abbey's revenues.

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (12th-early 13th centuries)
1 Denier Tournois

Mint
MORLAAS
Saint-Martin de Tours coat of arms

Anonymous

Saint-Martin de Tours coat of arms
+ SCS MARTINVS
Tour 'Chatel' design - evolved from the Hexastyle temple seen on the coins of Louis the Pious circa 800

+ TVRONVS CIVI
cross pattee within circle
Duplessy, Féodales 412; Poey d'Avant 1638; Boudeau 185; Roberts 4856
Numista 54274
ND (12th-early 13th centuries)
1 Denier Tournois

Mint
MORLAAS
Saint-Martin de Tours coat of arms

Anonymous

Saint-Martin de Tours coat of arms
+ SCS MARTINVS
Tour 'Chatel' design - evolved from the Hexastyle temple seen on the coins of Louis the Pious circa 800

+ TVRONVS CIVI
cross pattee within circle
Duplessy, Féodales 412; Poey d'Avant 1638; Boudeau 185; Roberts 4856
Numista 54274


French feudal State - Brittainy - John I (1237-1286)

The Denier of John I, Duke of Brittany was one of the first coins from the region to feature the new coat of arms of the House of Dreux. John I, also known as "John the Red, put a heraldic shield with the ermine spots on the coin that would become the lasting symbol of Brittany. John I was a keen crusader and key advisor to King Louis IX of France.

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1237-1286)
Denier

Mint
RENES
Jean I

Duke of
Brittainy

Jean I of Brittainy crest
+ B RIT ANI E
"of Brittany"
Triangle shield of Dreux with a quarter of ermines.

+ IOHANNES DUX
"John, duke"
Cross pattée.
Jez# 49, Dy F# 73;
Numista 46842


French Feudal State - Archbishopric of Lyon (1150-1250)

The legend PRIMA SEDES proclaims Lyon as the "First See of Gaul. This is a religious reference as it is claimed that the birthplace of Christainity in Fracne was in Lyom and this gave the Archbishop of Lyon a position of authority over all the other bishops in the region. The coins below show a large cruciform L as the central design. This stylized "L" represents Lugdunum, the Latin name for Lyon. The cross at the top of the "L" emphasizes the ecclesiastical authority. The legend around is + PRIMA SEDES ("First See").

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1150-1250)
1/2 Denier

Mint
LYON
Anonymous

Archbishopric of Lyon

Archbishopric of lyon
PRIMA SEDES
"Lyon, seat of the primate"
Large L cruciform.

+GALLIAR.V
"of the Gauls"
Poey d'Avant 5033; Dy F# 2541; Bd# 1133-,
Numista 41342
ND (1150-1250)
1/2 Denier

Mint
LYON
Anonymous

Archbishopric of Lyon

Archbishopric of lyon
PRIMA SEDES
"Lyon, seat of the primate"
Large L cruciform.

+GALLIAR.V
"of the Gauls"
Poey d'Avant 5033; Dy F# 2541; Bd# 1133-,
Numista 41342


France - Charles VII


Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1493-1498)
1/2 Groat

Mint
MONTPELLIER
France - Charles VII

King of France

Charles VII
KAROLVS DEI GRAX FRANCORVMX RX
Three lilies set 2 and 1 under a wreath

SIT NOMEN: DOMINI: BENEDICTVM
Cross fleurdelisée
DuPlessy 1999
Numista 420295


Italian State - Genoa (Republic) (1139-1339)

The term grosso simply means "large" and was a name given to various larger silver coins that began to appear across Europe in the 13th century, replacing the smaller, less valuable denier. The grosso was first minted in Genoa around 1172. This was a significant step up from the earlier denaro coinage. It continued to be a major part of Genoa's currency system for centuries, with different designs and weights depending on the period. The specific grosso coins from 1139-1339 are tied to the period of the Genoese "Commune," a time of great republican power. Genoa comes from the Latin IANVA which means door, hence the door/gate design on the coin.. The reverse CVNRADI . REX means Conrad King, though Conrad III's death was in 1152. This is an example of "immobilized" coinage where a particular design or legand was used for a long period of time under different rulers or issuing authorities. The Genoese republic, which was fiercely independent, was nominally part of the Holy Roman Empire. By putting the name of a long-dead emperor on their coins, the Genoese were acknowledging a historic legal grant of authority to mint, while simultaneously asserting their de facto independence by not using the name of the current emperor. It was a perfect blend of legal deference and practical autonomy.

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1236-1324)
1 Grosso

Mint
GENOA
Genoa (Republic)

Commune (Anonymous)

Genoa (Republic)
+ I A NV A
Gate within dotted circle.

CVNRADI . REX
Cross pattée within cabled circle
MIR 13,
Numista 417263


Italian State - Milan - Galeazzo II Visconti and Barnabò Visconti (1355-1378)

Galeazzo II Visconti and Barnabò Visconti were brothers who ruled the city of Milan together from 1355 to 1378. Their territories were divided, but they governed with a shared authority, an arrangement that was highly unusual for the time

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1355-1378 )
mezzo soldo

Mint
MILAN

Viscounts Galeazzo and Barnabo

Visconti coat of arms
B G VICECOMITES

MEDIOLANUM
Biaggi 1458
Numista 432684


Frankish Greece - Charles II de Anjou (1285-1289)

Charles II of Anjou, also known as Charles the Lame was King of Naples among many other titles. In 1284, during a naval battle near Naples, Charles was captured by the Aragonese admiral Roger of Lauria. At the time, his father, Charles I, was still king. However, Charles I died the following year, and Charles II became king while still a prisoner of war. To secure his release, a deal was brokered by Edward I of England and Pope Nicholas IV. The terms of his ransom were substantial where he had to agree to give up his claim to the Kingdom of Sicily, pay a large sum of 50,000 marks and leave three of his own sons and 60 Provençal nobles as hostages in Barcelona. Charles II minted billon denier tournois coins at the Clarentza mint during his reign as Prince of Achaea, from 1285 to 1289

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1285-1289)
1 Denier Tournois

Mint
CLARENTIZA
Charles II of Naples CoA

Charles II de Anjou

Charles II of Naples CoA
+. K. R. PRINC’ ACh
Tour 'Chatel' design - evolved from the Hexastyle temple seen on the coins of Louis the Pious circa 800

+ : DE CLARENTIA
cross pattee within circle

Tzamalis KA 101; Metcalf, Crusades 942
Numista 125574


Frankish Greece - Philip II of Taranto (1285-1289)

Philip II of Taranto was a prominent figure in the Angevin house of the 14th century, holding various titles throughout his life and was the son of Philip I of Taranto and Catherine of Valois. He was Prince of Achaea and Taranto as well as Emperor of Constantinople (as Philip III). Philip II was married twice. His first wife was his cousin, Maria of Calabria. After her death, he married Elizabeth of Slavonia. Despite his two marriages, all of Philip's legitimate children died young. This lack of an heir led to his sister's son, James of Baux, becoming his successor upon Philip's death in 1373. His coins were struck at the mint of Clarentza (or Clarenza), the main mint of the Principality of Achaea, located near the city of Andravida.

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1285-1289)
1 Denier Tournois

Mint
LEPANTO
Philip II

Prince of Taranto

Charles II of Naples CoA
+ PHS. P. ACh TAR.
Philippus Princeps Achaeae Tarenti
Philip, Prince of Achaea and Taranto

Cross


+ NEPANTI CIVIS
Citizen of Lepanto

a "château tournois," a stylized castle
Metcalf, Crusades 964
Numista 125576


Frankish Greece -Despotate of Epirus (1307-1313)

The key figure in the Despotate of Epirus during this time was Philip I of Taranto, a member of the Angevin dynasty. He was also the ruler of the Principality of Achaea. Philip of Taranto's claim to the Despotate of Epirus came through his marriage to Thamar Angelina Komnene, the daughter of the previous despot. However, his rule was contested and short-lived.

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1307-1313)
1 Denier

Mint
LEPANTO
Philippe de Taranto

Despotate of Epirus

Philippe de Taranto CoA
+ NEPANTI CIVIS
a "château tournois," a stylized castle

+ PhS P TAR DESP
cross pattee within circle crescent in quadrent

Malliy 111a/b
Numista 55125


Frankish Greece - Principality of Achaea (1163-1201)

The Principality of Achaea which was founded after the Fourth Crusade, circca. 1205) was the most successful and longest-lasting of the Frankish states in Greece. The Prince of Achaea was technically a vassal of the Latin Emperor of Constantinople. When Constantinople fell back to the Byzantines from the Latnis in 1261, that overlordship became meaningless… but the princes still styled themselves as if they owed allegiance to an emperor who no longer existed. Over time the principality passed by inheritance and marriage into the hands of foreign dynasties (the Angevins of Naples, and later the Navarrese Company). So a soldier in the Peloponnese army might find himself fighting for a French prince who answered to a king in Naples, who in turn claimed to be a crusader overlord of Greece.

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1287-1308)
1 Denier

Mint
THEBES
Guillaume II de la Roche

Principality of Achaea.

Guillaume II de la Roche CoA
+ GVE DVX ATENES


+ THEB AHI CIVIS
cross pattee within circle crescent in quadrent
Metcalf1 1080
Numista 116306.


Principality of Antioch - Bohemond III (1163-1201)

Bohemond III of Antioch was nicknamed the Stammerer, and ruled from 1163–1201. He ruled the Principality of Antioch for nearly 40 years, one of the longest reigns of any crusader prince — and during that time, Antioch became a political and religious tug-of-war between Rome, Byzantium, and Armenia, however it was also a family affair. Bohemond’s son Raymond married Alice of Armenia, daughter of Thoros II of Cilician Armenia. This tied Antioch closely to the Armenian kingdom and when Raymond died young, Alice tried to secure Antioch for her infant son, Raymond-Roupen. This led to a decades-long succession struggle between the Armenian-backed heirs and Bohemond’s other descendants. The controversy got so heated that Bohemond himself was excommunicated by the Latin Patriarch in 1181, largely because he leaned toward tolerating the Greek Orthodox patriarch in Antioch (a huge flashpoint in crusader politics) but he also had four wives, and his marital affairs became a source of major controversy so that may also have impacted. So, under Bohemond III, Antioch wasn’t just fighting Muslims on the frontier — it was also a religious battleground inside the city, where Latin, Greek, and Armenian factions all struggled for dominance. Bohemond III is well-known for his distinctive coinage. He introduced a new type of coin that featured his bust in profile, wearing a round helmet with a cross and a prominent nasal-guard. These coins were produced in vast quantities and became the most common type of crusader coin, continuing to be minted long after his death. The mint of Antioch on the Orontes is modern-day Antakya, Turkey .

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1163-1201)
1 Denier

Mint
ANTIOCH ON ORONTES
Bohemond III

Principality of Antioch

Bohemond III of Antioch CoA
+ BOANUDHUS
Bust left, wearing Norman helmet decorated with cross pattée and chainmail coif; crescent to left, star to right

+ ANTOCNIA
cross pattee within circle crescent in upper right quadrent
Metcalf1 371
Numista 55125


Holy Roman Empire - County of Dortmund (1056-1106)

Dortmund was an important Imperial city in the Holy Roman Empire at this time. The legend +VVIDOVICVS IMP stands for Ludovicus Imperator" or "Emperor Louis." +THROTMANNE means Dortmund. While the coin is in the name of Louis I it was issued by Henry IV (Heinrich IV). The reference to Louis looks back to Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV, also known as Louis the Pious who was a son of Charlemagne and reigned from 814 to 840.

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1056-1106)
1 Pfennig

Mint
DORTMUND
Counts of Dortmund

Heinrich IV

Dortmund coat of arms
+THROT MANNE
Crowned bust facing between spear and star, legend around

+VVIDOVICVS IMP
Cross with four stars in quarters, legend around.

The legend on the reverse goes back to the coins of Emperor Louis the Pious (814-840), which were widespread in the Carolingian period, and depicts a corrupted +HLVDOVVICVS IMP
Berghaus 36a
Kunker 163, No.472
Numista 351590



Holy Roman Empire - Archbishopric of Vienne (1150-1250)

The Archbishopric of Vienne became a direct vassal of the Holy Roman Empire around 1032, when the Kingdom of Burgundy (Arles) was absorbed into the Empire under Emperor Conrad II. The archbishops, already powerful landowners, were granted Imperial immediacy, which made them Princes of the Empire, independent of local counts and directly answerable to the emperor. This status was cemented by privileges granted by Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa in the 12th century. The Archbishopric's control by the Holy Roman Empire began to weaken in the 14th century due to growing French influence. However, it was formally annexed by France in 1450, a result of a treaty between the French king Charles VII and the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III. The city and its surrounding territory were officially incorporated into the Kingdom of France, ending its long history as an Imperial principality. It is of note that by having the legend MAXIMA GALL (greatest Gall) the rulers were indicating a lean to the French rather than the HRE.

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1150-1250)
Denier

Mint
VIENNE
Anonymous

Archbishopric of Vienne

Archbishopric  <br> of Vienne
+ S. M. VIENNA
"Saint Mauritius; Vienne"
Bearded head of Saint Mauritius facing left.

MAXIMA GALL
"Great Gaul."
Cross with four pellets in angles.
Poey d'Avant 4826; Dy F# 2381;
Numista 42865


Holy Roman Empire - Hungary - Sigismund of Luxembourg (1295-1312)

The obverse with the crown with lilies, is a reference to his title as King of the Romans (or King of Germany). The fleur-de-lis was a symbol of French royalty, but it was also widely used by the Holy Roman Emperors to signify their imperial authority. The patriarchal cross on the reverse is a key symbol of the Holy Roman Empire. This design directly links the coin to his role as Holy Roman Emperor, a title he held from 1433 until his death in 1437.

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Background Reference
ND (1295-1312)
Quarting
Sigismund of Luxembourg

Holy Roman emperor

Sigismund Holy Roman Emperor crest
Patriarchal cross

Crown adorned with lis
Mint:

Huszar 586; mint: Visegrád, Hungary
Numista 48166


England - Henry III (1216-1272)

Henry III was the first English king in over 200 years to issue a gold coin - the gold penny. Alas this is not it but it is a penny issued under the moneyer William of Canterbury. William was a key moneyer at the Canterbury mint during the transition from the Short Cross coinage to the new Long Cross coinage. His name appears on coins from both series. Henry's reign saw the definitive version of the Magna Carta in 1225, a document, which limited the power of the king, became a cornerstone of English law. Perhaps his greatest achievement was the rebuilding of Westminster Abbey in the Gothic style.

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1216-1272)
1 Penny

Mint
CANTERBURY
Henry III

King of England

Henry III CoA
+hENRICVS REX III
"King Henry the Third"
Legend around crowned facing portrait, with sceptre in right hand.

/WIL/LEM/ONC/ANT/
"William of Canterbury"
Legend around long voided cross with trefoil of pellets in angles
Group 5b2; Sp# 1368, North# 992;
Numista 52364
ND (1216-1272)
1 Penny

Mint
LONDON
Henry III

King of England

Henry III CoA
+hENRICVS REX III
"King Henry the Third"
Legend around crowned facing portrait, with sceptre in right hand.

+ TERRI ON LVND
"Ilger of London"
Legend around long voided cross with trefoil of pellets in angles
Group 5b2; Sp# 1356a, North# 9978;
Numista 322520


England - Edward I (1272-1307)

The first long cross penny was introduced by Henry III in 1247, however when Edward I came to the throne, the English currency was still in a state of crisis. The old, short cross pennies of his father, Henry III, had been in circulation for decades, and many were severely clipped, meaning their edges had been illegally cut off for their silver content. This debased the currency and made trade difficult. The second introduction, or rather, the Great Recoinage, was by Edward I in 1279. While Edward used the same long cross design, his reform was much more comprehensive. Edward's government ordered that all old coins, including the long cross pennies of Henry III, be brought in for exchange. The new coins featured a different royal portrait and more consistent legends and new mints were opened across the country to produce the new currency on an unprecedented scale. Edward's penny's became the standard currency for the next two centuries and was a model for many continental imitations.

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND ( )
1/2 Penny

Mint
LONDON
Edward I

King of England

Henry III CoA
EDWA R ANGL DNS HYB
"Edward King of England Lord of Ireland"
Legend around crowned facing portrait within inner beaded circle.

CIVITAS LONDON
"City of LONDON"
Long cross pattée, trefoil of pellets in angles, mint name around.
Class 11; Sp# 1455; North# 1060;
Numista ?
ND (1280-1281)
1 Penny

Mint
LONDON
Edward I

King of England

Henry III CoA
EDW R ANGL DNS HYB
"Edward King of England Lord of Ireland"
Legend around crowned facing portrait within inner beaded circle.

CIVITAS LONDON
"City of London"
Long cross pattée, trefoil of pellets in angles, mint name around.
Class 3d; Sp# 1390; North# 1019;
Numista 52366
ND (1280-1281)
1 Penny

Mint
LONDON
Edward I

King of England

Henry III CoA
EDW R ANGL DNS HYB
"Edward King of England Lord of Ireland"
Legend around crowned facing portrait within inner beaded circle.

CIVITAS LONDON
"City of London"
Long cross pattée, trefoil of pellets in angles, mint name around.
Class 3g; North# 1022;
Numista 252400
ND (1280-1281)
1 Penny

Mint
LONDON
Edward I

King of England

Henry III CoA
EDW R ANGL DNS HYB
"Edward King of England Lord of Ireland"
Legend around crowned facing portrait within inner beaded circle.

CIVITAS LONDON
"City of London"
Long cross pattée, trefoil of pellets in angles, mint name around.
Class 9b;
Numista 55998
ND (1306-1307)
1 Penny

Mint
LONDON
Edward I

King of England

Henry III CoA
EDWR ANGL DNS HYB
"Edward King of England Lord of Ireland"
Legend around crowned facing portrait within inner beaded circle.

CIVITAS LONDON
"City of London"
Long cross pattée, trefoil of pellets in angles, mint name around.
Class 10cf2; Sp# 1411; North# 1041;
Numista 324329
ND (1310-1314)
1 Penny

Mint
LONDON
Edward I

King of England

Henry III CoA
EDWA R ANGL DNS HYB
"Edward King of England Lord of Ireland"
Legend around crowned facing portrait within inner beaded circle.

CIVITAS LONDON
"City of London"
Long cross pattée, trefoil of pellets in angles, mint name around.
Class 11; Sp# 1455; North# 1060;
Numista 325289
ND (1300-1302)
1 Penny

Mint
BRISTOL
Edward I

King of England

Henry III CoA
EDWR ANGL DNS HYB
"Edward King of England Lord of Ireland"
Legend around crowned facing portrait within inner beaded circle.

VILL BRI STO LIE
"City of Bristol"
Long cross pattée, trefoil of pellets in angles, mint name around.
Class 9b; Sp# 1408; North# 1037;
Numista 324329
ND (1302-1310)
1 Penny

Mint
CANTERBURY
Edward I

King of England

Henry III CoA
EDW R ANGL DNS HYB
"Edward King of England Lord of Ireland"
Legend around crowned facing portrait within inner beaded circle.

VILL AOVI CAS TRI
"City of Canterbury"
Long cross pattée, trefoil of pellets in angles, mint name around.
Class 5?;
Numista 324332
ND (1305-1306)
1 Penny

Mint
CANTERBURY
Edward I

King of England

Henry III CoA
EDWA R ANGL DNS HYB
"Edward King of England Lord of Ireland"
Legend around crowned facing portrait within inner beaded circle.

CIVITAS CANTOR
"City of Canterbury"
Long cross pattée, trefoil of pellets in angles, mint name around.
Class 10cf1; Sp# 1410; North# 1040;
Numista 324328
ND (1280-1281)
1 Penny

Mint
BURY ST EDMUNDS
Edward I

King of England

Henry III CoA
EDW R ANGL DNS HYB
"Edward King of England Lord of Ireland"
Legend around crowned facing portrait within inner beaded circle.

ROBERTVS DE HADL'
"Robert De Hadeleie"
Long cross pattée, trefoil of pellets in angles, mint name around.
Class 3g-4a; Sp# 1390; North# 1019;
Numista ?
ND (1294-1299)
1 Penny

Mint
BURY ST EDMUNDS
Edward I

King of England

Henry III CoA
EDWA R ANGL DNS HYB
"Edward King of England Lord of Ireland"
Legend around crowned facing portrait within inner beaded circle.

VILA SCI EDMVNDI
"City of Bury St Edmunds"
Long cross pattée, trefoil of pellets in angles, mint name around.
Class 8a;
Numista 324332
ND (1302-1310)
1 Penny

Mint
NEWCASTLE
Edward I

King of England

Henry III CoA
EDW R ANGL DNS HYB
"Edward King of England Lord of Ireland"
Legend around crowned facing portrait within inner beaded circle.

VILL AOVI CAS TRI
"City of Newcastle"
Long cross pattée, trefoil of pellets in angles, mint name around.
Class 10a;
Numista 272530


England - Edward III (1327-1377)

The Pennies of Edward III can be grouped into three distinct periods. Pre-Treaty Coinage (1344-1361), Treaty Coinage (1361-1369) and Post-Treaty Coinage (1369-1377). The treaty in question is the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360, where Edward III renounced his claim to the French throne in exchange for full sovereignty over his continental possessions. The references to the French claim that do appear on Edward III#s coins only affect the higher denominations - not the penny's, but the grouping classification remains the same.

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1344-1351)
1 Penny

Mint
LONDON
Edward III

King of England

Edward III CoA
+ EDW ANGL DNS HYB

+ CIVI TAS LON DON
"City of London"
Long cross pattée, trefoil of pellets in angles, mint name around.
ND (1369-77)
1 Penny

Mint
LONDON
Edward III

King of England

Edward III CoA
EDWARDVS . REX . ANGLIE
"Edward King of Emgland"
Legend around crowned facing portrait, annulet on breast

CIVI / TAS / LON / DON
"City of London"
Legend around long cross, trefoil of pellets in angles
Coincraft E31D series G
Numista ?


England - Richard II

Richard II, also knows as Richard of Bordeaux was the son of the black prince and grandson of Edward III. Like those of Edward III, his pennies are often categorized into three main types, and the differences between them are a direct result of his changing political fortunes. The first pennies of Richard II were struck as part of a great recoinage begun in 1377. They were designed to replace the worn-out coins of his grandfather, Edward III, and their legends and designs are fairly consistent with the currency of the period. However, later in his reign, Richard II faced significant opposition from his barons. The result was a period of political turmoil that led to the issue of new coin types. generally split into several distinct classes that can be linked to certain events, including changes in the king's portrait and the style of lettering. Richard II's later pennies also reflect his unpopularity. He was accused by his rivals of debasing the coinage, a charge that was used against him to justify his deposition in 1399 by Henry Bolingbroke (Henry IV) and Richard II's first cousin.

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1391-1396)
1 Penny

Mint
YORK
Richard II

King of England

Richard II
+RICARDVS REX AnGLE; Crowned facing portrait of King Richard II, pellets above shoulders

+CIVI TAS EBO RACI
Long cross pattée, trefoils in quarters, quatrefoil in centre
North1330, Sp.1692;
Numista 126361


England - Henry VI


Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1431-32)
1/2 Penny

Mint
LONDON
Henry VI

King of England

Henry III CoA
+ HENRIC REX ANGL
"Henry King of England"
Crowned facing portrait of King Henry VI within inner circle, legend around.

CIVITAS LONDON
"City of London"
Long cross pattée, trefoils in each quarter, legend around.
S1884; Sp# 1912, North# 1500;
Numista 162340


England - Henry VII


Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1493-1498)
1/2 Groat

Mint
CANTERBURY
Henry VII

King of England

Henry III CoA
+ hEnRIC DI GRA R?X AnGL Z Fr; Crowned facing portrait of King Henry VII within tressure of arches, legend around.

POSVI DEV A DIVTO R MEV CIVI TAS CAn TOR
"I have made God my helper City of Canterbury"
Long cross fourchée, trefoil of pellets in angles, two circles of legend around.
North1712, Sp.2210;
Numista 31657


Cyprus - James I (1382-1398)

A striking feature of James I of Cyprus are that his deniers often features a lion passant guardant. This symbol is an early heraldic representation of the Kingdom of Armenia, whose throne James I claimed through his marriage to his cousin, Armagnac of Armenia. James I's coins are a perfect example of his complex political position. The obverse of the coin would bear his name and a Latin cross, signifying his Frankish Crusader identity. The reverse, however, with the Armenian lion, was a powerful visual claim to the throne of Armenia. This claim was, however, was never fully realized, as the kingdom fell to the Mamluks of Egypt in 1375, but he and his successors continued to use the Armenian lion on their coinage

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1382-1398)
Denier
James I

King of Cyprus

James I of cyprus crest
+ IAQVE REI . D

+ IERV3m REI C
Metcalf, Crusades 797-9;
Numista 105295


Spain, Castile and Leon - Fernando IV (1295-1312)

Fernando IV, known as "the Summoned," inherited a kingdom with significant financial problems. He used the Pepión as a way to raise funds quickly, but its low value and the massive quantity in which it was minted led to rampant inflation and economic distress. The Pepión was poorly struck and made from a very small amount of silver and suffered from extreme debasement. This example features the castle of Castile on the obverse and the lion of León on the reverse. The mints that struck this coin operated in Seville, Burgos, León, Toledo and Córdoba,

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1295-1312)
Pepion
Fernando IV

Castile and Leon

Castile and Leon coat of arms
F REX CASTELLE
"Fernando IV King of Castile"
Castle

+ET LEGIONIS
"and Leon"
Lion
Tienda 4404

Mint: Burgos;
Numista 145411


Spain, Castile and Leon - Henry IV (1471-1474)

The coin, as can be seen, is made of a very low-quality billon. It was minted in huge quantities to fund the king's expensive projects and wars and led to rampant inflation and economic chaos in the kingdom. The term blanca itself, which means "white," was ironic, as the coin had virtually no silver content and was more reddish in colour. The design of the coin is very crude and poorly executed, with the legends and motifs being difficult to read. On the obverse it has the castle of Castile, and on the reverse, the lion of León. The wars of Henry IV, especially the internal civil conflicts, were a major factor in the chaos that led to his death and the subsequent rise of his half-sister, Isabella I, whose marriage to Ferdinand II of Aragon would unite Spain. The likely mints to have minted teh coin below are those in Seville, Toledo, Burgos, Ávila or Cuenca.

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1471-1474)
Blanca
Henry IV

Castile and Leon

Henry IV of Castile
ENRICVS DEI GRA REX C
Henry King by the grace of God

XPS VINCIT XPS REGNAT
Christ conquers, Christ reigns (Laudes Regiae)

Numista 169325


Hungary - Maria (1382-1385)

Maria was a young queen who inherited the throne from her father, Louis I of Hungary. Her coins, such as this quarting were circulated during a time of great uncertainty and the drop in quality from those issued by her father was symbolic of a ruler whose authority was constantly being challenged by rival claimants to her throne, including her second cousin, Charles of Durazzo. The obverse shows the crowm avove a large M. The M stands for Nagybánya (modern Baia Mare, Romania), a significant royal mint in the mining regions of Transylvania. The reverse of the quarterling features a patriarchal cross. This cross, with its two horizontal bars, was the standard symbol of the Hungarian monarchy.

Year / Denomination Ruler Legend Coin image Reference
ND (1382-1385)
Quarting
Maria

Hungary

Sigismund Holy Roman Emperor crest
+REGInE VnGARIE
"Mária, Queen of Hungary"
Crown and mintmark below in pearl circle

+mOnETA mARIE
"Money of Mária, Queen"
Double cross in pearl circle
Huszar 566
Unger 442a
Pohl 112-1;
Numista 34128



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