Lot 508
Edward IV or V (1483), Silver Groat of Fourpence, type XXII, Tower Mint London. Facing crowned bust within double tressure of nine arcs, fleur on six cusps, legend with inner and outer beaded circles surrounding, saltire stops, initial mark halved sun and rose both sides (1483), EDWRD’x Dix Grax Rexx AnGL'x Z FranCx, rev. long cross pattée, tri-pellets in each inner angle, double concentric legends with beaded inner and outer circles surrounding, CIVI TAS Lon Don inner legend, +POSVI Devm A DIVTOR E' mEvm, weight 3.04g (N.1631; S.2146A). Toned, a little uneven in shape and weak in parts, otherwise good fine to almost very fine and very rare. Value $4,000 - UP
The chronology of the gold coinage across the transition of the reigns of Edward IV and the "Prince in the Tower" King Edward V, have been worked out from documentary pipe-roll evidence at source. However, it is not clear cut with the silver coinage, and a chronology cannot be accurately worked out as to what belongs in the reign of late Edward IV or the short three-month reign of Edward under his uncle Richard III. The mint mark halved sun and rose certainly relates to this time period, and there are two varieties of obverse which either have or do not have a pellet under the bust. However, no documents seem to survive to tell us if this difference is significant to dating the coins to one reign or the other.
The obverse Latin legend translates as "Edward by the grace of God, King of England and France" and the reverse as "I have made God my helper" in the outer legend and "City of London" on the inner legend.
Ex Sotheby, May 2001, lot 712. Purchased from Spink and Son Ltd, 10rd May 2001.
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| Realized $3,960 |
