Lot 3642
Great Britain. Noble, ND. S.1803; Fr-112. Henry VI, First Reign, 1422-1461. Annulet issue, Calais mint. King standing facing in ship, bearing sword and shield. Reverse: Floriated cross with lis at ends and h in center. This Calais coin, much rarer than the London Noble, is identified by the flag at the stern of the ship. A nicely struck specimen with a beautifully defined portrait. The Spink catalogue price is £1500 (around $2800) for a specimen in just VF condition! These coins are seldom ever seen in top grade. A quick check of Henry VI Nobles offered in auction and on dealer's lists over the last few years will reveal that the Calais variety is exceptionally rare in higher grades. NGC graded AU-58.
**This coin was struck circa 1423, at the start of the first reign of Henry VI. The Calais mint had re-opened just before the death of his father King Henry V in 1422, and it only produced gold coins for a few more years. Eventually ceasing production completely, the Calais mint finally closed in 1440.
The reign of Henry VI was turbulent one, and began with the accession of Henry as King of England and Lord of Ireland in August 1422, at the tender age of 8 months. In October 1422 he became King of France. A quiet man, Henry was dominated by strong minded psychological bullies - his uncles (John Duke of Bedford and Humphrey Duke of Gloucester) and his second cousin Richard, Duke of York. Henry soon abandoned his claim to the throne of France when it became clear that he could barely secure his tenure of the throne of England!
Henry VI was probably the most humble and religious of all British Kings, usually dressing inconspicuously in black, with a simple hooded jacket and a farmer's round-toed boots, all worn over a hair shirt next to the skin. He was a pacifist, and a scholar, but as a King in an age of ruthlessness, he was a tragic misfit. He was murdered (probably upon the orders of Richard Duke of Gloucester, in the Tower of London, aged 50, in May 1471, having reigned (excluding periods as a prisoner and refugee) for 40 years.
Estimated Value $3,800 - 4,200.
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