Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 17007 - Ancient, British and Foreign Coins and Commemorative Medals
Lot: 68

Edward IV, first reign (1461-70), Groats, light coinage, London (2); class Vc, 2.71g, m.m. rose, crowned bust facing, quatrefoils by neck, rev. long cross and pellets (N.1567); another, class VIII, 2.53g, m.m. crown/sun, similar, quatrefoil on breast, (N.1571; S.2000); second reign (1471-83), Half Groat, Canterbury, 1.09g, m.m. rose, as last, c on breast, and in centre of reverse (N.1638; S.2107); Penny, class XVI 6, York, Archbishop Neville, 0.70g, m.m. rose (?), as previous, although g and key by neck rev. quatrefoil in centre (N.1650; S.2130); lastly, contemporary base imitation Penny, in the style of Edward IV, 0.36g, about fine to fine, some clipped (5)

provenance
v) Queenhithe Hoard, deposited c. late 15th Century

The Queenhithe Hoard was discovered by three metal detectorists over the course of a weekend in early February 1980. 495 coins were initially recovered, with several other examples appearing on the market around the same time. Curiously the hoard consisted entirely of hammer-struck forged pennies made from one obverse and four reverse dies copying the contemporary style of official productions of Edward IV from the London and York mints. X-Ray Fluorescence testing revealed the general content of each coin to be roughly 80% fine silver, so the forger could conceivably have been earning between 7s 6d and 9s 6d per pound of coin produced. As the site of discovery was in the bed of the river Thames, it is assumed that the coins were deliberately discarded to avoid the overtly incriminating evidence being discovered with the forger(s). Consequently under UK Treasure Trove laws, the hoard was not eligible as a prima facie case of treasure as it was determined that the original owner had never intended to return for them. Consequently the coins were returned to the finders and subsequently dispersed, with six examples each being donated to the British and London Museums.

For further reading, see M. A. Archibald, "The Queenhithe Hoard of late Fifteenth Century Forgeries", BNJ, vol. L, 1980, pp. 61-66

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£140