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Auction: 24005 - The Official Coinex Auction of Ancient, British and World Coins
Lot: 278

Henry VIII (1509-1547), Third Coinage, Angel, 1544-1547, (m.m) hENRIC ' 8 • D '. G '. AGL '. FRA '. Z • HIB '. REX :, saltire stops, St. Michael vanquishing Dragon, annulet behind head, rev. (m.m.) PER • CRVCE '. TVA '. SALVA • nOS • XPE '. REDE .', saltire stops, ship surmounted by square-topped shield and mast dividing h and rose, annulet on decking, 5.06g, 7h, m.m. lys (Schneider I, 622; North 1830; S.2299), some partial softness, yet with a light red tone and lustre, a bolder very fine, and with a fascinating 19th Century pedigree

Provenance

Christie's, 20 June 1989, lot 179

'Found under old London Bridge', c. 1823-1831



Accompanying this lot is a handwritten note detailing the discovery of the coin under the foundations of Old London Bridge.



It reads:"Dear Bessy, The old coin was given by Sir Edward Banks. It was taken from under the foundation of [...] Old London Bridge. I cannot tell what I have done with the silver coins said to be of the tribute money of Caesar at the time of Christ...".



Although we do not know the recipient of the letter, the reference to Sir Edward Banks is notable. It can therefore be assumed that the coin came into Banks' possession during his involvement in the construction of the New London Bridge between 1823 and 1831.

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Sold for
£6,500

Starting price
£1200