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Image Not Available for Penny
Penny
Image Not Available for Penny

Penny

Issuer (Westminster Palace, London, England, 1239 - 1307)
Issuer (Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd, Wales, 1284 - 1327)
Date1337-1391
Object NameCoin
Mediumsilver
ClassificationsCoins
DimensionsDiameter: 1.7cm; weight: 1.15g
AcquisitionPurchased through Treasure Trove.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS051267
About MeA continental imitation Edward I, II, or III silver penny belonging to Aberdeen's St Nicholas Street hoard. Found in 1984, this hoard comprises 2538 coins, including coins from England, Scotland, Ireland and the continent, as well as 54 imitation coins.

Coin Type: Penny, Continental or Forgery
Coin Issuer: Possibly William the Rich Marquis of Namur, or Unknown forger
Date Minted: possibly 1337-1391
Mint Location: Possibly Namur, Belgium
Find Date: 1984
Obverse: Forward facing view of a castle flanked by two towers with text inscription.
Reverse: Centrally placed long cross with three pellets in each corner and text ringing the outer edge.
Manufacture Method: Hammered
Condition: The coin is in good condition. The reverse has clear central details and legible text. The obverse has a clear image of a castle and legible text. The coin is unusual as it seems to be a composite of English and Belgian coin designs, featuring a typical Edward Sterling reverse, and a John III Duke of Brabant (1300-1355) penny's castle on the obverse. The obverse inscription includes ' 'I' ' an abbreviation of John, but, rather than Brabant, locates him in 'NAMVR'. In contrast, the reverse references William, 'WIL LAN'. This is either evidence of this coin being an early attempt at a new coin for William the Rich taking inscriptions and designs from other common, neighbouring coins, or of it being a forgery. Coin makers travelled between England, Scotland, and the continent during this period, so it would not be unusual for new coins to take so heavily from other circulating examples. This, however, is equally as true for the makers of imitation coins.