England (1445-54) groat
This specimen was lot 75005 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, September 2023), where it sold for $144. The catalog description[1] noted, "GREAT BRITAIN. Groat, ND (1445-54). London Mint; mm: cross. Henry VI (first reign). PCGS Genuine--Environmental Damage, EF Details. Leaf pellet issue. Obverse: Crowned facing bust within tressure of arches; Reverse: Long cross pattee; triple pellets in quarters. Somewhat attractive and original appearing overall, the charcoal patina in the nooks of the design is perhaps just a bit too thick for PCGS to consider assigning a numerical grade. Nonetheless this delightful hammered piece has a decent strike, pleasing pewter coloration, and ample eye appeal." The groat, or fourpence, was introduced in the late middle ages as increased commerce required a larger coin than the silver penny. The groat was struck during the reign of Henry VI over several issues and several mints (London and Calais but not York).
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.02 g, 0.925 fine silver.
Catalog reference: S-1917; N-1505.
- Skingley, Philip, ed., Standard Catalogue of British Coins: Coins of England & the United Kingdom, 46th edition, London: Spink & Son, 2011.
- Lobel, Richard, Mark Davidson, Allan Hailstone and Eleni Calligas, Coincraft's Standard Catalogue of English and UK Coins, 1066 to Date, London: Coincraft, 1995.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, September 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction - Ancient & World Coins, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
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