2016-10-28 Fri

Today on 28 October 1216 King Henry III of England was coroneted!!!!!

The reign of King Henry III lasted for fifty six years but not without political instability and hurdles. During his time Monarchy was under Magana Carta. The Governance and Kingship was tied to it and the barons in parliament ruled the country. King Henry III and Baron Simon de Montfor became the biggest foes.

These Gold Pennies are said to be the first English hammered gold coin; struck before the Norman invasion. The obverse depicts the Crowned King Henry III is seated on a throne and wearing royal robes. He is holding sceptre in the right hand and monde in other hand. The mosaic design is seen below the king with inscription around which reads “HENRICUS REX III’ means “King Henry III” .

The reverse depicts a long cross with all its four ends with limb bottom with extensions to the edges of the coin within the beaded circle dividing the outer circle of legend from the inner section which intersect with rose and three pellets. The legend reads “WILLEM ON LVND” which means “William of London”. It can be seen the Henry III coin were inspired by the coin of Edward the Confessor.

William of London or Gloucester was the Goldsmith of the King it was recorded that he delivered 15,200 gold coins in October 1258. But these coins were unpopular because of increased the value of the coin. It is assumed these coins were melted.

The Gold pennies of Henry III are the rarest and most valuable of all the British gold coinage.