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Anglo-Gallic Coinage

Started by Deeman, July 04, 2023, 04:34:10 PM

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Deeman

Edward the Black Prince Silver Coinage

Gros

The gros was struck at various mints identified by lettering at the end of the obverse inscription: Agen (A), Bordeaux (B) and Tarbes (T). Also struck without mint identification.

The silver gros had a 27mm diameter. The obverse design is a diademed half-length figure of the prince right, holding a sword, left hand raised in benediction, within a tressure of twelve arches and beaded circle. The circumscription translates to 'Edward, first born of the King' (Edwardvs primo genitvs regis) for Agen and Tarbes. For Bordeaux the translation is 'Edward, first born of the King of England, Prince' (Edwardvs primo genitvs regis Anglie princeps). The reverse design has two circumscriptions within beaded circles around a long cross pattée with trio of pellets in each quarter dividing both inscriptions. The outer circumscription translates to Glory to God in the highest and peace in this land' (Gloria in excelsis deo et in terra pax). The inner circumscription translates to 'Prince of Aquitaine'

Edward the Black Prince silver gros, Agen, S8129.jpg

From 1362 gros, Agen mint. Very rare.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄDVVARDVS PRImO GnS RЄGIS followed by 'A' for Agen, double pellet-in-annulet stops.
Reverse outer circumscription is GLIA In Є / XCЄLCIS / DЄO ЄT In / TRA PAX, double pellet-in-annulet stops.
Reverse inner circumscription is PRIn / CEPS / AQIT / AnIЄ.

Edward the Black Prince silver gros, Bordeaux, S8129.jpg

From 1362 gros, Bordeaux mint. Very rare.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄD' PO GnS RЄGIS AnGLIЄ PRIn followed by 'B' for Bordeaux, double pellet-in-annulet stops.
Reverse outer circumscription is GLIA In Є / XCЄLCIS / DЄO ЄT In / TRA PAX, double pellet-in-annulet stops.
Reverse inner circumscription is PRIn / CEPS / AQIT / AnIЄ.

Edward the Black Prince silver gros, no mint ID, S8129.jpg

From 1362 gros, no mint ID. Very rare.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄDVVA[RDVS [PRImO GnS] RЄGIS, double pellet-in-annulet stops.
Reverse outer circumscription is GLIA In Є / [XCЄLCIS] / DЄO ЄT In / TRA PAX, double pellet-in-annulet stops.
Reverse inner circumscription is PRIn / CEPS / AQIT / AnIЄ.

Deeman

Edward the Black Prince Demi-Gros

The demi-gros was struck at various mints identified by lettering at the end of the obverse circumscription, but for La Rochelle first issue it is found at the end of the outer reverse inscription: Agen (A), Bordeaux (B), Dax (AS in ligature, Latin name Aqensis), Figeac (F), Limoges (L), Poitiers (P), La Rochelle (R) and Tarbes (T). Also struck without mint identification.

The silver demi-gros had a 22-24mm diameter. The obverse design is a diademed half-length figure of the prince right, holding a sword, left hand raised in benediction, within a tressure of arches and beaded circle. The circumscription translates to 'Edward, first born of the King of England' (Edwardvs primo genitvs regis Anglie) with the exception of the first issue of Tarbes which is 'Edward, first born of the King of England, Prince' (Edwardvs primo genitvs regis Anglie princeps). The reverse design has two circumscriptions within beaded circles around a long cross pattée with trio of pellets in each quarter dividing both inscriptions. The outer circumscription translates to 'Glory to God in the highest and peace in this land' (Gloria in excelsis deo et in terra pax). The inner circumscription translates to 'Prince of Aquitaine'.

There were two issues. The debased second issue is characterised by the use of a colon or single pellet at the start of the obverse inscriptions. The first issues are rare, with Dax and Tarbes being extremely rare.

Edward the Black Prince silver demi-gros, Agen, second issue, colon before ЄD, S8131.jpg

1365-72 demi-gros, Agen mint. Second issue, colon before ЄD.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄD' PO GnS RЄGIS AnGLIЄ followed by 'A' for Agen, double pellet-in-annulet stops.
Reverse outer circumscription is GLA In Є / XCЄLCIS / DO ЄT In / TRA PAX, pellet stops.
Reverse inner circumscription is PRn / CPS / AQI / TAn, pellet before PRn.

Edward the Black Prince silver demi-gros, Dax, second issue, colon before ЄD, S8131.jpg

1365-72 demi-gros, Dax mint. Second issue, colon before ЄD.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄD' PO GnS RЄGIS AnGLIЄ followed by 'AS' for Dax, double pellet-in-annulet stops.
Reverse outer circumscription is GLA In Є / XCЄLCIS / DO ЄT In / TRA PAX, pellet stops.
Reverse inner circumscription is PRn / CPS / AQI / TAn, pellet before PRn.

Edward the Black Prince silver demi-gros, Figeac, second issue, colon before ЄD, S8131.jpg

1365-72 demi-gros, Figeac mint. Second issue, colon before ЄD.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄD' PO GnS RЄGIS AnGLIЄ followed by 'F' for Figeac, double pellet-in-annulet stops.
Reverse outer circumscription is GLA In Є / XCЄLCIS / DO ЄT In / T[RA PAX], pellet stops.
Reverse inner circumscription is PRn / CPS / AQI / TAn, pellet before PRn.

Edward the Black Prince silver demi-gros, La Rochelle, second issue, colon before ЄD, S8131.jpg

1365-72 demi-gros, La Rochelle mint. Second issue, colon before ЄD.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄD' PO GnS RЄGIS AnGLIЄ followed by 'R' for La Rochelle, double rosette stops.
Reverse outer circumscription is GLA In Є / XCЄLCIS / DO ЄT In / RA PAX, pellet stops.
Reverse inner circumscription is PRn / CPS / AQI / TAn, colon before PRn.

Edward the Black Prince silver demi-gros, Limoges, first issue, S8130.jpg

1362-65 demi-gros, Limoges mint. First issue.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄD PO GnS RЄGIS AnGLIЄ followed by 'L' for Limoges, double rosette stops.
Reverse outer circumscription is [GLA] In Є / XLC [DC] / CT In TC / RA PAX, pellet stops.
Reverse inner circumscription is PRn / CPS / AQI / TAn.

Edward the Black Prince silver demi-gros, Poitiers, first issue, S8130.jpg

1362-65 demi-gros, Poitiers mint. First issue.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄD PO GnS RЄGIS AnGLIЄ followed by 'P' for Poitiers, double annulet stops.
Reverse outer circumscription is GLA In Є / XLC DC / CT In TC / RA PAX, pellet stops.
Reverse inner circumscription is PRn / CPS / AQI / TAn.

Edward the Black Prince silver demi-gros, Tarbes, first issue, S8130.jpg

1362-65 demi-gros, Tarbes mint. First issue, extremely rare.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄD' PO GnS RЄG AnGL PnCPS followed by 'T' for Tarbes, double rosette stops.
Reverse outer circumscription is GILA In / XCЄLCIS / DЄO ЄIn / TRA PA, double pellet-in-annulet stops.
Reverse inner circumscription is PRn / CPS / AQI / TAn.

Deeman

Edward the Black Prince Sterling

The silver sterling was struck at various mints identified by lettering at the end of the obverse inscription: Bordeaux (B), Dax (AS in ligature, Latin name Aqensis), Figeac (F), Limoges (L), Poitiers (P), La Rochelle (R) and Tarbes (T). Also struck without mint identification.

The silver sterling had a diameter of 17-18mm. The obverse design is a half-length diademed figure of the prince right holding a sword in his right hand, left hand raised in benediction, within an inner circle. The reverse design is a long cross pattée dividing the inscription with trio of pellets in each quarter. The abbreviated circumscriptions together, starting with the obverse, translate to 'Edward, first born of the King of England, Prince of Aquitaine' (Edwardvs primo genitvs regis Anglie princeps Aqvitanie) or 'Edward, first born of the King, Prince of Aquitaine' (Edwardvs primo genitvs regis princeps Aqvitanie).
There were two issues. The debased second issue is characterised by the use of a colon, double annulet, double pellet-in-annulet, rosette or single pellet at the start of the obverse and reverse inscriptions. The first issues 1362-65 are very rare.

A variety of Limoges second issue has a tressure of arches on the obverse.

Edward the Black Prince silver sterling, second issue, Dax, double pellet-in-annulet, S8133.jpg

1365-68 sterling, Dax mint. Second issue, double annulet before ЄD and PRn.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄD PO GnS RЄGIS followed by 'AS' for Dax, double pellet-in-annulet stops.
Reverse circumscription is PRn / CPS / AQI / TAn.

Edward the Black Prince silver sterling, second issue, La Rochelle, double annulet, S8133.jpg

1365-68 sterling, La Rochelle mint. Second issue, double annulet before ЄD and PRn.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄD PO GIT RЄG AnGL followed by 'R' for La Rochelle, rosette stops.
Reverse circumscription is PRn / CPS / AQI / TAЄ.

Edward the Black Prince silver sterling, second issue, Limoges, pellet, S8133.jpg

1365-68 sterling, Limoges mint. Second issue, pellet before ЄD and PRn.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄD PO GIT RЄG AnG followed by 'L' for Limoges, double rosette stops.
Reverse circumscription is PRn / CPS / AQV / TAЄ.

Edward the Black Prince silver sterling, second issue, Poiters, double annulet, S8133.jpg

1365-68 sterling, Poitiers mint. Second issue, double annulet before ЄD and PRn.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄD PO GIT RЄG AnGL followed by 'P' for Poitiers, rosette stops.
Reverse circumscription is PRn / CPS / AQI / TAn.

Deeman

Edward the Black Prince Hardi

The silver hardi was struck at various mints identified by lettering in the inscriptions: Agen (A), Bordeaux (B), Figeac (F), Limoges (L), Poitiers (P), La Rochelle (R) and Tarbes (T). Also struck without mint identification. For Agen, Dax, Figeac, Limoges and Tarbes the mint identification letter is at end of obverse inscription. For Poitiers it is at end of obverse inscription or between Q and I in reverse inscription or at end of obverse inscription and between Q and I in reverse inscription. For La Rochelle it is at end of obverse inscription or after CPS in reverse inscription.

The silver hardi had a diameter of 19mm. The obverse design is a half-length diademed figure of the prince facing holding a sword in his right hand, left hand raised in benediction, Gothic canopy arch above, figure to top and bottom edges of the coin. The reverse design is a long cross pattée dividing the inscription with lis and lion in alternate quarters. The abbreviated circumscriptions together, starting with the obverse, translate to 'Edward, first born of the King of England, Prince of Aquitaine' (Edwardvs primo genitvs regis Anglie princeps Aqvitanie).

There are many varieties:
The depiction of the prince varies according to the mint, with some mints having more than one engraver, affecting hairstyle, face, eyes, sword and sword hilt.
The canopy arch can be pointed or round, rosette or annulet ends.
The diadem can be plain, have pellet at ends, have pellet at ends with central jewel or have rosettes.
Lis or lion may be in the first quarter of the cross.

Edward the Black Prince silver hardi, Agen, plain diadem, pointed arch with rosettes, lis first quarter, S8134.jpg

1368-72 hardi, Agen mint.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄD PO Gn R / ЄG AGLI followed by 'A' for Agen, colon stops, plain diadem, pointed arch with rosettes.
Reverse circumscription is PRn / CPS / AQIT / AnIЄ, lis first quarter, rosette after CPS.

Edward the Black Prince silver hardi, Bordeaux, plain diadem, pointed arch with rosettes, lis first quarter, S8134.jpg

1368-72 hardi, Bordeaux mint.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄD PO GnS / RЄG AGLIЄ followed by 'B' for Bordeaux, colon stops, plain diadem, pointed arch with rosettes.
Reverse circumscription is PRn / CPS / AQIT / AnIЄ, lis first quarter, rosette before PRI and after CPS.

Edward the Black Prince silver hardi, Figeac, plain diadem, pointed arch with rosettes, lis first quarter, S8134.jpg

1368-72 hardi, Figeac mint.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄD PO GnS R / ЄG AnGLIЄ followed by 'F' for Figeac, colon stops, plain diadem, pointed arch with rosettes.
Reverse circumscription is PRn / CPS / AQIT / AnIЄ, lis first quarter.
 
Edward the Black Prince silver hardi, Limoges, plain diadem, round arch with rosettes, lis first quarter, S8134.jpg

1368-72 hardi, Limoges mint.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄD PO GIT / RЄG AGI followed by 'L' for Limoges, plain diadem, round arch with rosettes.
Reverse circumscription is PRn / CPS / AQT / AnЄ, lis first quarter, rosette after CPS.

Edward the Black Prince silver hardi, Poitiers, rosette diadem, P between Q & I, pointed arch with annulets, lis first quarter, S8134.jpg

1368-72 hardi, Poitiers mint.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄD PO GЄnT / RЄG AGЄ, rosette diadem, pointed arch with annulets.
Reverse circumscription is PRn / CPS / AQI / TAn, 'P' for Poitiers between Q & I, lis first quarter.

Edward the Black Prince silver hardi, La Rochelle, plain diadem, R after CPS, pointed arch with rosettes, lis first quarter, S8134.jpg

1368-72 hardi, La Rochelle mint.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄD PO GnS / RЄG AGLIЄ, plain diadem, pointed arch with rosettes.
Reverse circumscription is PRn / CPS / AQIT / AnIЄ, 'R' for La Rochelle after CPS, lis first quarter, rosette before PRn & after CPS.

Edward the Black Prince silver hardi, Tarbes, plain diadem, pointed arch with rosettes, lis first quarter, S8134.jpg

1368-72 hardi, Tarbes mint.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄD PO GnS R / ЄG AGLIЄ followed by 'T' for Tarbes, plain diadem, pointed arch with rosettes.
Reverse circumscription is PRn / CPS / AQIT / AnIЄ, 'R' for La Rochelle after CPS, lis first quarter, rosette before PRn & after CPS.

Deeman

Edward the Black Prince Billon Coinage

Double guyennois

The billon double guyennois was struck at various mints identified by lettering in the inscriptions: Agen (A), Dax (AS in ligature, Latin name Aqensis), Figeac (F), Poitiers (P) and Tarbes (T). Also struck without mint identification. For Agen, Dax and Figeac the mint identification letter is at end of reverse inscription, and for Poitiers and Tarbes it is between mOnЄTA and DVPLЄX. All are very rare. Specimens not known from Limoges or La Rochelle.

The double guyennois had a diameter of 21mm. The obverse design is a crown with AQVI / TAIЄ in two lines below within an inner circle, with circumscription translating to 'Edward, first born of the King of England' (Edwardvs primo genitvs regis Anglie). The reverse design is a processional cross within an inner circle, upright to bottom edge of coin dividing a circumscription translating to 'double currency'.

Edward the Black Prince billon double guyennois, Poitiers, S8135.jpg

1362-72 double guyennois, Poitiers mint. Very rare.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄD [PO] GTV RЄG AnGIЄ.
Reverse circumscription is + mOnЄTA / DVPLЄX, 'P' before DVP.

Deeman

Edward the Black Prince Denier au Lion (petit guyennois noir)

The billon denier au lion was 17mm in diameter. There were two issues, one with lion right and the other with lion left. There is also a mule struck at Poitiers with a Black Prince lion right obverse and an Edward III reverse.

The lion right issues are known from Bordeaux, Figeac, Poitiers and La Rochelle, each bearing the initial letter of the mint (B, F P and R respectively). The Bordeaux and La Rochelle issues had their letter below the lion, Figeac was at the end of the reverse inscription and Poitiers had its letter either below the lion or at the end of the reverse inscription.

The lion left issues are known from Bordeaux, La Rochelle and Tarbes, each bearing the initial letter of the mint (B, R and T respectively) placed below the lion. It was also struck without mint identification.

The obverse design of the Black Prince/Edward III mule has a lion within a tressure of arcs in an inner circle and a circumscription translating to 'Edward, first born of the King of England' (Edwardvs primo genitvs regis Anglie). The reverse design is a cross pattée within an inner circle and a circumscription translating to 'Lord of Aquitaine'.

Edward the Black Prince billon denier au lion mule, Edward III rev, Poitiers, lion right, S8136.jpg

1362 denier au lion right, Poitiers mint, Black Prince/Edward III mule.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄD PO GnS RЄG AnGL, pellet stops, 'P' below lion.
Reverse circumscription is + DnS AQITAnIЄ, pellet stop.
 
The obverse design for the normal issue has a lion within an inner circle and a circumscription translating to 'Edward, first born of the King of England' (Edwardvs primo genitvs regis Anglie). The reverse design is a cross pattée within an inner circle and a circumscription translating to 'Prince of Aquitaine'.

Edward the Black Prince billon denier au lion, Figeac, lion right, S8137.jpg

1362-68 denier au lion right, Figeac mint.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄD [PO] GnS RЄG AnGLЄ.
Reverse circumscription is + PRnS AQVITAnIЄ followed by 'F' for Figeac.

Edward the Black Prince billon denier au lion, Poitiers, lion right, S8137.jpg

1362-68 denier au lion right, Poitiers mint.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄD PO GnS RЄGIS AnG, double annulet stops, 'P' below lion.
Reverse circumscription is + PRnS AQVITAnIЄ, pellet stop.

Deeman

Edward the Black Prince Denier

The billon denier issues are known from various mints identified by lettering in the inscriptions: Agen (A), Bordeaux (B), Dax (AS in ligature, Latin name Aqensis), Limoges (L), Poitiers (P) and La Rochelle (R). Also struck without mint identification. For Agen, Dax and Poitiers the mint identification letter is at end of obverse inscription, and for Bordeaux, Limoges and La Rochelle it is at end of obverse and/or reverse inscriptions.

The denier had a diameter of 18mm. The obverse design is a plain cross within an inner circle, lis and lion in alternate quarters and a circumscription translating to 'Edward, first born of the King of England' (Edwardvs primo genitvs regis Anglie). The reverse design is a cross pattée within an inner circle and a circumscription translating to 'Prince of Aquitaine'.

Edward the Black Prince billon denier, Poitiers, S8139.jpg

1368-72 denier, Poitiers mint.
Obverse circumscription is + ЄD PO GЄnIT RЄGI AnGЄ followed by 'P' for Poitiers.
Reverse circumscription is + PRInCPS AQVI[TAnI]Є.

Deeman

Richard II

At only ten years of age, Richard II assumed the crown, becoming King of England in Jun 1377 until his untimely and catastrophic demise in 1399.

Born in Jan 1366/7 in Bordeaux, Richard was the son of Edward, Prince of Wales, more commonly known as the Black Prince. His father's successful military escapades during the Hundred Years' War had won him great plaudits, however in 1376 he succumbed to dysentery and left Edward III without his heir.

Scarcely had become king when the truce between Fance and England expired and Charles V proceeded to attempt the expulsion from the province of Guienne, which with Calais and some country around it was all the Gallic territory that Richard received from his grandfather. During the whole of Richard's reign, the military operations between France and England were intricate with various success for both sides. Considerable efforts were occasionally made by both parties, but no permanent impression resulted, each retaining its conquests only as long as it actually occupied them by military force.

The Truce of Leulinghem agreed between Richard II and his allies, and Charles VI and his allies, on 18 Jul 1389, ended the second phase of the Hundred Years' War. The English evacuated all their holdings in northern France except Calais. England was on the edge of financial collapse and suffering from internal political divisions. On the other side, Charles VI was suffering from a mental illness that handicapped the furthering of the war by the French government.

In England, Richard used the lapse in fighting to attack his political enemies and confiscate their lands, which he redistributed as rewards to his supporters. Amongst his political enemies was Henry of Bolingbroke, Duke of Hereford. Richard had finally gained his revenge and secured his power, or so he thought. As peace reigned in France he had no reason to raise ruinous taxes that would dent his popularity. On 3 Feb 1398/9 John of Gaunt died. Not only had Richard lost one of his most powerful allies but his title and lands would now pass on to the exiled Henry of Bolingbroke. Richard feared for the consequences of allowing him to inherit the powerful assets of his late ally, so he extended what had originally been a 10-year exile into a lifetime banishment, stripping Bolingbroke of his right to inherit the lands and titles of his late father. Richard then left for Ireland to put down a revolt among the Irish chieftains.

In 1399, whilst Richard was in Ireland, Henry of Bolingbroke returned to claim his father's inheritance. In Mar 1398/9, Louis I, Duke of Orleans, seized control of the French Court of his incapacitated brother, Charles VI. Louis viewed it as expedient that Bolingbroke should be allowed to leave France for England, and he did so, landing in Yorkshire. The Duke of York, whom Richard had left in charge of England in his absence, quickly threw his support behind Henry, who at this stage claimed only to be taking his rightful inheritance as Duke of Lancaster. As news of his landing spread, many more flocked to his banner, and the City of London, with whom Henry had always been popular, opened its gates to him. Richard now realised that his position in England was now all but hopeless, and he resigned himself to surrendering to Henry. On 30 Sep 1399, Richard II abdicated in favour of Bolingbroke, who crowned himself as Henry IV on the 19 Oct.

Deeman

Richard II Coinage

Richard II's coinage was struck in the traditionally English-held territories of Gascony in the Bordeaux mint. His coinage is essentially a continuation of that of his father, Edward the Black Prince.

Richard's uncle, John of Gaunt, was made the Duke of Aquitaine in 1390, but there is no evidence of coinage struck in his name. All Richard II's issues include his Aquitaine title and were therefore only struck up to 1390.

Gold denominations:
Hardi
Demi-hardi.

Silver denominations:
Double hardi.
Hardi.

Billon denomination:
Denier.

Deeman

Richard II Gold Coinage

Hardi

The gold hardi had a diameter of 29mm. The obverse design is a half-length crowned figure of the king facing, right hand holding upright sword, left hand raised in benediction, within a tressure of arcs in an inner circle. The circumscription translates to 'Richard, by the Grace of God, King of England and France, Duke of Aquitaine'. The reverse design is a cross quernée with a central voided quatrefoil, lis and lion in alternate angles each with two ostrich feathers, within a tressure of arcs in an inner circle. The circumscription translates to 'My help cometh from the Lord' (Auxilium meum a Domino), Psalm 121:2.

The hardi was struck at Bordeaux as it was the only mint in operation. The identification letter 'B' is at the end of the reverse inscription, but it was also struck without the letter (lion in first quarter).

Richard II gold hardi, Bordeaux, lis first quarter, S8140.jpg

1377-90 hardi, Bordeaux mint.
Obverse circumscription is + RICARD' D' GRA AGLЄ FRACIЄ RX D' AQITA, colon stops.
Reverse circumscription is + AVXILIVm mЄVm A DOmInO followed by 'B' for Bordeaux, rosette stops, lis first angle.

Richard II gold hardi, Bordeaux, lion first quarter, S8140.jpg

1377-90 hardi, Bordeaux mint.
Obverse circumscription is + RICARD' D' GRA AGLЄ FRACIЄ RX D' AQIT, colon stops.
Reverse circumscription is + AVXILIVm mЄVm A DOmInO followed by 'B' for Bordeaux, rosette stops, lion first angle.

Deeman

Richard II Demi-Hardi

The gold demi-hardi had a diameter of 18mm. The obverse design is a crowned bust of the king facing within a tressure of arcs in an inner circle. The circumscription translates to 'Richard, King of England and France'. The reverse design is a cross quernée with a central quadrilobe, lis and lion in alternate angles each with two ostrich feathers, within an inner circle. The circumscription translates to 'My help cometh from the Lord' (Auxilium meum a Domino), Psalm 121:2.

The demi-hardi was struck at Bordeaux as it was the only mint in operation. The identification letter 'B' is at the end of the reverse inscription, but it was also struck without the letter.

Richard II gold demi-hardi, Bordeaux, lion first quarter, S8141.jpg

1377-90 demi-hardi, Bordeaux mint. Very rare.
Obverse circumscription is + RICARD' RX AnGLIЄ FRACI, colon stops.
Reverse circumscription is + AVXILIVm mЄVm A DnO followed by 'B' for Bordeaux, colon stops, lion first angle.

Deeman

Richard II Silver Coinage

Double Hardi

The silver double hardi had a diameter of 24mm. The obverse design is a half-length crowned figure of the king facing holding a sword in his right hand, left hand raised in benediction, within an inner circle, Gothic canopy arch above his head. The reverse design is a long cross pattée dividing the inscription, lion and lis in alternate quarters, no inner circle. The circumscriptions together, starting with the obverse, translate to 'Richard, King of England and France and Lord of Aquitaine'.

Richard II silver double hardi, S8142.jpg

1377-90 double hardi, Bordeaux mint. Very rare.
Obverse circumscription is + RICARDVS RЄX AnGLIЄ, colon stops.
Reverse circumscription is FRAnC / IЄ Dn / S AQI / TAnIЄ, pellet stops, lion first quarter.

Deeman

Richerd II Hardi

The silver hardi had a diameter of 18mm. The obverse design is a half-length crowned figure of the king facing holding a sword in his right hand, left hand raised in benediction, within an inner circle, Gothic canopy arch above, figure to top and bottom edges of the coin. The reverse design is a long cross pattée dividing the inscription, lion and lis in alternate quarters, no inner circle. The circumscriptions together, starting with the obverse, translate to 'Richard, King of England and France and Lord of Aquitaine'.

Richard II silver hardi, lion in first quarter, S8143.jpg

1377-90 hardi, Bordeaux mint.
Obverse circumscription is + RICARD R / ЄX AGLIЄ, pellet stops.
Reverse circumscription is FRAnC / IЄ Dn / S AQI / TAnЄ, pellet stops, lion first quarter.

Deeman

Richard II Billon Coinage

Denier

The billon denier had a diameter of 17mm. The obverse design is a plain cross within an inner circle, lis and lion in alternate quarters and a circumscription translating to 'Richard, King of England and France'. The reverse design is a cross pattée within an inner circle and a circumscription translating to 'Lord of Aquitaine'.

Richard II billon denier, S8144.jpg

1377-90 denier, Bordeaux mint.
Obverse circumscription is + RICARD RX AGLIЄ FRA, pellet stops, lis first quarter.
Reverse circumscription is + DOmInVS AQITAnIЄ, rosette stop.

Deeman

Henry IV

Henry Bolingbroke returned from exile in France to claim his rightful inheritance as Duke of Lancaster because Richard II had stripped him of his right to inherit the lands and titles of his late father (Edward III's son, John of Gaunt). As news of his landing spread, many flocked to his banner, and the City of London, with whom Henry had always been popular, opened its gates to him. Richard, realising that his position in England was now all but hopeless, abdicated in favour of Bolingbroke, who crowned himself as Henry IV on the 19 Oct 1399.

The first and founding member of the House of Lancaster had successfully overthrown the tyrannical rule of Richard II, secured his abdication and imprisoned him in Pontefract Castle. Only a couple of months into his reign, a plot against Henry involving several earls including those of Huntingdon, Kent and Salisbury was foiled. After discovering such a sinister plan against the new king, action was taken swiftly. They were executed, alongside thirty other barons who were also deemed rebels against the new monarchy. Having dealt with the first challenge to his new position as king, his next test was what to do with Richard. In Feb 1399/1400, only a few months after Henry was crowned king, Richard's mysterious death came as no surprise.

The French initially interpreted events in England as a repudiation of the Truce of Leulinghem and raised an army and put garrisons in place on the fronts. Henry IV reaffirmed the truce which remained in place for several more years. Henry made a number of aggressive political moves against France in the following years, marrying Joanna, widow of the duke of Brittany in April 1402, and forming alliances with several German rulers, including a marriage alliance with Bavaria. Scotland was the first nation to break the truce, invading England in August in coordination with a revolt in Wales. The French re-entered the conflict in Sep 1403, landing an army in Wales.

As Henry's health deteriorated, a power struggle developed between his favourite, Thomas Arundel, archbishop of Canterbury, and a faction headed by Henry's half-brothers and his son, Prince Henry. From 1408 to 1411 the government was dominated first by Archbishop Arundel and then Prince Henry. Argument raged over the best strategy to adopt in France, where civil war had erupted. Prince Henry wanted to resume war in France, but the king favoured peace. Uneasy relations between the prince and his father persisted until Henry IV's death in London on 20 Mar 1412/3.