2010 Marzo PDF
2010 Marzo PDF
NUMISMATIC
CIRCULAR March 2010 • Volume CXVIII • Number 1
Contents
An Official Byzantine Religious Medallion or Amulet? Portraits of Greek Coinage R. J. Eaglen 12
S. Bendall 5 Semiotics of Celtic Coins VIII – Seeing Past
ANCIENT, englISh AND foreign coins Tis a Mad World at Hoddesdon: John Clark’s the Die-Cutters Robert D. Van Arsdell 13
1668 Halfpenny Robert Thompson 6 16
and commemorative medals John Ross of Paisley
Book Reviews
Obituaries
An Unrecorded Token Issuer Mike Shaw 7 David Magnay 17
Symposium in Early Medieval Coinage 9 Ann Elizabeth Johnston 18
LONDON, THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2010 A Hoard of Oval Farthings from Ireland Dr. J. S. “Stoffel” Vogelaar 19
Tim Everson 10
March Cover:Cover 2007 1/3/10 13:12 Page 3
PS1 Victoria (1837-1901), “Una and the Lion” proof set, 1839, Five Pounds -
with 13 leaves to rear hair fillet, dirige legend and lettered edge - to Farthing
including Maundy Set (S.PS3), in somewhat ragged case of issue, some very minor marks
to gold coins and 3d, minor mark on edge of Halfcrown, otherwise as struck with a lovely
matching tone, unavailable to the market for over 70 years, very rare (15) £52,500
March Editorial:Editorial 1/3/10 13:13 Page 3
AUCTION CALENDAR
2010
Stamps
25/26 February Winter Collector’s Series Sale New York Spink Shreves
11 March The Alexander Reid Collections of Antigua, Cayman Islands and Ceylon London 1013
15 April Collector’s Series Sale London 1014
12 May Important Stamps & Covers of the World London 1016
19 May The “Alvarado” Collection of New South Wales Diadem and Coin Issues
in Association with Millennium Philatelic Auctions London 1021
June (TBC) Stamps & Covers of South East Asia Singapore 1018
15 July Collector’s Series Sale London 1020
Autographs
29/30 March Spring Numismatic Collector’s Series Sale Dallas Spink Smythe
Banknotes
29/30 March Spring Numismatic Collector’s Series Sale Dallas Spink Smythe
14 April Banknotes of the World London 1023
14/15 May Spring Numismatic Collector’s Series Sale Fort Worth Spink Smythe
June (TBC) Banknotes of South East Asia Singapore 1019
30 September Banknotes of the World London 1022
Coins
25 March Ancient, English & Foreign Coins, & Commemorative Medals London 1009
29/30 March Spring Numismatic Collector’s Series Sale Dallas Spink Smythe
14/15 May Spring Numismatic Collector’s Series Sale Fort Worth Spink Smythe
24 June Ancient, English & Foreign Coins, & Commemorative Medals London 1010
29/30 September Ancient, English & Foreign Coins, & Commemorative Medals London 1011
2 December Ancient, English & Foreign Coins, & Commemorative Medals London 1012
Medals
22 April Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria London 1005
22 July Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria London 1006
25 November Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria London 1008
CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS following 14 days notice to the Buyer, arrange the STANDARD WORKS OF REFERENCE USED SNG ANS/Syllogue Nummorum Graecorum:
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1 GENERAL These conditions relate to the sale of one charge of the amount outstanding; to cancel the sale; B/BABELON: Traité des Monnaies Grecques et SNG Cop/Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum:
or more items identified in this invoice sold to you to resell the Property and, if this results in a lower Romaines Danish National Museum, Copenhagen
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MASTERCARD or AMEX now carries an additional 1662
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4 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR Printed in England by Pardy & Son (Printers) Ltd Parkside, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 3SF
March Editorial:Editorial 1/3/10 13:13 Page 5
MARCH 2010 5
March Editorial:Editorial 1/3/10 13:13 Page 6
been produced by the mint but presumably by private engravers alehouse-keeper named John Clarke concerning unlawful games
throughout the empire. Who else could have produced this in his house, which does not mention his locality, and a 1690
amulet? To produce dies and strike medallions/amulets of this size recognizance for a John Clark to answer for an assault on a
and quality possibly required a master engraver and the facilities colonel of a Dutch regiment quartered at Hoddesdon, which does
of the mint. The only copper coins of comparable size had been not mention his trade4. Many bearers of the name are indexed in
folles of Justinian I (527-565) and Constantine IV (668-685). the volume.
There is no sign that these amulets were overstruck on any of Williamson’s Hertfordshire 126 was not catalogued by his
these earlier folles. Their flans were presumably specially predecessor Boyne. The token’s first appearance seems to be in a
produced and are well struck albeit both showing slight signs of manuscript addition facing page 113 of an interleaved copy of
double striking. Boyne, once the property of Nathan Heywood (c.1856-1918)5.
That such a large amulet or medallion could be struck in the He, a Manchester solicitor, is of untarnished reputation6. It is
12th century might seem unusual but whether produced at the incomprehensible that Heywood should have recorded the token
mint, as the writer suspects, or by some other workshop, perhaps as above, for the Norweb specimen, ex Nott, can be traced back
official, it is obvious that it was possible even at such a late date to through the Hertfordshire collector William Longman
strike a coin-like object as large as and in better style than any (Glendining sale 17 July 1957, lot 242), and Messrs Baldwin, to
earlier Byzantine copper coin although, of course, unlike this Heywood himself, lot 43 in his sale of 22 April 1918. It reads:
object, coins were generally struck in enormous quantities from Obv. · IOHN · CLARK · AT · YE · around Two Brewers
large numbers of dies which would have been much more supporting a barrel on a pole
cursorily engraved. Rev. · IN· | HOGSDON | HIS | HALFE | PENNY | I668
Acknowledgement:
Coppery, octagonal, 180°.
My thanks to Konstantin Olbrich for his help.
Footnotes:
1. The figures at the foot of the cross should represent the two Marys, the
mother of Christ and Mary Magdalene although Schlumbeger’s
illustration depicts the right hand figure as a male holding a book (the
Gospels?).
2. The Anastasis took place in the brief period between Christ’s crucifiction
and resurrection when he descended to Hell and redeemed Old Testament
personages. Figure 1
3. Since the king on this amulet appears beardless he is presumably David
as on mosaics Solomon is depicted as bearded. The flan is too small to Thus Heywood misspelled the surname, also YE, and on the
depict both. reverse HOGSDON was rendered HODSDON [sic!]. This seems to
4. ‘Monuments Byzantins Inedits’, Gazette Archeologique, 1883 and be the origin of the mistaken spelling HODSDON, and consequent
reprinted in ‘Melanges d’Archeologie Byzantine’, Paris 1895. misattribution, in Williamson 1889, unavoidably accepted by
Schlumberger acquired his specimen in Constantinople. Its whereabouts Seaby 1961 and Dickinson 19867. Correctly read, the token
is apparently now unknown. It is not in the Bibliotheque Nationale
which received so much of Schlumberger’s material. The specimen should never have been attributed to Hertfordshire.
published here also seems to have come from Constantinople some 35 Attention needs to focus on the place-name HOGSDON. There
years ago. is no vowel between G and S to suggest the pronunciation of
5. The engraving lacks, on the obverse, the IC XC, the platform on which the Hoddesdon seen in Hodgesdon (1554), and found in Hodgesden on
cross stands and the extended hand of the right hand figure who appears Norweb tokens iii.2225-6. That same pronunciation must lie
to be depicted holding a book whereas he or she is actually also possibly behind HOGESDEN on the token of John Smigersgill, who is
holding a winding sheet and is thus probably Mary Magdalene. On the
reverse the king’s crown lacks both its ‘cross’ and pendilia. sufficiently documented in Hertfordshire despite his Yorkshire
6. C. Diehl, ‘Manuel d’Art Byzantine’, Paris 1910, p. 466, fig. 227. surname8. Before universal literacy pronunciation is the
7. Diehl, p. 478, fig. 232. The figure of the king is not nimbate on this determinant, and Hoddesdon is not recorded with a
medallion while both Solomon and David are on the mosaics but this can pronunciation starting Hog...9
hardly mean that it represents a recently deceased Comnenian emperor. The spelling HOGSDON must represent the pronunciation
(hogzdon), with g as in ‘get’, and its identity must lie somewhere
other than Hoddesdon. The obvious candidate is Hoxton, in the
Tis a Mad World at Hoddesdon: Middlesex parish of Shoreditch, beside the Berwick road (now
A10). This occurred, for example, as Hochestone in Domesday
John Clark’s 1668 Halfpenny Book, Hogesdon in 1528, Hogsdon in 1546, Hogsden in 1593,
Robert Thompson Hogesdon al. Hoxton in 162510. It was Hoggsdon on Morden’s 1695
map of Middlesex. The token should be attributed to HOXTON
In Williamson’s standard catalogue of seventeenth-century (Middlesex, Shoreditch parish).
tokens, under HODDESDON in Hertfordshire, appears the One John Clark, Hoxton, and his wife Mary, had a daughter
following entry1. Judith baptised at St. Leonard, Shoreditch on 3 July 167411. A
messuage occupied by ‘Clarke’ in 1676, and sold to John Clarke in
126. O. IOHN . CLARKE . AT . THE = Two brewers carrying a 1680, was afterwards in the occupation of his widow Mary, then
barrel. of Sarah Waxham, and then of Thomas Waxham according to a
R. IN . HODSDON . HIS . HALFE . PENNY . I668 (in six 1732 indenture. In 1747 the assignees of Waxham sold the
lines). (Octagonal.) Waxham messuage, and another on its south side formerly
‘This name is well known in and about Hoddesdon’. occupied by a Mr Castlefrank, to James Atkinson. The Waxham
That annotation, if intended to support the publication of the house remained in the Atkinson family until 1894, when it was
token in Hertfordshire, was of no value. ‘Clark’ formed the 27th in use as part of the Hoxton House Asylum and known as The
commonest surname in England and Wales in 1853, ‘Clark’ and White House, cf. the 1668 halfpenny of EZEK: | TANNER...AT |
‘Clarke’ together the ninth commonest2. The surname does not THE: | WHIT HOVSE | IN | HOXTON12. Numbers 46 and 48
support this attribution. Neither can a single find in 2008 by Hoxton Street (since re-numbered 34), occupied chiefly as an
someone known to detect around Ashwell and Royston, both in Infant Welfare Centre, correspond to the surviving Hoxton House
Hertfordshire, though about twenty miles north of Hoddesdon3. of two storeys over a basement, with attics lighted by dormer
Believing him a Hertfordshire issuer, Longman found in the windows, the exterior of brick with a plain brick band at first floor
Hertfordshire Sessions Rolls a 1662 recognizance for an level:
6 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
March Editorial:Editorial 1/3/10 13:13 Page 7
‘The date of erection of the latter cannot be ascertained, but was 7. P. Seaby, ‘A guide to the token coinage of the 17th century:
certainly later than 1680. The great probability is, therefore, that Hertfordshire’, SCMB (1961), pp. 189-91, 226-9, 267-71 (p. 229);
M. Dickinson, Seventeenth-century Tokens of the British Isles (London,
the present premises, the details of which are quite compatible 1986), p. 74.
with their having been erected in the late 17th or early 18th 8. SCBI 43: The Norweb... Tokens... Part III: Hampshire to Lincolnshire
century, are the actual premises occupied by Castlefrank’13. (London, 1992), no. 2228.
To emphasize that the token-issuer’s name is not distinctive, 9. J. E. B. Gover et al., The Place-names of Hertfordshire (Cambridge, 1938),
three wills, none of them (from the index) prima facie pp. 228-9.
relevant, were proved for a John Clarke of St. Leonard, Shoreditch, 10. J. E. B. Gover et al., The Place-names of Middlesex (Cambridge, 1942),
in 1661-1700: p. 146.
John Clerke, 1687, his relict Elizabeth renouncing 11. Hackney Archives Department: St. Leonard, Shoreditch, parish registers.
12. Williamson, Middlesex 105; SCMB (1967), pl. 29; publication of Norweb
administration; specimen forthcoming.
John Clarke, 1695, administration to relict Judith; 13. London County Council, Survey of London, vol. VIII: The Parish of St.
John Clarke, St. Leonard, Shoreditch, and St. Bartholomew the Leonard, Shoreditch (London, 1922), pp. 134-5.
Less, 1695: administration/ will to guardian of son Thomas 14. Index to Testamentary Records in the Archdeaconry Court of London ...,
during his minority14. vol. II, ed. M. Fitch (London, 1985), p. 39.
The issuer’s token at least can be published where it belongs, 15. [Pimlico] Pimlyco, or Runne Red-cap: Tis a mad world at Hogsdon (London,
and Hoxton may celebrate with cakes and ale: 1609), sigs. B4b, D1a; reproduced in facsimile with a preface by A. H.
Bullen (Oxford, 1891), in Antient drolleries, no. 2; this reprinted
‘As toward the towne mine eye I cast, Breinigsville PA, 2009 (Kessinger Publishing’s legacy reprints).
In mingled troopes I might beholde 16. A. D. Mills, A Dictionary of London Place-names (Oxford, 2001), pp. 178-9.
Women and men (some yong, some olde)
Like to a Spring-tide, strongly flowing
To Hogsdon, not one backward going. John Ross of Paisley
Out of the Citty rush’d the streame,
A while (me thought) I did but dreame... An Unrecorded Token Issuer
The Lawyer that in Terme-time takes
Fat fees, pleades here for Ale and Cakes.
Mike Shaw
Doctors, Proctors, Clarkes, Atturneis,
In his seminal work “Tokens of the Industrial Revolution”
To Pimlyco make sweattie iourneis.’
(published by Spink, 2001), H. E. Manville published the most
comprehensive study ever undertaken of foreign silver coins
countermarked for use in Great Britain during the Industrial
Revolution (c.1787-1828). In this work he described the
prevailing monetary, economic and social conditions which led to
the issue of privately countermarked tokens (mainly Spanish
dollars), the results of his research into the issuers, and
undertook perhaps his most far-reaching task of all, that of
recording all known specimens.
It is a reflection on the thoroughness of his research that since
this publication, no new issuer of these tokens has hitherto been
identified. Finally, however, a previously unknown private issuer
of countermarked dollars has come to light.
Figure 2
The Pimlico ale-house in Hoxton Street was the subject of this
1609 poem which suggested the present title, Pimlyco, or Runne
Red-Cap: Tis a mad world at Hogsdon15 (Figure 2). It probably gave
its name to the better-known Pimlico district of Westminster, and
itself is now believed to have been transferred from the Pamlico or Figure 1 Figure 2
Pamticough Indians who lived near Raleigh’s Roanoke There recently appeared in commerce a Spanish dollar
settlements in Virginia. Consequently, Pimlico was the first native (8 Reales of Ferdinand VII, dated 1813, struck at the Mexico City
American place-name in England16. mint with the assay initials J J - Joaquín Dávila Madrid and José
García Ansaldo). The most obvious feature of this coin, however,
Footnotes:
is that it has been countermarked on the obverse, and the
1. G. C. Williamson, Trade Tokens issued in the Seventeenth Century (London, countermark has later been obliterated by two strikings of a
1889-91), p. 318. circular grille or “lattice” punch (figure 1). There is a
2. B. Cottle, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 2nd edn. (Harmondsworth, corresponding flat area on the reverse (figure 2). Not surprisingly,
1978), p. 92. the piece was offered for sale with this described as an unidentified
3. Ex inf. Mr Roger Paul, 28.7.08 and 25.10.09. and cancelled countermark.
4. Hertford County Records: Notes and Extracts from the Sessions Rolls, 1581 The cancellation of privately countermarked dollars is a well-
to 1698, Vol. 1, ed. W. J. Hardy (Hertford, 1905), pp. 142, 387; W. known feature of the series as we know it today. Faced with a
Longman, ‘Notes on some Hertfordshire issuers of seventeenth-century
tokens’, NCirc 16 (1907-8), cols. 10457-60.
shortage of silver coins, merchants would countermark Spanish
5. W. Boyne, Tokens issued in the Seventeenth Century (London, 1858), silver dollars (which were readily available) with a pledge to
ex Nathan Heywood, property of R. H. Thompson. redeem them at a fixed value. However, once in circulation, the
6. H. E. Manville, Biographical Dictionary of British and Irish Numismatics intrinsic value of such a token was still dependent on its silver
(London, 2009), p. 132. content, and thus subject to fluctuations in the market price of
MARCH 2010 7
March Editorial:Editorial 1/3/10 13:14 Page 8
bullion silver. For long periods this might be relatively stable, but Directories do not exist for every year, but the same entry for
during periods of turmoil (notably during wars with France, for Mrs. Ross is repeated in the next available directory (1813,
example) the bullion price might be subject to sharp fluctuations. Gilroy), although this time John Ross himself is absent (this is not
If it fell significantly (eg. with a victory or a declaration of peace), necessarily significant as such gaps are a feature of sporadic early
the merchant might find himself in the position of being required directories, and he does appear in all those following).
to redeem his token for more than it was now actually worth. This George Ritchie’s directory (July 1820) has John Ross & Co.,
he would probably be prepared to do once, but in order to make manufacturers, and Mrs. Ross, vintner, both at 24 Causeyside.
further use of the coin it would then be necessary to invalidate the Pigot (1821) includes John Ross Sen., manufacturer of plaid,
pledge on his countermark, to prevent it being presented to him muslins and shawls.
for redemption at a loss for a second time. Robert Biggar (1823) has John Ross Sen. & Co.,
As may be seen from the photograph, it is evident that this manufacturers, at 24 Causeyside street, also John Ross sen.,
cancellation has been successful. Certainly there is absolutely no house at 30 Storie Street. However, in 1827 (George Fowler) John
identifiable trace of a redemption value, which is normally Ross appears only as John Ross sen., thread manufacturer, house
found at the centre of such countermarks. However, with some 30 Storie Street.
trial rotation and counterbalancing in the hand (which, The lack of reference to commercial premises suggested that
unfortunately, it is obviously not possible to replicate in print), the perhaps Ross had retired from his business during the intervening
search for the name of a possible issuer did offer some intriguing period (which coincided with a heavy recession for the cloth
clues in this case. The remains of a name do appear, clockwise, manufacturing trades), and upon investigation this was
from a position beginning at six o’clock of the countermark in reinforced by the following advertisement, appearing in the
figure 1. The legible letters of the countermark then appear to be Paisley Advertiser (12th May 1827 and 19th May 1827);
“TO LET. That mill situated in George-street of Paisley, as possessed
for some time back by Messrs. John Ross Senior & Co., length 40 feet
by 32 feet within the walls and Three Storeys high with Garretts.
There is a Steam Engine of Five Horse power, and Great Gearing, fitted
up on the premises. Entry at Whit-Sunday first. Apply to Mr. John
Burns, 59 Causeyside, or Mr. Andrew Campbell, 53 Moss-street,
Paisley.”
In 1828 (George Fowler) there is another directory entry for
John Ross sen., thread manufacturer, house 30 Storie Street, and
he appears again in the 1829-1831 editions, his house now at 31
Oakshaw Street (but no mention of any business premises).
Instead, the Paisley Advertiser records his election to the Town
Council of Paisley on 6th October 1827, as Treasurer on 11th
October 1828, and successive re-elections as a baillie (10th
Figure 3 October 1829 - 8th October 1831), and this succession of events
JOHN, with a best reading of ROSS... for the letters following, and is also recorded in the annual directories for those years (all
finally ...SLEY (ideally observed from a combination of angles, but Fowler).
discernible from figure 3). There is also evidence below this On 2nd June 1832 the Paisley Advertiser carried his obituary;
lettering of two concentric circles, containing between them a “Death. Here, on the 27th ult., John Ross Esq., Thread Manufacturer.”
ring of large separated dots (not the more common joined (He died 27th May 1832).
beading) which would probably have surrounded the value. The It is worth noting that John Ross’s address and trade would
reverse carries no evidence of a separate punch (as is sometimes have made him a neighbour, and possibly a competitor, of
the case), only the flattening normally observed from the pressure another countermarked token issuer, J. Muir (Manville 84).
of obverse punching. Comparisons with Manville’s recorded Manville noted that John Muir, also a manufacturer of shawls and
issuers give rise to obvious discrepancies in each case which plaids, had premises at Cumberland Court, Causeyside, in 1810,
prevent a match. However, several token issuers are known from and apparently at 12 and 32 Causeyside at later dates. Causeyside
Paisley (Manville estimated a dozen), making it the likely place of also appears in Manville’s probable or possible addresses for John
issue. Lang (Manville 76), McGavin & Clarkson (Manville 78), and J.
The hypothesis for our issuer was thus JOHN ROSS of PAISLEY, McLean (Manville 81).
but the incomplete reading also left scope for a longer name The dates, location, type of commercial activity and other
(ROSSER, ROSSETTI, ROSSINGTON, ROSSITER, etc.) and/or a similarities with known issuers suggest that this John Ross issued
fuller commercial styling for the business (eg. & CO., & SON(S), our newly discovered token. No other contemporary merchant
SR., JR., or a description of his commercial activity). The date of with a plausible alternative name was found, so we may surmise
its issue could obviously be no earlier than the 1813 date of the 8 that the illegible space in the legend of the cancelled countermark
Reales, although neither the coin nor the legible letters of the might easily have accommodated any of & CO., SEN(R)., MFR., as
countermark show much wear, perhaps suggesting a short lived found in the directories (or possibly a combination of these). We
circulation (this is worth noting, as silver bullion prices dropped know that Ross was active in commerce 1808-23 at least
sharply in 1814 (Napoleon’s first exile) and again in 1815 (possibly until 1827), and while the coin date of 1813 gives an
(Waterloo), which led to the prompt cancellation of high value earliest possible issue date, the lack of other detail, including the
countermarks by some other token issuers). absence of any legible value, complicates dating the countermark
With the generous guidance of the staff at the Paisley Local more precisely. These details await discovery of a second specimen
Studies Library, the following information was pieced together. or reliable documentary evidence.
Examination of the Paisley Burgess Roll revealed the signature In a future revision of Manville’s work, John Ross may become
of John Ross, manufacturer, Cumberland Court, 24 Causeyside, M 86A.
entered on 10th October 1808 (cautioner William Boyd, Harry Manville was thus prophetic when writing of the Paisley
manufacturer). countermarks “It appears likely that other issues may have been
The first extant Paisley Trades Directory, for 1810 (by redeemed and melted with no specimens remaining, and new
Archibald Bell, published by J. Neilson), makes reference to John ones may yet be discovered” (page 152).
Ross & Co., manufacturer, Cumberland Court, Causeyside (also
Mrs. Ross, vintner, 24 Causeyside).
8 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
March Editorial:Editorial 1/3/10 13:14 Page 9
Symposium in
Early Medieval
Coinage
Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
Saturday 20 March 2010
MARCH 2010 9
March Editorial:Editorial 1/3/10 13:14 Page 10
10 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
March Editorial:Editorial 1/3/10 13:14 Page 11
JAMES I
1.
Lennox Type 5
CHARLES I
2. 3. 4. 5.
Richmond Type 7b
6. 7. 8.
Richmond Type7b Richmond Type 9 Richmond Type 10a
MARCH 2010 11
March Editorial:Editorial 1/3/10 13:14 Page 12
Portraits of Greek Coinage name refers to the engraver rather than a magistrate. Much later,
this form of words, in Latin, was widely used by artists and
R. J. Eaglen craftsmen as a merited or occasionally optimistic celebration of
their work: ‘Isaac Ollivierus fecit’, on a miniature watercolour on
vellum,161617; ‘Thos Tompion Londini fecit’, on the dial of a
31 – Clazomenae
longcase clock, c.167518.
¿ hemidrachm, c.380 – 350 It would be absurd to be tempted into partiality between
Theodotos’ facing bust dies of Apollo and those of Athena signed
by Eucleidas19 or of Arethusa by Cimon20 at Syracuse, or of Apollo
by Heracleidas at Camarina21, or, indeed, the finest unsigned
tetradrachms of Helios from Rhodes22 or of Apollo from
Obverse Reverse Amphipolis23. Fittingly, Theodotos’ conception of Apollo most
Figure A Figure B closely resembles Heracleidas’ portrayal of the same god.
Heracleidas’ treatment of the hair, however, is quite different,
more whispy and given body by bold wreathing with laurels. In
Obv. Laureate head of Apollo, facing slightly l., with free-flowing contrast, Theodotos’ Apollo has thicker locks of free-flowing hair
hair. with less bold laurel leaves. On certain of the dies from
Rev. Swan facing l., arching neck and spreading wings. Amphipolis a strikingly unusual effect is obtained by turning the
ΑΓΟΛΛΑΣ (magistrate) above and ΚΛ (Clazomenae) below. face slightly further towards profile24. The facial expression
2.08g (13mm), die axis 315°. achieved with the Berlin obverse die (Figure C) is captivating.
Author’s collection. Ex David Miller, 2004. Although identifiably more human than the facing heads of
Clazomenae is glimpsed intermittently as a modest star in the Rhodes, it nevertheless conveys a detachment, serenity and
firmament of the Greek city states. It was one of the twelve cities introspective profundity setting it apart from mundane
comprising the Ionian League1. It was the birthplace of the experience25.
distinguished philosopher Anaxagoras2 and its athletes enjoyed
success in the games at Delphi and Olympia3. From the late sixth
century BC it produced distinctive black figure vases and
impressive painted sarcophagi. Michael Grant mentions that the
city was also well-known for its fish paste4. This is somewhat akin
to saying that the United States of America is notable for its
ketchup.
The city originally developed close to the Gulf of Izmir, some
twenty miles west of Smyrna5. According to Pausanias, at the
beginning of the fifth century the inhabitants moved to an island
close by the mainland for fear of Persian invasion. In calmer
times, Alexander the Great had a 400 yard causeway constructed
to join the island to the mainland6. Neither the barrier of water
nor the fortifying walls constructed by the Clazomenians were
proof against their succumbing to domination by Athens or by
Persia. In the wake of the latter’s defeat at Marathon in 4907, the
city joined the Delian League and for that privilege paid
increasing tribute to Athens between 454 and 4158, culminating Figure C (x2)
in a short-lived and ineffectual revolt in 4129. However, under the
King’s Peace of 386, at the end of the Corinthian War waged by The superb obverse design is matched by the reverse
an unlikely alliance of Athens, Persia and others to thwart the portraying a swan with spread wings (Fig. F below) The image fits
expansionist ambitions of Sparta, Clazomenae was consigned to perfectly within the circle of the flan, the nearly parallel lines of
Persian rule10. This change ushered in a surprising and the wing feathers contrasting pleasingly with the curves of the
remarkable flowering of mint output at the city. bird’s head and neck. In comparison, the quadriga on Sicilian
Proximity to Lydia as the cradle of coinage resulted in silver reverses scores with its appealing detail and sense of movement,
being struck to the Persian standard at Clazomenae from the late but inevitably loses something in our eyes because of its
sixth century11. The obverse showed the forepart of a winged boar, widespread repeated use26. The image of a swan on the coins of
flying right and the reverse consisted of a quadripartite incuse Clazomenae has been explained in various ways: as an emblem of
square. There followed an interruption precipitated by an Ionian Apollo, because the species was abundant in the region, and,
revolt in 494 against increasing Persian exactions12. Between 480 more speculatively, because the name of the city recalled the
and 450 the winged boar obverse was revived, now accompanied bird’s plaintive notes27. Apart from Clazomenae, the swan occurs
by an incuse square containing a ram’s head or a gorgoneon13. on the reverse of coins struck in the mid fourth century at Leucai,
The coinage introduced after the King’s Peace abandoned the located at the south of an island in the Gulf about twelve miles to
earlier imagery for a facing head of Apollo on the obverse and a the north of Clazomenae28. Its appearance there is not surprising
swan with outstretched wings on the reverse, as illustrated in since the Clazomenians gained control of the island after a
Figures A and B14. Besides gold staters, silver was struck using the dispute with Kyme arbitrated by the Delphic oracle29. An exotic
Attic standard in tetradrachms, didrachms, drachms and image of a swan also appears on didrachms of Camarina (c.410),
hemidrachms15. The dies, especially of the rare stater and of the showing the bird swimming through waves with the nymph
tetradrachm, included examples of artistry excelled nowhere else Camarina on its back30.
in ancient Greece. Some of the tetradrachms were signed by the Writing in glowing terms of a Theodotos tetradrachm in the
engraver Theodotos, with the words ΦΕΟΔΟΤΟΣ ΕΠΟΕΙ British Museum, H. J. Berk in 100 Greatest Ancient Coins, has
(Theodotos made it). Perhaps the finest example of all is that speculated that it would command a market value in excess of
shown in Figure C from Berlin (x2)16. In contrast with Sicily, $500,00031. And arguably its style and certainly its metal quality
where the engravers’ signatures usually form a discreet part of is inferior to the Berlin specimen. At the other extreme unsigned
the design, Theodotos’ name is placed proudly in the field. examples of the type in poor condition occasionally appear on the
Consequently the word ΕΠΟΕΙ is needed to make it clear that the market at about 1% of Berk’s figure32, but, as the percentage
12 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
March Editorial:Editorial 1/3/10 13:14 Page 13
difference implies, comparison is irrelevant. Nevertheless, for the 23. Jenkins, Ancient Greek Coins, 213; GCV 1378 (p.141), illustrated.
more modest collector, well executed unsigned dies of smaller 24. GCV 1378.
denominations do come on to the market. Interestingly, even 26. Other remarkable obverse dies by Theodotos include Gulbenkian 737,
Jameson 1493 and GCV 4315 (p.397), illustrated, the coin referred to in
Lockett possessed two drachms, five hemidrachms, but no footnote 31 below. Amongst unsigned dies Pozzi 2399 is outstanding,
tetradrachm33 and Gulbenkian was happy to purchase four with a slender face, copious hair and finely modelled mouth.
drachms and a hemidrachm besides his two tetradrachms34. 26. See GCV 944 (p.100), illustrated, for an example by Cimon.
To conclude, the hemidrachm illustrated as Figures A and B 27. Head, Historia Nummorum, p.368.
is shown enlarged at Figures E and G, alongside life-size images 28. Atlas, Maps 56 D5, 57 E3.
of the Berlin specimen (Figures D and F). Given that the 29. Poleis, p.1046.
hemidrachm only has about one eighth of the metallic content of 30. Bunker Hunt, I, 19 June 1990, 80.
the tetradrachm and a mere quarter of its surface area, it stands 31. H. J. Berk, 100 Greatest Coins (Atlanta, 2008), No.47, p.47.
up bravely to the comparison. 32. E.g. CNG Mail Bid Sale 73, 13 September 2006, 321, sold at $4,000,
against an estimate of $1,000.
33. Lockett 2270-1, 2272-6. The 43 Sartiges plates of spectacular coins (see
J. Spring, Ancient Coin Auction Catalogues, 1880 – 1980, entry 487,
p.190) only includes two hemidrachms from Clazomenae (354-5).
34. Gulbenkian 735, 738, 740-1; 739; 736-7. Strangely some of these
pieces fell short of his normal standards of artistic merit.
MARCH 2010 13
March Editorial:Editorial 1/3/10 13:14 Page 14
Leaves
Figure 3
dangerous to native species in New Zealand. One might jump to
the conclusion that these traits would be well known in Ancient
Britain, and suggest that the leaf denotes aggressiveness – that
Cunobeline had “smothered” his enemies. Such a suggestion,
while plausible, forces us to project a modern meaning onto a
2000 year old image. This is even less justified than selecting an
Cunobeline Biga Stater image from the Bronze Age to suggest a Code for the leaf. To find
Figure 2 the likely Code, we need to seek evidence closer to the time of the
Cunobeline’s name would be an Amalgamation Switcher coin.
meaning that he was taking credit for whatever was conveyed by Clematis is mentioned in Pliny’s Natural History7, dedicated to
the rest of the imagery. the Emperor Titus, and thus written within 75 years of the coin.
Taking the biga first, the die-cutter has used artistry to He mentions Clematis primarily for its medicinal uses. One, that of
“stopping bleeding”, would be appropriate to a military situation.
enhance the impact of the horses. The image may have been
He does not suggest that the people in Britain or Gaul attached
adapted from Roman denarii3, but the die-cutter has exaggerated any special significance to the plant. There is nothing about
its appearance. The legs have been abnormally lengthened and Pliny’s description of Clematis that suggests a Code for the coin
stretch out from the horses in an unnatural way. The horses are image. This negative evidence, while inconclusive, leaves us with
straining for speed, adding the connotation of violence to the the suspicion that the die-cutter has used decoration to “improve”
message. This biga isn’t in a parade, it’s in action – and the appearance of the coin. He has engraved a heart-shaped leaf
Cunobeline is taking credit for that action. Here, the use of instead of the type intended by the ruler.
artistry has helped clarify a Code in which the wheel and horses Two other kinds of leaf may have carried the intended
denote a war chariot, with a connotation of military action. We message. Pliny mentions Viscum (mistletoe)8 as a plant that had
need not change our semiotic analysis, because there appears to special significance to the Druids. He mentions that it is an
be no confusion about the image. antidote for poisons. If the Code denoted mistletoe, then the
The leaf (figure 3), however, is more problematic. Likely an intended connotations might include “Druid involvement” and
Amalgamation Switcher, one immediately suspects it adds the “antidote”. This would lead to a second denotation of
connotation of “success”, but the Code may be more complicated “assassination”, with connotations of “treachery” and “survived
than that. The difficulty lies in the form of the leaf. It’s an an assassination attempt”. The image of a mistletoe leaf above the
elongated, heart-shaped leaf, and one wonders if it denotes a horses would have been fairly unattractive. If the die-cutter used
specific type of plant, one conveying a message well known in pre- decoration to change it to a heart-shaped leaf, it would have
Roman Britain. improved the appearance of the coin.
In general, heart-shaped leaves are unusual in Celtic imagery. Alternatively, the intended leaf may have been Laurum
Jacobthal4 mentions an Attic cup imported to the Kleinaspargle in (laurel). A laurel leaf would also have been unattractive, and we
Germany, a first century AD Roman potshard from Knorr, and a may suspect that the die-cutter improved its appearance via
“row-of-hearts” pattern in his gazetteer of images. None of these decoration. Laurel leaves appear on most British staters. Indeed,
is a convincing pointer to Celtic semiotics. Eluere5 mentions a as the images on the earliest British staters became increasingly
sculpture of a vine in gold-covered bronze, and Vouga6 shows a abstract, the laurel wreath on the head of Apollo came to
heart-shaped leaf on a sword from La Tene. This meager list dominate. A Code involving the denotation “laurel” and the
suggests the heart-shaped leaf was not a common symbol in the connotations of “accomplishment” or “success” is plausible for
Iron Age anywhere in Europe. the image. This would be a case in which both the image and its
If an actual plant was intended, a likely one for Britain is Code had been borrowed from the Greco-Roman world.
Clematis Vitalba (Traveller’s Joy or Old Man’s Beard). Syringa But we are left with the unsatisfactory feeling that the heart-
(Lilac), a post-medieval introduction to Britain, is unlikely. shaped leaf has been engraved by a die-cutter intent on
Clematis is a climbing shrub that grows aggressively, often “improving” the image via decoration, but we cannot be sure.
driving out other species of plants. It’s considered intrusive and Some possibilities for Codes are:
14 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
March Editorial:Editorial 1/3/10 13:14 Page 15
1) The leaf is simply a decoration, has no meaning, and there been well understood by local people at the time of
is no Code to find. Cunobeline. The image, its denotation and connotations
2) The first denotation of the leaf is Clematis but we don’t would have been borrowed from the contemporary Roman
know the Code’s connotations. We might be tempted to semiotics. By using the single, vague connotation of
suggest some based on our modern knowledge of the plant. “success” we are properly using undercoding in a situation
3) The first denotation of the leaf was supposed to be mistletoe where we are unsure of the situation or the culture of the
and the Code’s connotations may involve religious elites and people. Of the four denotations, laurel is the simplest and
treachery. Further Codes may involve an assassination most likely choice. The leaf would then be an
attempt and survival. Perhaps, the Druids tried to kill Amalgamation Switcher meaning that Cunobeline’s
Cunobeline or alternatively they may have saved him by military action had been successful. It is the kind of message
administering an antidote. to be expected on a new ruler’s coinage.
4) The denotation of the leaf was supposed to be laurel To complete the analysis we have to appraise the obverse
and the Code’s connotations involve “success” or image. The CAMVL denotes Camulodunum, with a connotation
“accomplishment”. that it is the place of minting or perhaps the Capitol. The double
Faced with four choices, we can now say that the die-cutter has row of dots should denote a laurel wreath, with the connotation
caused confusion. He has confused modern viewers, and he may of “success”, and the four heart-shaped leaves should again
have confused ancient viewers as well. denote laurel with a connotation of “success”. Thus the obverse of
At this point we change our semiotic analysis, using the the coin mimics the message on the reverse. Overall, the message
concepts of overcoding and undercoding 9. of the coin is that Cunobeline has been responsible for a
We could overcode the meaning of an image when we have successful military action.
some understanding of the situation and the culture of the people The period 10 B.C. to 10 A.D. has always been a problematic
involved. We believe we know the Code and have identified the one for numismatists, because it is almost impossible to identify
first denotation and connotations accurately. We then use these to the British rulers10. Usually it has been interpreted as a period of
suggest second and third denotations and connotations. The unrest, ended by the accession of Cunobeline. The Biga stater, as
result is a large, detailed sememe diagram, full of complicated a “victory” issue fits with this interpretation well. This message
meanings. would have especially resonated with the Warrior Elites. However,
We could undercode the meaning when we are unsure of the other groups in society may have been persuaded to support
situation and the culture of the people involved. We do not know Cunobeline had he ended a period of strife.
the Code well and can only suggest a possible first denotation and As an aside, Cunobeline issued later staters on which the laurel
one or two connotations. The connotations are best left simple, wreath was replaced by an ear of Barley. Allen11 suggested the
even vague, to assure we are not stepping beyond the bounds barley denotation and offered the connotation that Cunobeline
imposed by our lack of understanding. The result is a small, and Verica had a rivalry (Verica placed a vine leaf on his coins).
uncomplicated sememe diagram, with only simple or vague
Hawkes then suggested to Stevens12 that the barley ear carried the
meanings. The hope is, given time, our understanding will
improve and allow us to enlarge the diagram. connotation that Cunobeline championed British beer while
Using overcoding and undercoding, we can now choose Verica championed Roman wine. He suggested the rivalry was
amongst the four Codes for the leaf. over a pro-Roman versus anti-Roman stance using beverages as a
metaphor. One wonders today whether we have enough
1) The leaf is simply a decoration. The leaf too large to be a mere
decoration – it ought to have a semiotic role, acting as an knowledge of the situation and the culture of the people to assert
Amalgamation Switcher, modifying the meaning of the these connotations. Should the trio have merely suggested that
biga. The idea that the leaf is simply a decoration and has no the barley ear carried a connotation like “the wealth of the
meaning is the least likely suggestion. realm”, and thus used undercoding? Or, alternatively, was Allen
justified in overcoding the sememe to include a rivalry between
2) The leaf is Clematis. Denoting the leaf as Clematis doesn’t
help our semiotic analysis. We can’t suggest any two rulers? Finally, was Hawkes completely unjustified in
connotations based on evidence from the time of the coin. overcoding the sememe further to suggest beverages as a
We just don’t have a good enough understanding of the metaphor for a political stance? Today, we might re-read the
situation or the culture of the people. Suggesting ancient authors carefully and reach the conclusion that
connotations based on our modern knowledge of the plant undercoding was the best choice based on our knowledge of the
and then elaborating the sememe diagram further would be situation. But today, we have the benefit of Eco’s writings to help
unjustified overcoding. It is virtually a waste of time to us see the issues involved more clearly. It would be 25 years after
assert a denotation for an image without adding a plausible Stevens’ paper appeared that Eco’s “A Theory of Semiotics” was
set of connotations. Semiotic workers should reject any published.
approach that merely gives a denotation for an image,
because the important part of the message usually lurks Footnotes:
in the connotations. The test of a semiotic analysis is how 1. Van Arsdell, R.D., 2009, Semiotics of Celtic Coins V – It’s Not Art, NCIRC,
vol. CXVI, p. 194.
well the connotations hold up under scrutiny. While
2. Evans, J., 1864, The Coinage of the Ancient Britons, p. 296.
plausible, the denotation of Clematis should be rejected.
3. For example, see Grueber, H. A., Coinage of the Roman Republic in the
3) The leaf was supposed to be mistletoe. The denotation mistletoe British Museum, vol. 3, pl. LIX, number 4.
offers the attraction that we have a contemporary 4. Jacobthal, P. 1944, Early Celtic Art, pl. 26, pl. 219(c), pl. 344 number
document offering a plausible set of connotations. Druidic 379.
involvement and antidotes for poisons are plausible 5. Eleure, C., 2004, L’Art des Celtes, pl. 304.
connotations for the time. However, we lack a true 6. Vouga, P. 1923, La Tene, pl. II, no. 3.
understanding of the situation to assert these connotations 7. Pliny, Natural History, XXIV, 88.
are correct. Thus, any sememe diagram involving Druids, 8. Pliny, Natural History, XVI, 95, and XXIV, 6.
poison and intrigue constitute unjustified overcoding. The 9. Eco, Umberto, 1976, A Theory of Semiotics, pp. 133 – 136.
mistletoe denotation is tantalizing and plausible. But we 10. For example, see diagram, Allen, D.F., 1944, The Belgic Dynasties of
should reject it until we have a better understanding of the Britain and their Coins, Archaeologia, vol. CX, pp. 44 – 45.
situation. 11. IBID, p. 10.
4) The leaf was supposed to be laurel. Laurel offers the attraction 12. Stevens, C.E. 1951, “Britain Between the Invasions (B.C. 54 – A.D. 43), in
that earlier Celtic coins have a laurel wreath as a main Aspects of Archaeology in Britain and Beyond” Essays Presented to O.G.S.
device. The denotation of the leaf as laurel with the Crawford, p. 342.
connotation of “success” or “accomplishment” should have
MARCH 2010 15
March Editorial:Editorial 1/3/10 13:14 Page 16
Book Reviews 19. Finds of the Early Byzantine Coins of the 6th and the
7th Century in the Territory of the Czech Republic. Jiri
Militky.
Byzantine Coins in Central Europe between the 5th and 10th 20. Finds of Byzantine Coins from the 5th - 10th Century
Century, Ed. Marcin Woloszin, MORAVIA MAGNA, Seria Polona, from the Southern Part of the Carpathian Basin. Jan
vol III, Krakow, 2009. 684 pp. £60. Hunka.
21. Antike Munzen in Gebiet der Slowakei aus der Zeit des
This work publishes 37 papers read at a conference organised
Awarischen Khaganats. Jozef Zabojnik.
by the Polish Acadamy of Arts and Sciences and the Institute of
Archaeology of the University of Rzeszov between 23 and 26 22. Der Fund von Kleinschelken (Siebenburgen, 1856) im
April 2007 although five are represented only by the abstracts Licht neuertdeckter Archivdaten. Peter Somogyi.
submitted to the organisers prior to the conference. The five 23. Face Value or Bullion Value? Early Byzantine Coins
speakers were, for some reason, later unable to supply the full beyond the Lower Danube Border. Andrei Gandila.
texts of their spoken papers. These are starred below. 24. Byzantinische Munzen aus dem 6 - 7 JH in Polen.
Of these papers 26 are published in English, 10 in German and Marcin Woloszyn.
one in French, but all have a brief summary in English. The 25. Byzantine Coin Finds from the 6th to the 8th Century
authors, with few exceptions, are German or eastern European between Elbe and Oder and their Meaning for
scholars. Settlement History. Felix Biermann.
The papers are as follows under five general headings (I - V): 26. Byzantine Coins of the 5th - 9th Century and their
Imitations in the Central and Eastern Ciscaucasus. Yurij
I. Romans, Barbarians, Treasures: Historical Interpretation, The A. Prokopenko.
International Cooperation.
1. Tribute und Jahrgelder in fruhmittelalterlichen V. Middle Ages.
Konigsschatzen als Faktoren der Munzdistribution in 27. Coin Finds of Emperor Constantine V Copronymus in
Ostmitteleuropa. Matthias Hardt. Southern Croatia. Tomislav Separovic.
2.* A Network for the Study of Coin Finds in Europe. 28. The Byzantine Empire and the Territories North of the
Georges Depeyrot. Lower Danube (9th - Early 11th Cent.). The Numismatic
II. Late Antiquity: Empire. Evidence. Ernst Oberlander-Tarnoveanu.
3.* From Aetius to Clovis: An unpublished argenteus struck 29. Byzantine Coins from the 9th - 10th Century from the
at Trier at the end of the Fifth Century. Francois Planet. Czech Republic. Nada Profantova.
30. The Roman and Byzantine Coins in the Hoard Find
4. Invictissimus Avtor - An Unusual Series of Baduila
from Kelc (Czech Republic). Lubos Polansky and Lenka
(Totila): A New Example From Croatia. Zeljko Demo.
Vacinova.
5. Coin Hoards from Late 6th and 7th Century Discovered 31. Some Remarks on the Beginnings of the Influx of
in the Republic of Macedonia. Maja Hadzi-Maneva. Byzantine Coins into Wielkopolska in the 10th Century.
6.* Single Finds from the 5th Century A.D. in Dobrogea. Adam Gliksman.
Delia Moisil, Gabriel Talmatchi and Gabriel Custurea. 32. A Gilded Miliaresion from the Excavations in the Market
7.* Some Guiding Remarks on Byzantine Coin Circulation Square in Cracow. Maciej Salamon.
in Dobrogea (6th - 7th C. A. D.). Gabriel Custurea. 33. Funde byzantinische Munzen in Estland. Ivar Leimus.
8. La Circulation Monetaire a (L)IBIDA (Scythie Mineure) 34. A Byzantine Solidus Coin from the Research of B. A.
du Ve Siecle au Debut du VIIe Siecle. Mihaela Iacob. Zvizdec’kyj in Iskorosten. Andrei V. Petrauskas.
III. Migration Period. 35. A Remarkable 10th Century Warrior Burial from the
9. Ost-und westromische Goldmunzen des 5. Tumulus on the Territory of Prince Volodymyr’s Town
Jahrhunderts im Karpatenbecken. Peter Prohaszka. in Kyiv, Ukraine. Michail M. Ievlev.
10. Spatromische und volkwanderungszeitliche 36.* New Facts in the Numismatics of Mediaeval Cherson.
Munzhorte und andere Munzefunde im Nordlichen Eugeny Ja. Turovsky.
Karpatenbecken. Eva Kolnikova and Karol Pieta. 37. From Money-Trade to Barter. Economic
11. Germanic Gold Bracteates from the Hoard in Zagorzyn Transformations in Byzantine Crimea (10th - 13th
near Kalisz. Aleksander Bursche. Century). Thomas Bruggemann.
12. Remarks on the Inflow of Roman Coins into Southern As can be seen from the titles, the topics are wide-ranging,
Poland in the Second Half of the 4th and in the 5th several being quite general such as nos. 7, 9, 17, 22 and 28 while
Centuries A.D. Jaroslaw Bodzek. others are more specific such as nos. 3, 4, 11, 13, 32 and 34.
13. A Solidus of Theodosius II from Opaka in the context of It seems unlikely that this book will appeal to those who merely
other finds from District Lubaczow dated to AD 5th collect by catalogue numbers but for other students of Byzantine
Century. Marcin Piotrowski and Grezgorz Dabrowski. coins it is surely a book worth adding to their libraries. Most of the
articles have lengthy bibliographies - in fact the grand total of
14. Der Zufluss von Solidi in die sudlichen Ostseegebiete. referenced works for all the articles is over 2200. Some, generally
Renata Ciolek. books such as RIC, DOC and MIB are obviously duplicated but the
15. Late Roman and Byzantine Coins found in Denmark. majority of references are to articles which will surely be
Helle W. Horsnaes. unknown to most of the readers of this review. In addition, for
16. Solidus Finds in the Northern Lands. Tuukka Talvio. those interested in following up any of these topics, the postal and
e-mail addresses of all the authors appear at the end of their
IV. Migration Period: Barbaricum (6th - 7th Century). papers.
17. Byzantinische Munzen des ausgehenden 5 bis S.B.
beginnenden 8 Jahrhunderts in den ostlichen Regionen
des Merowingerreiches. Jurg Drauschke.
18. Der byzantinischen und Karolingischen Fundmunzen
aus dem osterreichischen Bereich der Avaria - Eine
Neubearbeitung. Heinz Winter.
16 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
March Editorial:Editorial 1/3/10 13:14 Page 17
‘Monete Bizantine di Sicilia’, Marco Anastasi, 2009, 252 pp. £85. the age of 18. His banking career took him all over the UK and I
first met him when he lived at Laverstock, just outside Salisbury.
This book, despite its price, may be useful to those who specialise Already a keen collector of coins, especially crowns, David and his
in collecting Byzantine coins struck in Sicily since Spahr is out of wife Georgina joined our Society in 1969 and we were sorry to
print and it illustrates some 600 coins. However, it is by no means lose them from our number when work took him to Chandlers
a work of scholarship. The major numismatic works consulted Ford, then Tunbridge Wells, West Kirby (where David was senior
are ‘Byzantine Coins and their Values’, the 1930 Ratto catalogue, manager of a Liverpool city centre branch) and finally Cardiff,
Andreas Sommer’s catalogue of the Byzantine coins in the where he was the bank’s senior commercial manager. Made
University of Gottingen, Spahr and two recent catalogues of redundant by the bank in the late 1980s, he and two colleagues
Sicilian Byzantine bronze coins by Calciati (2000) and Trivero founded the Business Mortgage Company in Cardiff in 1989,
(2006).There is no mention of the catalogues of the coins in DO,
from which he retired 11 years ago.
the BM, the BN, the Barber Institute, Berlin or the Hermitage
(published by Tolstoi) but only five private Italian collections and
David also spent a long time - no less than 37 years - in the
the ANS.
The material for this work appears to have been culled from Territorial Army. Joining the Army Emergency Reserve in
trawling the internet – no fewer than 68 dealers’ websites are Southampton in 1961 he was told by the recruiting sergeant
listed. The illustrations have possibly come from the same sources that as ‘you work in the bank, lad, you are therefore in the Royal
and vary in quality. Army Pay Corps.’ Latterly David was paymaster and regional
There is a brief historical introduction to each reign, administrative officer for 104 Regiment, Royal Artillery, in
presumably taken from Ostrogorsky’s history of the Byzantine Newport, putting in about 100 days service a year. He was proud
empire since this is the only historical work listed in the sources of his Territorial Decoration, qualifying for the medal after 15
used. The shortcomings of this work can be seen from that years and earning three further clasps, each representing a
although Mezezius is mentioned as rebelling on the death of further six years’ service.
Constans II, his coinage, solidi and tremisses are omitted.
However, there are several coins listed that were unknown to Although as a schoolboy David collected stamps, the job with
Spahr and a number of new varieties (variant legends etc.) of Lloyd’s fired an enthusiasm for coins in 1960 which never left
several types, mainly gold and not all illustrated. It seems a little him. He became a considerable authority on toy coins and model
unnecessary to list 46 countermarked coins of Heraclius not just money, forming as a consequence a particularly notable
by the form of the countermarks but listing each undertype collection of fractional farthings and Victorian pattern pennies by
known to the author. the Birmingham diesinker Joseph Moore (1817-92), which was
Since the major catalogues are neither mentioned in the dispersed by DNW in February 1999. In the 1970s and 1980s he
bibliography nor used as references it is not surprising that minor contributed several articles to the pages of Spink’s Numismatic
articles have been overlooked such as that in the Numismatic Circular on model money and collaborated extensively with the
Circular in February 1981 which published the first known late David de Sola Rogers in the latter’s Toy Coins, published in
specimen of S. 1114A; MIB 213 which is illustrated by Hahn and 1990. Building on the original series of monographs by Roy
is possibly the photo reproduced in this book. Both the author of
Hawkins in BNJ from 1960-8, David compiled A Catalogue of
1981 article and Hahn published this coin and other coppers of
Constans as bearing indictional and not regnal dates and this was Advertising Imitation Spade Guineas and Half-Guineas, which
followed by Seaby’s ‘Byzantine Coins and their Values’. The appeared in 1997; he, along with David Young and Gavin Scott,
author of this book, while using Seaby’s reference has reverted to subsequently became the principal collaborators in Bryce
describing the years of the reign as regnal. Neilson’s 2003 Galata publication, A Thousand Guineas, A
The book comes with a small insert giving valuations in euros Checklist of Imitation Guineas and their Fractions. David
for all but the rarest coins. This book is now the major gathering attended his first Token Congress in 1987 and in recent years was
of this material available in print. a regular attender, sometimes accompanied by Georgina.
S.B.
Apart from coins, David had many other interests. He had been
a member of lions clubs in Tonbridge, Wallasey and Cowbridge
and he and Georgina were two of the instigators of the Vale of
Obituaries Glamorgan National Trust Association, for which he served as
treasurer for seven years. He was a founder member and
David Magnay subsequent chairman of Vale Probus Club and chairman of
3rd October 1942 - 3rd September 2009 Cowbridge Allotments Association, even broadcasting on
horticultural matters for Harlech TV, and had recently served on
David Edgar Magnay, TD, RAPC, a the town council of Cowbridge with Llanbethian. Testifying to the
very well-known figure in the high esteem in which he was held locally, over 200 people
paranumismatic world and a long- attended his funeral at Holy Cross Church, Cowbridge, on 16
time expert in the fields of toy and September.
model money, died at the Marie
Curie Hospice, Penarth, on 3 David’s wife, Georgina, whom he married in 1965, and their
September 2009 after a short triplets, Claire, Andrew and Kate, survive him.
illness. He was 66 years old.
Born on 3 October 1942, PETER PRESTON-MORLEY, SECRETARY
David spent his early years in the
WESSEX NUMISMATIC SOCIETY
UK and Singapore, where his
Father had been incarcerated in a
PoW camp after the fall of the city.
He was educated at Mowden Hall in
Northumberland and Bryanston and
joined Lloyds Bank in Southampton at
MARCH 2010 17
March Editorial:Editorial 1/3/10 13:14 Page 18
Ann Elizabeth Johnston some inadequate teas; and at her death she had all but finished a
12th July 1944 - 2nd January 2010 Guide to the Trees of the Cambridge University Botanic Garden –
it will be published posthumously.
Ann was born 12 July 1944 in Ann was immensely energetic in both mind and body. No
Banff, Scotland. Her father, of exhibition, concert, opera, film, or good book escaped her
no particular education, was a scrutiny. She cooked like a professional and read cookbooks as
meteorologist in the Royal Air others read novels. She was a rare female member of a group of
Force who took advantage of British Alpine hikers which met annually on the continent, and
the opportunities available to was composed entirely of the great and the good. She herself
the de-mobbed after the war hiked whenever possible, finding particular pleasure in the
and went on to attain the PhD scenery and flora of the Swiss Alps, the Czech Republic, and
in Physics (UCL), to work on a Caucasian Georgia. Ann played a vigorous game of tennis until
high theoretical level at no longer able, and was as well an accomplished kayaker.
Harwell, and then to turn In all this activity, in all her life, she made, and kept in touch
about to teach happily in the with, innumerable friends, in many countries, both within the
state school system in Oxford. academy and without. Some she helped to support in their need.
From him, and from her Ann was married to T. V. Buttrey 1967-1980. She died on 2
Scottish mother, Ann January 2010 at the age of 65 in the Arthur Rank Hospice,
absorbed the joy of learning Cambridge, after eight years of coping intelligently with the
and the need for exactitude in ravages of mandibular cancer. She left her entire estate to be
judgement. divided among a variety of charities, principally Saving Faces, a
After an excellent education at Bath High, Ann entered UCL to medical charity dedicated to research in facial surgery, and Clare
take the degree in Economics: her ever-adventurous mind drew Hall, for an endowment for graduate study in the humane
her to a kind of study to which she had not been previously disciplines.
exposed. She received the degree with First Class Honours, and
regretted ever after that she had wasted her time on such an
unprofitable subject. A Bibliography of Works Published by Ann Johnston:
A grant to spend a year at the University of Michigan led to an
“The Earliest Preserved Greek Map: A New Ionian Coin Type”,
introduction to the Classics, and particularly to ancient
in Journal of Hellenic Studies 87 1967, pp. 86-94
numismatics. Her earliest readings in Babelon’s Traité excited the
notion that an Ionian issue of Persian staters with a seeming “Maps on Greek Coins of the 4th Century B.C.”, in Imago
shapeless reverse punch actually bore a map of the Maeander Mundi 25 1971, pp. 75-76
valley and surrounds: she had discovered the earliest preserved “New Problems for Old: Konrad Kraft on Die-sharing in Asia
map. Minor” (review article on Konrad Kraft, Das System der
Returning to London, Ann enrolled in the MA programme in kaiserzeitlichen Münzprägung Kleinasien – Materialen und Entwürfe
Economics at U.C. to get the advanced degree. At the end of the (Berlin, 1972)), in NumChron 134 1974, pp. 203-207
programme she failed her examinations miserably, having spent “The Intermittent Imperials: the Coinages of Lycia, Lycaonia,
the whole year reading Herodotus and perfecting her Greek with and Pisidia” (review article on Hans von Aulock, Die Münzprägung
John Barron, and publishing the earliest-map article in the des Gordian III und der Tranquillina in Lykien (Istanbul, 1974);
Journal of Hellenic Studies (1967). It was just the first of several Münzen und Städte Lykaoniens (Istanbul, 1976); Münzen und
important works of numismatic scholarship to be published over StädtePisidiens (Istanbul, 1977)), in NumChron 140 1980,
a period of 40 years, from the revision of Noe’s two Metapontum pp. 205-211
volumes and the creation of the third and final volume, to Greek “The Greek Coins”, in T.V. Buttrey et al., Greek, Roman and
Imperial Denominations (2007), a masterly study of a subject of Islamic Coins from Sardis, (Cambridge MA, 1981), pp. xiv-xvii,
bottomless difficulty. In between, there appeared several 1-89
important articles and reviews, e.g. her clarification of the
difficult problem of the identification of the two “Antonini”, “Caracalla or Elagabalus? A Case of Unnecessarily Mistaken
Identity”, in American Numismatic Society Museum Notes 27
Caracalla and Elagabalus (ANSMN, 1982), and “Caracalla’s
1982, pp. 97-147
Path”, on the coinage of emperor’s visit to Asia Minor in 214/5, a
professionally exact demonstration as to what could be done with “Die Sharing in Asia Minor: the View from Sardis”, in
numismatic evidence when properly understood (Historia, 1983). Proceedings of the International Numismatic Convention on Greek
She was also a contributing author to the publication of the Imperials = Israel Numismatic Journal 6-7 1982-3, pp. 59-78
excavation coins from Sardis, covering the Greek and Greek “Caracalla’s Path: the Numismatic Evidence”, in Historia 32.1
Imperial. Her reviews are well-known for the exactitude that she 1983, pp. 58-76
required of her authors, some of whom thanked her. “The Denominational System of the Greek Imperials of Bizye
Ann never held an academic post, although she held a in Thrace”, in NumChron 143 1983, pp. 231-239
research fellowship at Clare Hall, her Cambridge University
college. She worked professionally as an editor and translator, first “Hierapolis Revisited”, in NumChron 144 1984, pp. 52-80
for the Cambridge University Press, later, when she lived in Paris, “The Coinage of Metapontum, parts 1 and 2” (New York,
for the Club of Rome, the OECD, several journals, and privately. 1984) – a re-edition of S. P. Noe’s title = American Numismatic
Her interests in art and architecture, in history, in learning were Society Notes and Monographs nos. 32 and 47 (2nd edd.)
boundless. Besides her scholarly publications she contributed to “The So-called ‘Pseudo-Autonomous’ Greek Imperials”, in
studies of the population of Cambridgeshire (“broken down by American Numismatic Society Museum Notes 30 1985, pp. 89-112
age and sex”); her “Mrs Buttrey’s Guide to the Afternoon Teas of
Review of Rubrecht Ziegler, Städtisches Prestige und kaiserliche
East Anglia” (3 editions) was well known to a select public – it Politik. Studien zum Festwesen im 2. und 3. Jahrhundert n. Chr.
could not be published because of her trenchant observations on (Düsseldorf, 1985), in NumChron 148 1988, p. 240
18 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
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MARCH 2010 19
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A list of Ancient, British and Foreign Coins, Tokens, Medals and Numismatic Books
Offered for sale at fixed prices
Greek Coins
GK2860 Sicily, Syracuse (c.344-317 BC), Æ Litra, head of Persephone left,
wreathed with corn, ΣYPAKOΣION, rev. Pegasos flying left, Σ below
(SNG ANS 527; SNG Cop. 733), dark green patina, unusually fine, about EF
£400
GK2856 Sicily, Akragas (c.480 BC), ¿ Didrachm (8.64g), eagle standing right,
AKPA, rev. crab above female head right (Jenkins, Gela, pl. 37,19), rare, almost
EF £1,000
GK2857 Sicily, Akragas (c.240-212 BC), Æ 23mm, laureate head of Zeus right,
rev. eagle standing facing on thunderbolt, wings spread, head turned right,
MN. ACILI (cf. SNG ANS 1148), olive-green patina, VF £200
GK2863 Uncertain Thraco-Macedonian (c.500 BC), ¿ Tetrobol (2.63g),
horseman right, rev. quadripartite incuse square (SNG ANS 1014), grainy
surfaces, very rare, good F £200
20 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
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GK2876 Cilicia, Tarsos, Satrap Mazaios (361-334 BC), ¿ Stater (10.79g), Baal
GK2870 Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III, the Great (336-323 BC), ¿ enthroned left, head facing, holding eagle, ear of corn and bunch of grapes
Tetradrachm (17.29g), Arados, head of young Herakles right, wearing lion’s in right hand, and a lotus-tipped sceptre in left, Aramaic “Baal tars”,
skin headdress, rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY, Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle rev. lion attacking bull left, Aramaic “Mazdai” above, monogram below
and sceptre, NE monogram in circle on left, Π under throne (Price 3347 var.), (SNG France 333; SNG Levante 106), Baal’s head and eagle not fully struck up,
apparently unrecorded without anchor symbol, good VF £525 as often, otherwise very sharp, good EF £750
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GK2877 Cyprus, Amathos (c.350 BC), ¿ Obol (.49g), lion’s head right,
rev. forepart of lion right, head turned to face (Amandry 133B.a; BMC -),
scarce, toned, VF £135 GK2883 Kingdom of Persia (c.420-375 BC), ¿ Siglos (5.57g), the Great King
advancing right, holding spear and bow, rev. oblong incuse punch
(cf. BMC pl. XXV, 26), toned, almost VF £100
GK2879 Kingdom of Syria, Antiochos IX (114-95 BC), ¿ Tetradrachm GK2885 Kingdom of Parthia, Vologases I (AD 51-78), ¿ Tetradrachm
(16.24g), Antioch, 110/109 BC, diademed head right with light beard, (14.58g), Seleucia, May 52, diademed, draped bust left, rev. square legend,
rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY ΦIΛOΠATOPOΣ, Athena standing left, holding Nike and Vologases seated left receiving diadem from Tyche standing before him, date
sceptre, Δ and monogram on left, all within wreath (Seleucid Coins 2366), above (Sellwood 68.7), VF £160
cabinet tone, about EF/good VF £275 Ex Peus 31/10/07, lot 352.
22 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
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Roman Coins
All struck at Rome, unless otherwise indicated.
MARCH 2010 23
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RM4165 Titus (AD 79-81), Æ 29mm, Judaea, laureate head right, rev. IOVΔAIAΣ
RM4159 Claudius (AD 41-54), Æ As, 42, bare head left, TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M EAΛΩKYIAΣ (Judaea Capta), trophy between seated captive figure of Judaea and
TR P IMP P P, rev. CONSTANTIAE AVGVSTI, S – C, Constantia standing left in military shield (BMC 2; Hendin 745), almost VF £150
dress, right hand raised, left holding spear (RIC 111; BMC 201), smooth dark
patina with a dusting of green, almost EF £330
RM4166 Trajan (AD 98-117), ¿ Denarius, 114-7, laureate bust right, aegis on
far shoulder, bare chest showing, IMP CAES NER TRAIAN OPTIM AVG GERM DAC,
RM4160 Galba (AD 68-69), ¿ Denarius, July 68-Jan 69, laureate head right, rev. PARTHICO P M TR P COS VI P P S P Q R, Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus
IMP SER GALBA AVG, rev. S P Q R / OB / C S within oak-wreath (RIC 128; C. 287a), and cornucopia (RIC 333; C. 192), an unusual bust variety, almost EF/VF
surfaces lightly porous, strong portrait, about EF £1,500 £140
RM4161 Vitellius (AD 69), ¿ Denarius, bare head right, [A VITE]LLIVS GERMANICVS
IMP, rev. CONCORDIA PRAETORIANORVM, Concordia seated left, holding patera and
cornucopia (RIC 66; C. 21), toned, good F £295
RM4167 Trajan (AD 98-117), Æ Sestertius, 104-111, laureate bust left, with
drapery on shoulders, chest bare, IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS
V P P, rev. S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, S C, Trajan on galloping horse right,
brandishing javelin at a Dacian falling to his knees before him (cf. BMC 838
and note, and RIC 535; obv. die of Strack 374), a very rare heroic bust variety,
natural olive-green patina, some minor pitting, VF-good VF £1,600
RM4162 Vespasian (AD 69-79), ¿ Denarius, 75, laureate head right, IMP CAESAR
VESPASIANVS AVG, rev. PON MAX TR P COS VI, Pax seated left, holding branch
(RIC 772; C. 366), about EF £280
RM4168 Trajan (AD 98-117), Æ Sestertius, Rome, 116, laureate bust right,
drapery on far shoulder, IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC PARTHICO P M TR P
COS VI P P, rev. ARMENIA ET MESOPOTAMIA IN POTESTATEM P R REDACTAE, S – C, Trajan
standing facing, head right, holding spear and parazonium amid the three
RM4163 Vespasian (AD 69-79), Æ Sestertius, Rome, 71, laureate head right, IMP reclining figures of Armenia, Euphrates and Tigris (RIC 642; C. 39), smoothed
CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III, rev. VICTORIA AVGVSTI, S C, Victory standing green patina, good VF/VF £550
right, inscribing shield set on palm-tree, her left foot on helmet, Judaea on
right, seated right, in mournful attitude (RIC, 2nd ed., 221:C. 625), brown
patina, about extremely fine £3,750
Ex NAC 27, 12/5/04, lot 354 (SF6500).
24 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
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RM4170 Hadrian (AD 117-138), ¿ Denarius, 117, laureate, draped and RM4175 Faustina Jnr, wife of Marcus Aurelius, ¿ Denarius, struck under
cuirassed bust right, IMP CAES TRAIAN HADRIANO OPT AVG GER DAC, rev. PARTHIC DIVI Antoninus Pius, draped bust right, her hair waved and coiled on back of
TRAIAN AVG F P M TR P COS P P, PA-X, Pax standing left, holding branch and head and bound with band of pearls, FAVSTINAE AVG PII AVG FIL, rev. PVDICITIA,
cornucopia (RIC 7c; C. 1013), scarce early issue, toned, good VF £200 Pudicitia standing left, drawing veil and raising fold of skirt (RIC 507; C.
176), a charming portrait, minor flan crack, toned, EF £185
RM4172 Hadrian (AD 117-138), Æ As, 125-128, laureate head right, drapery
on far shoulder, HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, rev. COS [III], S C, galley left, with rowers, a
vexillum at prow, and arched cabin at stern (RIC 674 var; BMC 1345 note =
C. 449), small spots of verdigris, about EF £400
RM4179 Julia Paula, 1st wife of Elagabalus, draped bust right, IVLIA PAVLA AVG,
rev. VENVS GENETRIX, Venus enthroned left, holding apple and sceptre (RIC 222;
C. 21), sharp, good EF £295
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26 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
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HS4023 Early Anglo-Saxon, Sceat, 1.02g, Series Q, bird 1, rev. quadruped left,
pellets in field (N.138; S.836), on a broad flan, VF, scarce £450
MARCH 2010 27
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HS4027 Cnut (1016-35), Penny, 1.13g, Short cross type, Thetford, Wineman, HS4032 Edward I, Penny, 1.31g, Berwick-on-Tweed, Blunt class IV, local dies
rev. PINEMAN ON DIOD (N.790; S.1159), light tone, almost EF £350 (N.1078a; S.1415), struck off centre, toned, good VF £100
HS4033 Edward III (1327-77), Penny, 1.11g, pre-treaty period, series G, London,
annulet below bust (N.1205; S.1589), toned, good VF £125
HS4028 Edward the Confessor (1042-66), Penny, 1.24g, Hammer cross type,
Wilton, Saepine, rev. SÆPINE ON PILTV (N.828; S.1182), unusual portrait with
obverse legend commencing at seven o’clock, light tone, good VF, very rare £900
HS4034 Henry V (1413-22), Groat, 3.84g, class C, normal bust, mullet on right
shoulder (N.1387; S.1765), full round coin, toned, bold VF £475
(x2)
HS4029 Henry I (1100-35), Penny, 1.35g, Large profile/cross and annulets type,
London, Eadwine, rev. EDPINE: ON: LVNDE (BMC type 8, N.864; S.1269), edge cut
as normal with this issue, good VF with an excellent portrait and extremely rare
£7,000
A previously unrecorded moneyer for this type at London
HS4036 Henry VI (1422-61), Groat, 3.60g, Leaf-trefoil issue, London, leaf on
breast, m.m. cross fleury / plain cross (N.1484; S.1897), good VF £250
HS4037 Henry VI, Salut d’Or, 3.36g, second type, Rouen, the Annunciation,
pellet stops, rev. cross dividing lis and lion passant, mullet stops, pellet in
annulet under last letter of legend both sides, m.m. lion passant (Elias 270c),
about EF £1,950
HS4038 Edward IV (first reign, 1461-70), Groat, 3.09g, Light coinage, class VII,
London, quatrefoils at neck, fleurs on cusps, m.m. crown (N.1570; S.2000),
toned, nearly EF £225
28 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
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HS4044 Henry VIII, Groat, 2.62g, Second coinage, London, Laker bust A
HS4039 Edward IV (second reign, 1471-83), Angel, 5.08g, class XVI, London, Lombardic lettering both sides, saltires in cross ends, m.m. rose (N.1797;
m.m. cross and four pellets (N.1626; S.2091), reddish tone, bold VF £2,200 S.2337C), small flaw by nose, good detail, VF, scarce £450
HS4047 Mary (1553-54), Angel, 5.01g, class I, annulet stops, reads REGIN, m.m.
HS4042 Henry VIII (1509-47), Crown of the Double Dose, 3.73g, Second pomegranate (Schneider 713; N.1958; S.2490), once cleaned, otherwise VF
coinage, hK [Henry and Katherine of Aragon] both sides, m.m. lis (N.1788; and rare £4,250
S.2274), struck from worn dies, otherwise good VF £1,950
HS4048 Philip and Mary (1554-58), Sixpence, 2.85g, 1554, full titles (N.1970;
S.2505), minor edge splits and marks, strong portraits, good VF or better £2,250
HS4043 Henry VIII, Sovereign, 12.06g, Third coinage, type 2, Southwark, m.m.
E/S (Schneider-; N.1825; S.2291), double struck in legends, good portrait, bold
VF and rare £13,500
HS4049 Elizabeth I (1558-1603), Groat, 2.03g, second issue, bust 1F, m.m.
cross crosslet (N.1986; S.2556), excellent portrait, about EF and rare thus £400
MARCH 2010 29
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HS4050 Elizabeth I, Shilling, 6.09g, sixth issue, m.m. hand (N.2014; S.2577),
pleasing VF £400 HS4054 James I, Shilling, 5.70g, Third coinage, sixth bust, m.m. lis (N.2124;
S.2668), toned, VF £300
HS4052 Elizabeth I, milled coinage, Shilling, 5.94g, small size, m.m. star HS4056 Charles I (1625-49), Tower, Halfcrown, 14.29g, type 1a2, first
(N.2023; S.2592), lightly toned, nearly very fine £750 horseman, no ground line, m.m. lis (Brooker 281/278; N.2201; S.2764),
slight metal stress on reverse, otherwise toned, almost EF / good VF with an
impressive provenance £1,850
Ex Brice, Webb and Lingford collections
HS4053 James I (1603-25), ‘fine work’ Laurel, 8.88g, Third coinage, first large HS4057 Charles I, Tower, Shilling, 5.99g, group B, type 1b2, second bust, rev.
bust, reversed Ns in reverse legend, m.m. spur rowel (Schnieder -; N -; plume above shield, no cross fourchée, m.m. castle (Brooker 421/417;
cf. S.2637), a piece of fine work, perfectly centred on a full flan, nearly EF and N.2217; S.2785), light tone, bold VF, rare £850
excessively rare £27,500
Ex Christies, 28 April 1987, lot 146
We are not aware of any other specimen of a Fine Work Laurel to have appeared on the market.
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March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:18 Page 31
HB02 Carlisle besieged, Shilling, 1645, 4.83g, crowned CR, value below,
rev. OBS CARL 1645 on three lines, rosette above and below (Nelson 3, fig. 6;
Brooker 1220; N.2635; S.3138), toned, Fine, very rare £10,000
Bought Baldwin 1968
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HB03 Scarborough besieged (July 1644, surrendered 22 July 1645), HB07 Newark besieged, Shilling, 5.81g, 1645, 2nd issue, crown dividing CR,
Two Shillings, type III, uniface, castle gateway with two turrets punched value below, richly jewelled band to crown, eleven pearls to left arch, ten
twice, value below (Nelson fig. 9 [Beeston Castle]; Brooker -; cf. N.2652a; pearls to right, rev. OBS NEWARKE 1645 (Hird 254; Brooker 1224 rev. N.2640;
S.3169), an electrotype copy, possibly by Robert Ready £750 S.3142), toned, well centred, good VF, rare £2,250
Bought 1965 Bought 1962
HB08 Newark besieged, Ninepence, 4.57g, 1645, 2nd issue, crown dividing CR,
HB04 Scarborough besieged, One Shilling and Sixpence, type II, uniface, small value below, plain jewelled band to crown, eleven pearls to left arch, nine
castle gateway, value below (Nelson fig. 22; Brooker -; cf. N.2650k; S.3162), pearls to right, rev. OBS NEWARKE 1645 on three lines (Hird 260; Nelson type b;
a British Museum electrotype copy by Robert Ready, marked RR on edge £750 Brooker 1226 obv.; N.2641; S.3145), double struck, otherwise on a flan showing
Bought Baldwin 1970 traces of original plate pattern, toned, bold VF, rare £1,850
Robert Ready (1811-1901) worked as a duplicator for the British Museum between 1859 and 1897. He Ex Gibbs collection, Schulman, 1960, lot 24;
made a series of superb electrotypes of rare coins in the collection some of which were offered for sale to SNC June 1972 item 6412
the public.
HB09 Newark besieged, Ninepence, 4.42g, 1645, 2nd issue, crown dividing CR,
value below, plain jewelled band to crown, eleven pearls to left arch, nine
pearls to right, rev. OBS NEWARKE 1645 on three lines (Hird 260; Nelson type b;
Brooker 1226 obv.; N.2641; S.3145), toned, Fine / Fair, very rare £750
Bought 1965
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HB15 Newark besieged, Ninepence, 3.21g, 1646, 4th issue, crown dividing CR,
value below, richly jewelled band to crown, ten pearls to both arches,
HB11 Newark besieged, Shilling, 5.66g, 1645, 3rd issue, crown dividing CR, rev. OBS: NEWARK 1646 on three lines (Hird 264; Nelson type b; Brooker 1227;
value below, plain jewelled band to crown, ten pearls to left arch, eight pearls N.2641; S.3144), reverse shows traces of Royal Arms, toned, almost VF most
to right, rev. OBS: NEWARK 1645 on three lines (Hird 250; Brooker -; N.2641; interesting and rare £2,250
S.3143), on a large flan, toned, VF, rare £1,500 Bought 1967
Bought P. Finn, 1999 Charles I left Newark for Oxford on horseback at 11pm on the 3rd November 1645 the night before the
third siege certainly leaving his baggage train behind. This coin is possibly cut from the King’s own silver
with traces of his coat of arms showing on the flan.
HB12 Newark besieged, Ninepence, 4.30g, 1645, 3rd issue, crown dividing CR, HB16 Newark besieged, Ninepence, 3.02g, 1646, 4th issue, crown dividing CR,
value below, plain jewelled band to crown, rev. OBS: NEWARK 1645 on three lines value below, richly jewelled band to crown, ten pearls to both arches,
(Hird 260 obv; Brooker 1226; N.2641; S.3144), toned, almost Fine, rare £850 rev. OBS: NEWARK 1646 on three lines (Hird 264; Nelson type b; Brooker 1227;
Bought Spink 1968
N.2641; S.3144), struck on gilt plate showing traces of original pattern, pierced at
12 o’clock, almost VF / about Fine, interesting and rare £750
Bought Baldwin 1999
HB17 Newark besieged, Sixpence, 3.02g, 1646, 4th issue, crown dividing CR,
value below, rev. OBS: NEWARK 1646 on three lines (Hird 267; Brooker 1228;
HB13 Newark besieged, Halfcrown, 15.02g, 1646, 4th issue, crown dividing CR, N.2642; S.3146), slightly double struck on reverse, otherwise toned, good VF,
value below, rev. OBS: NEWARK 1646 on three lines (Hird 246; Brooker 1222; rare £1,950
N.2638; S.3140A), well centred on a broad flan, toned, VF £2,000 Bought 1965, Ex Dyson-Perrins and K V Graham (lot 320) collections
Bought 1966
HB18 Newark besieged, Sixpence, 2.84g, 1646, 4th issue, crown dividing CR,
value below, rev. OBS: NEWARK 1646 on three lines (Hird 267; Brooker 1228;
N.2642; S.3146), struck on gilt plate showing traces of original pattern, pierced at
6 o’clock, about VF, interesting and rare £800
HB14 Newark besieged, Shilling, 5.66g, 1646, 4th issue, crown dividing CR, Bought 2004, Ex P. Finn, list 14, item329
value below, richly jewelled band to crown, ten pearls to both arches,
rev. OBS: NEWARK 1646 on three lines (Hird 255; Nelson type b; Brooker 1225;
N.2640; S.3143), slight porosity to flan, VF £1,000
Bought 1962
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March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:18 Page 34
Milled Silver
A superb collection of milled silver coins, many bought from
Spink over the past 25 years.
CROWNS
HB20 Pontefract besieged (seized for the King 2 June 1648, invested Autumn
1648, surrendered 22 March 1649), Shilling, 4.83g, 1648, type 1,
octagonal shaped flan, crown over large C·R, DVM: SPIRO: SPERO in thick lettering,
rev. castle gateway, OBS to left, PC above, hand with sword to right, date below
(Hird 273; Nelson type 1; Brooker 1231; N.2646; S.3148), toned, almost VF,
rare £4,500
MS8942 George III (1760-1820), Crown, 1818 LVIII (ESC 211; S.3787), some
minor contact marks, proof like fields, almost uncirculated £575
Spink, Auction 98, June 1993, lot 198
HB21 Pontefract besieged, Shilling, 14.95g, 1648, type 2, lozenge shaped flan,
large crown over smaller C·R, DVM: SPIRO: SPERO, rev. castle gateway, OBS to left,
value dividing PC to right, date below (Hird 276; Nelson type II;
Brooker 1233; N.2647; S.3149), toned, VF, very rare £5,250
Bought 1965, Ex Lord St. Oswald collection, lot 110
MS8943 George III, Crown, 1819 LIX (ESC 215; S.3787), good VF £100
MS8944 George III, Crown, 1819 LIX, no stops on edge (ESC 215A; S.3787),
toned, EF, rare £475
Bought Spink, March 1996
34 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:18 Page 35
MS8945 George III, Crown, 1819 LX (ESC 216; S.3787), a couple of minor marks, MS8950 Victoria, Crown, 1896 LX (ESC 311; S.3937), good EF £250
toned, EF £325
Bought Spink, October 1984
MS8951 George V (1910-36), Wreath Crown, 1929 (ESC 369; S.4036), lustrous,
almost as struck £475
MS8946 George III, Crown, 1820 LX, 20 over 19 (ESC 220A; S.3787), scratches
on obverse, VF, rare £200
MS8952 George V, Wreath Crown, 1936 (ESC 381; S.4036), some very light
contact marks, good EF, rare £650
MS8947 Victoria (1837-1901), Gothic Crown, 1847 UNDECIMO (ESC 288;
S.3883), edge knocks, uneven tone, VF £750
MS8953 George VI (1936-52), “VIP” proof Crown, 1951 (ESC 393D; S.4111),
some very light surface marks, frosted design and brilliant field, about as struck,
MS8948 Victoria, Crown, 1888, wide date (ESC 298; S.3921), EF, rare £550 very rare £750
MS8949 Victoria, proof Crown, 1893 LVI (ESC 304; S.3937), scratch behind MS8954 Elizabeth II (1952 -), “VIP” proof Crown, 1960 (ESC 393M; S.4143),
head, some light hairlines, therefore good EF £700 some very light contact marks, otherwise with frosted design, highly polished field,
as struck £500
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March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:18 Page 36
MS8960 William III (1694-1702), Halfcrown, 1698 DECIMO, first bust, modified
MS8955 Elizabeth II, “VIP” Specimen Churchill Crown, 1965 (ESC 393o; large shields (ESC 554; S.3494), flaw in front of face, light tone, EF £750
S.4144), with “satin” finish, as struck and very rare £1,200 Glendining, February 1999, lot 43
DOUBLE FLORINS
MS8957 Victoria, Double Florin, 1888, Arabic 1 in date (ESC 397; S.3923), MS8962 George II, Halfcrown, 1746 LIMA, D. NONO, old head, plain (ESC 605;
mark on reverse, EF £60 S.3695A), toned, good EF £750
HALF CROWNS
MS8958 Charles II (1660-85), Halfcrown, 1679 T. PRIMO, fourth bust, error MS8963 George II, Halfcrown, 1751 V. QVARTO, old head, plain (ESC 610;
edge, inscribed “DECNS” (ESC 483; S.3367), toned, pleasing VF with a stronger S.3696), minor adjustment marks on face, toned, EF, rare £1,750
reverse, the error rarer than ESC indicates £950 SNC, February 1990, 370
SNC, December 2003, MS5665
MS8959 William and Mary (1688-94), Halfcrown, 1689 PRIMO, first busts,
second shield, caul and interior frosted, no pearls (ESC 509; S.3435), a little MS8964 George III (1760-1820), Halfcrown, 1817, “bull” head (ESC 616;
softly struck, light tone, EF £1,100 S.3788), toned, about uncirculated £400
Bonhams, 6 March 2002, lot 231 Bought Spink, November 1996
36 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:18 Page 37
MS8965 George III, proof Halfcrown, 1817, “bull” head, edge, milled (ESC 617;
S.3788), some very light cabinet friction, otherwise toned, as struck, rare £2,500 MS8970 George IV, Halfcrown, 1825, second head, third reverse (ESC 642;
Bonhams, Sale 10603, lot 1256 S.3809), light tone, a really good EF £375
MS8966 George III, Halfcrown, 1817, “bull” head, E over R in DEF: (ESC -; MS8971 William IV (1830-37), Halfcrown, 1834, WW in script (ESC 662;
S.3788 var.), toned, about as struck, an unrecorded variety £950 S.3834), a few minor marks, rich tone, good EF £375
Bonhams, Sale 10603, lot 1225
The E of DEF has been punched in twice over an R.
MS8968 George IV (1820-30), Halfcrown, 1821, first head, first reverse MS8973 Victoria, Halfcrown, 1842, young head type A4, no initials (ESC 675;
(ESC 631; S.3807), EF £275 S.3888), toned, EF £500
MS8969 George IV, Halfcrown, 1824, first head, second reverse (ESC 636;
S.3808), light tone, almost EF £250 MS8974 Victoria, Halfcrown, 1874, young head type A5, no initials (ESC 692;
S.3889), lustrous, uncirculated £400
Bought Seaby Auction, 23 April 1986
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March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:18 Page 38
MS8975 Victoria, Halfcrown, 1874, young head type A5, no initials (ESC 692;
S.3889), some lustre, about uncirculated £400 MS8980 George V (1910-36), Halfcrown, 1911 (ESC 757; S.4011), good EF £80
SNC, August 2008, MS3042
MS8976 Victoria, Halfcrown, 1887, Jubilee head (ESC 719; S.3924), toned,
uncirculated £65
SNC, December 1998, 7379 MS8981 George V, Halfcrown, 1917 (ESC 764; S.4011), good EF £70
MS8977 Victoria, Halfcrown, 1891, Jubilee head (ESC 724; S.3924), toned,
about uncirculated £140 MS8982 George V, Halfcrown, 1926, second coinage (ESC 773; S.4021A),
EF £60
MS8978 Victoria, Halfcrown, 1897, old head (ESC 731; S.3938), bag marks on MS8983 George V, proof Halfcrown, 1927, fourth coinage (ESC 776; S.4037),
obverse, otherwise uncirculated, attractive matt tone £100 almost as struck £70
SNC, August 2001, MS2156
MS8979 Edward VII (1901-10), Halfcrown, 1906 (ESC 751; S.3980), good EF
£350
38 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:18 Page 39
FLORINS
MS8985 Victoria (1837-1901), pattern Florin, 1848, “Godless” type A, MS8990 Victoria, Florin, 1853, “Gothic” type B1, no stop after date, reads BRIT:
rev. cruciform shields, plain edge (ESC 886 R2; S.3890), some very light (ESC 808; S.3891), dipped, EF £225
hairlines, otherwise toned, as struck £1,200 Glendining, 1 October 1997, lot 394
MS8988 Victoria, Florin, 1852, “Gothic” type B1, reads BRIT: (ESC 806; S.3891),
light bag marks, almost uncirculated £375 MS8993 Victoria, Florin, 1862, “Gothic” type B1, reads BRIT. (ESC 820 R2;
S.3891), light bag marks, good EF and very rare £1,750
Bought Spink, June 1994
MS8989 Victoria, Florin, 1852, “Gothic” type B1, ii over i in date, reads BRIT:
(ESC 807A R2; S.3891), good EF and rare £375
Spink, Auction 4018, 6 October 2004, lot 798 MS8994 Victoria, Florin, 1865, “Gothic” type B2, reads BRIT:, no colon
after date, die number 16 (ESC 826; S.3892), attractively toned, good EF,
scarce £500
Bought Spink, November 1985
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March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:19 Page 40
MS8995 Victoria, Florin, 1865, “Gothic” type B2, reads BRIT:, with colon after MS9000 Victoria, Florin, 1879, “Gothic” type B6, reads BRITT:, 48 arcs, with WW,
date, die number 43 (ESC 827 R3; S.3892), toned, good EF, very rare £750 no die number (ESC 851; S.3897), almost EF £200
Bought Spink (5244)
MS8996 Victoria, Florin, 1868, “Gothic” type B3, reads BRITT:, 48 arcs, with WW,
die number 25 (ESC 833; S.3893), toned, good EF £475 MS9001 Victoria, Florin, 1879, “Gothic” type B7, reads BRITT:, 38 arcs, without
Spink, Auction 140, 16 November 1999, lot 765 WW (ESC 852; S.3898), good EF £350
Bought Spink, July 1984
MS8997 Victoria, Florin, 1874, “Gothic” type B3, reads BRITT:, 48 arcs, iv over
iii in date, die number 29 (ESC 843A R2; S.3893), cleaned, otherwise good VF MS9002 Victoria, Florin, 1880, “Gothic” type B8, reads BRITT:, 34 arcs, without
and very rare £250 WW (ESC 854; S.3900), hints of lustre, good EF £350
SNC, June 1994, 4236 Spink, Auction 140, 16 November 1999, lot 765
MS8998 Victoria, Florin, 1877, “Gothic” type B5, reads BRITT:, 42 arcs, stop MS9003 Victoria, Florin, 1881, “Gothic” type B8, reads BRITT:, 34 arcs, without
after date, no WW, die number 25 (ESC 848; S.3895), good EF £375 WW (ESC 856; S.3900), light bag marks, almost uncirculated £300
MS8999 Victoria, Florin, 1878, “Gothic” type B5, reads BRITT:, 42 arcs, die MS9004 Victoria, Florin, 1886, “Gothic” type B8, reads BRITT:, 34 arcs, without
number 19 (ESC 849; S.3895), bag marks, good EF £375 WW (ESC 863; S.3900), EF £225
Spink, September 1991, lot 5087
40 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:19 Page 41
MS9005 Victoria, Florin, 1887, “Gothic” type B9, reads BRITT:, 46 arcs, without MS9011 Edward VII, Florin, 1903 (ESC 921; S.3981), good EF £200
WW (ESC 866; S.3901), matt tone, pleasing EF, scarce £325
MS9012 George V (1910-36), Florin, 1911 (ESC 929; S.4012), light tone, EF
MS9006 Victoria, Florin, 1887, Jubilee head (ESC 868; S.3925), about £40
uncirculated £40
MS9007 Victoria, proof Florin, 1887, Jubilee head (ESC 869; S.3925), most MS9013 George V, proof Florin, 1911 (ESC 930; S.4012), toned, almost as
attractively toned, about as struck £175 struck £110
MS9008 Victoria, proof Florin, 1893, old head (ESC 877; S.3939), attractive MS9014 George V, Florin, 1926 (ESC 945; S.4022A), good EF £50
rainbow tone, as struck £225 Bought Seaby, 9 August 1986, G256
Bought Spink, August 1994
MS9015 George V, proof Florin, 1927 (ESC 947; S.4038), toned, almost as
MS9009 Victoria, Florin, 1897, old head (ESC 881; S.3939), EF £45 struck £95
MS9010 Edward VII (1901-10), matt proof Florin, 1902 (ESC 920; S.3981), MS9016 George V, Florin, 1928 (ESC 948; S.4038), about uncirculated £25
about as struck £90 SNC, August 2002, MS3170
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March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:19 Page 42
SHILLINGS
MS9017 Charles II (1660-85), Shilling, 1663, first bust, inverted die axis MS9023 William III, Shilling, 1697, first bust (ESC 1091; S.3497), richly toned,
(ESC 1022; S.3371), about EF, attractively toned £1,100 EF £375
Spink, Auction 1258, 5 October 2000, lot 545
MS9024 William III, Shilling, 1700, fifth bust (ESC 1121; S.3516), dark tone,
MS9018 Charles II, Shilling, 1663, first bust, Scottish and Irish shields EF £350
transposed (ESC 1024 R3; S.3371), toned, almost VF and very rare £800
SNC, December 2003, MS5667
MS9025 William III, Shilling, 1700, fifth bust, no stops on reverse (ESC 1122;
S.3516), EF £450
MS9019 Charles II, Shilling, 1684, fourth bust (ESC 1066; S.3381), attractively Bought Spink, 10 April 1994
toned, nearly extremely fine and very pleasing £1,650
Spink, Auction 4018, 6 October 2004, lot 594
MS9026 Anne, before Union, Shilling, 1702 VIGO, first bust (ESC 1130;
MS9020 James II (1685-88), Shilling, 1687, 7 over 6 and with G of MAG over A S.3585), toned with some underlying brilliance, EF £800
(ESC 1072A; S.3410), with light adjustment marks otherwise EF with a clear Ex Grantley collection, September 1944
over date and overstrike in legend, very rare in this grade £2,500
SNC, December 2003, MS5668
MS9027 Anne, after Union, Shilling, 1708, third bust, plain (ESC 1147;
S.3610), lightly hay marked, EF £350
MS9021 William and Mary (1688-94), Shilling, 1693, 9 over 0 (ESC 1076A R4; Bought Spink (4765)
S.3437), about VF and rare £450
SNC, December 2000, MS0090
MS9028 Anne, after Union, Shilling, 1713, 3 over 2, fourth bust, roses and
plumes (ESC 1160; S.3617), graffiti on neck otherwise toned with underlying
MS9022 William III (1694-1702), Shilling, 1696 C, first bust C below, Chester
brilliance, EF £500
mint, R over V in GRA (ESC 1082A R4; S.3499), VF and very rare £475
SNC, June 2000, 2385
42 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:19 Page 43
MS9029 George I (1714-27), Shilling, 1715, first bust, roses and plumes (ESC MS9035 George II, Shilling, 1741, 41 over 39, young head, roses (ESC 1202A
1162; S.3645), light tone, about EF £650 R5; S.3701), a really good VF and rare £500
Bought Spink, March 1986 SNC, February 2000, 228
MS9030 George I, Shilling, 1723 SSC, first bust (ESC 1176; S.3647), light tone, MS9036 George II, Shilling, 1745 LIMA, old head, plain (ESC 1205; S.3703),
EF £225 dappled tone, good EF £550
Glendining, 30 April 1999, lot 334
MS9031 George I, Shilling, 1723 SSC, first bust, Arms of France at date
(ESC 1177 R2; S.3647), toned, good VF, rare £650 MS9037 George II, Shilling, 1750, wide 0 in date, 5 over 4, old head, plain
Ex Martin Hughes collection (ESC 1211; S.3704), lightly toned, EF and rare £525
Spink, Auction 139, 16 November 1999, lot 343 Ex Martin Hughes collection
SNC, February 2000, 231
MS9032 George II (1727-60), Shilling, 1727, young head, roses and plumes
(ESC 1190; S.3698), light tone, EF £700 MS9038 George II, Shilling, 1758, old head, plain (ESC 1213; S.3704), toned,
EF £150
MS9033 George II, Shilling, 1728, young head, plain (ESC 1191; S.3700), some
hay marks, toned, almost EF, rare £950 MS9039 George III (1760-1820), “Northumberland “Shilling, 1763, young
head (ESC 1214; S.3742), richly toned, good EF £1,450
MS9034 George II, Shilling, 1739, young head, roses (ESC 1201; S.3701), light
tone, good VF, reverse better £325 MS9040 George III, Shilling, 1787, second head, without semée of hearts,
7 strings to harp (ESC 1216; S.3743), light haymarks, toned, EF £100
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March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:19 Page 44
MS9041 George III, Shilling, 1816, laureate head (ESC 1228; S.3790), brilliance MS9047 George IV, Shilling, 1826, 6 over 2 or 8 (?), second head, third reverse
on obverse, good EF £75 (cf. ESC 1257A R3; S.3812), dark tone, VF, a very unusual date £250
SNC, August 2002, MS3238
MS9042 George III, Shilling, 1817, laureate head, E over R in GEOR (ESC 1232A
R3; S.3790), toned, about uncirculated, very rare £750 MS9048 William IV (1830-37), Shilling, 1836 (ESC 1273; S.3835), toned, good
EF £250
MS9043 George III, Shilling, 1820, laureate head, I of HONI over S (ESC 1236A
R3; S.3790), uncirculated and very rare £450 MS9049 Victoria (1837-1901), Shilling, 1839, first young head type A1, WW
SNC, December 1997, 5901 (ESC 1280; S.3902), good EF £250
MS9044 George IV, Shilling, 1825, first head, second reverse (ESC 1253; MS9050 Victoria, proof Shilling, 1839, young head type A3, no WW, plain edge
S.3811), toned, good EF £275 (ESC 1284; S.3904), most attractively toned, as struck £600
Bonhams, 6 March 2002, lot 338
MS9045 George IV, proof Shilling, 1825, first head, second reverse (ESC 1253A
R4; S.3811), edge nick on reverse, slightly impaired, good EF, very rare £1,500 MS9051 Victoria, Shilling, 1858, second 8 over 6, young head type A3, no WW
SNC, October 2003, MS5504A (ESC -; S.3904), toned good EF, very rare £375
SNC, December 1998, 7421
MS9046 George IV, Shilling, 1825, second head, third reverse (ESC 1254;
S.3812), toned, good EF £175 MS9052 Victoria, Shilling, 1863, 3 over 1, young head type A3, no WW
SNC, April 1999, 1578 (ESC 1311A R4; S.3904), almost EF, very rare £550
44 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
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MS9053 Victoria, Shilling, 1866, young head type A4, die number 50 MS9059 Victoria, Shilling, 1894, old head (ESC 1363; S.3940), about
(ESC 1314; S.3905), light surface marks, good EF £175 uncirculated £90
MS9054 Victoria, Shilling, 1879, young head type A7, no die number MS9060 Edward VII (1901-10), matt proof Shilling, 1902 (ESC 1411; S.3982),
(ESC 1334; S.3907), almost EF £75 reverse struck off centre, good EF, curious £70
Bought Spink
MS9061 Edward VII, Shilling, 1903 (ESC 1412; S.3982), a really good EF £250
MS9055 Victoria, Shilling, 1887, Jubilee head (ESC 1351; S.3926), toned with
underlying brilliance, uncirculated £35
SNC, December 1998, 7428
MS9062 George V (1910-36), first coinage, proof Shilling, 1911 (ESC 1421;
S.4013), attractively toned, as struck £100
MS9056 Victoria, Shilling, 1889, large Jubilee head (ESC 1355; S.3927), much
brilliance, good EF £50
MS9063 George V, first coinage, Shilling, 1913 (ESC 1423; S.4013), almost
uncirculated £100
Bought Spink (4244)
MS9057 Victoria, proof Shilling, 1889, large Jubilee head (ESC 1356 R3;
S.3927), some light surface marks in fields, toned, almost as struck, very
rare £1,350
SNC, November 1994, 7358
MS9058 Victoria, Shilling, 1893, old head, small lettering (ESC 1361A;
S.3940), toned, good EF £60
Bought Spink, February 1996
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March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:19 Page 46
MS9071 James II, Sixpence, 1687, later shields (ESC 1526B; S.3413), some light
haymarks on reverse, toned, almost EF, scarce £750
MS9065 George V, second coinage, proof or trial Shilling, 1923, struck in nickel SNC, April 2001, MS0857
(ESC 1433A R4; S.4023A), uncirculated and extremely rare £1,250
SNC, October 1993, 7238
MS9072 William and Mary (1688-94), Sixpence, 1693 (ESC 1529; S.3438),
toned, pleasing VF £450
MS9066 George V, third coinage, Shilling, 1927, modified effigy (ESC 1438;
S.4033), uncirculated £60
SNC, February 2001, MS5075
MS9073 William III (1694-1702), Sixpence, 1696, first bust, early harp, large
crowns (ESC 1533; S.3520), toned, good EF £250
Bought Spink
MS9067 George V, fourth coinage, Shilling, 1927 (ESC 1439; S.4039), good
EF £25
SIXPENCES
MS9074 William III, Sixpence, 1696 y, York, first bust, early harp, large crowns
(ESC 1539; S.3525), light haymarks, toned, EF £250
MS9075 William III, Sixpence, 1696 Y, York, first bust, early harp, no stops on
obverse, large crowns (ESC 1541; S.3526), light adjustment marks on top of
bust, toned, EF, rare £375
Bought Spink
MS9069 Charles II, Sixpence, 1677 (ESC 1516; S.3382), almost EF £500
S & B, 1 June 2001, G181
MS9076 William III, Sixpence, 1697, first bust, later harp, small crowns, Arms
MS9070 James II (1685-88), Sixpence, 1686, early shields (ESC 1525; S.3412), of France and Ireland transposed (ESC 1552B R5; S.3531), bold fine,
lightly hay marked, toned, good EF, scarce £1,000 extremely rare £450
Glendining, 30 April 1999, lot 263
46 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:19 Page 47
MS9077 William III, Sixpence, 1697 B, Bristol, first bust, later harp, small MS9083 William III, Sixpence, 1697 C, Chester, third bust, later harp, small
crowns (ESC 1555; S.3552), toned, EF £275 crowns (ESC 1570; S.3543), toned, good VF £225
SNC, April 1999, 1233 Bought Spink (3738)
MS9078 William III, Sixpence, 1697 N, Norwich, first bust, later harp, small MS9084 William III, Sixpence, 1698, third bust, later harp, large crowns,
crowns (ESC 1561; S.3535), toned, about EF £325 plumes (ESC 1575; S.3546), toned, EF, rare £500
SNC, May 1991, 2771 SNC, November 1994, 7394
MS9079 William III, Sixpence, 1697, third bust, later harp, large crowns (ESC MS9085 William III, Sixpence, 1699, third bust, later harp, large crowns, plain
1566; S.3538), toned, EF £225 (ESC 1576; S.3538), toned, about EF, rare £500
SNC, June 1991, 2775
MS9080 William III, Sixpence, 1697, third bust, inverted A in GVLIELMVS, later
harp, large crowns (ESC 1566B R4; S.3538), the inverted A probably a die flaw, MS9086 William III, Sixpence, 1699, third bust, later harp, large crowns,
VF £90 plumes (ESC 1577; S.3546), toned, EF, rare £500
SNC, December 1990, 7765
MS9081 William III, Sixpence, 1697, third bust, later harp, small crowns
(ESC 1567; S.3542), EF £250 MS9087 William III, Sixpence, 1700, third bust, later harp, large crowns, plain
SNC, August 2001, 2010 (ESC 1579; S.3538), EF £250
Bought Spink (4220)
MS9082 William III, Sixpence, 1697 B, Bristol, third bust, D over M in DEI (?), R
over F in GRA (?), later harp, large crowns (ESC 1568; S.3539), the over MS9088 Anne (1702-14), before Union, Sixpence, 1703 VIGO (ESC 1582;
punched letters probably the result of a flawed rusty die, EF £250 S.3590), small scratch on reverse, toned, almost EF £275
SNC, December 2003, 5674 Bought Spink, April 1993
MARCH 2010 47
March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:19 Page 48
MS9089 Anne, before Union, Sixpence, 1705, late shields, plumes (ESC 1584A;
S.3593), toned, EF £475 MS9095 George I, Sixpence, 1723 SSC, small letters (ESC 1600; S.3652), light
Ex Lockett, Jackson Kent and Pearce collections tone, about EF £225
Spink, 15 April 2004, lot 273
MS9090 Anne, after Union, Sixpence, 1707, plain (ESC 1587; S.3619), toned,
good VF £200 MS9096 George I, Sixpence, 1726, small roses and plumes (ESC 1602; S.3653),
Seaby, 1981 good VF / EF, rare £375
Ex Hamilton, Pegg, Seaby
MS9091 Anne, after Union, Sixpence, 1707, plumes (ESC 1590; S.3623), lightly
hay marked, soft in centre, otherwise toned, EF £350 MS9097 George II, Sixpence, 1728, young head, roses and plumes (ESC 1606;
S.3707), toned, good EF £450
SNC, June 1990, 3556
MS9092 Anne, after Union, Sixpence, 1710, roses and plumes (ESC 1595;
S.3624), weak in parts, toned, nearly EF, scarce £400
Ex Lord Hamilton collection MS9098 George II, Sixpence, 1739, young head, roses (ESC 1612; S.3708), light
tone, nearly EF £300
Baldwin, Auction 5, lot 410
MS9093 Anne, after Union, Sixpence, 1711, plain, large lis (ESC 1596A;
S.3619), toned, some brilliance, EF £250
SNC, April 2000, 1608 MS9099 George II, Sixpence, 1739, young head, roses, O in GEORGIVS over R (ESC
1612A R3; S.3708), light tone, nearly EF, rare £350
SNC, September 1995, 5070
MS9094 George I (1714-27), Sixpence, 1717, roses and plumes (ESC 1597;
S.3651), attractive light tone, some brilliance, EF, rare £600
SNC, July 1993, 4438 MS9100 George II, Sixpence, 1743, old head, roses (ESC 1614; S.3709), toned,
EF £275
48 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:19 Page 49
MS9101 George II, Sixpence, 1745, 5 over 3, old head, roses (ESC 1616 R2; MS9108 George IV, proof Sixpence, 1821, first head, first reverse (ESC 1655 R2;
S.3709), dark tone, EF, rare £300 S.3813), some very light cabinet friction, otherwise toned, almost as struck £500
Ex Martin Hughes collection Bought Spink
Spink, Auction 139, lot 401
MS9102 George II, Sixpence, 1745 LIMA, old head, plain (ESC 1617; S.3710), MS9109 George IV, Sixpence, 1821, first head, first reverse, reads BBITANNIAR
light tone, nearly EF £200 (ESC 1656 R3; S.3813), some light surface marks, good EF, very rare £800
SNC, November 1998, 6986
MS9103 George II, Sixpence, 1758, 8 over 7, old head, plain (ESC 1624;
S.3711), nearly EF £90 MS9110 George IV, Sixpence, 1828, second head, third reverse (ESC 1665;
SNC, December 1998, 7446
S.3815), softly struck in centre, EF £150
Bought Spink
MS9104 George III (1760-1820), Sixpence, 1787, without semée of hearts (ESC
1626; S.3748), toned, EF £60
MS9111 William IV (1830-37), proof Sixpence, 1831, plain edge, inverted die
axis (ESC 1671 R2; S.3836), toned, almost as struck £300
MS9105 George III, new coinage, Sixpence, 1816 (ESC 1630; S.3791), about
uncirculated £90
SNC, September 1998, 5821
MS9112 William IV, Sixpence, 1834, large date (ESC 1674A; S.3836), EF £125
SNC, August 2002, MS3375
MS9106 George III, Sixpence, 1820, inverted 1 in date (ESC 1639A R4;
S.3791), good EF, rare £475
Glendining, Sale 30891, 30 November 2000, lot 175 MS9113 Victoria (1837-1901), Sixpence, 1844, small 44, first young head type
A1 (ESC 1690; S.3908), mark on neck, otherwise about uncirculated £175
SNC, June 1993, 3568
MARCH 2010 49
March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:19 Page 50
MS9114 Victoria, Sixpence, 1848, 8 over 7, first young head type A1 MS9121 Victoria, Sixpence, 1887, Jubilee head, “withdrawn” type (ESC 1752;
(ESC 1693B R3; S.3908), die flaws, good EF, very rare £500 S.3928), good EF £15
SNC, April 1998, 2106
MS9115 Victoria, Sixpence, 1850, 5 over 3, first young head type A1 MS9122 Victoria, Sixpence, 1887, Jubilee head, “withdrawn” type, JEB on
(ESC 1695A R2; S.3908), light tone, EF, rare £200 truncation (ESC 1752B R3; S.3928), from a half-sovereign obverse die, EF and
Bought Spink (2602) rare £125
SNC, December 1997, 5965
MS9116 Victoria, Sixpence, 1859, first young head type A1 (ESC 1708;
S.3908), good EF £125 MS9123 Victoria, proof Sixpence, 1887, Jubilee head, “withdrawn” type
(ESC 1753; S.3928), hairlines, good EF £80
MS9117 Victoria, Sixpence, 1859, 9 over 8, first young head type A1 MS9124 Victoria, Sixpence, 1887, Jubilee head (ESC 1754; S.3929), about
(ESC 1708A; S.3908), toned, nearly EF £60 uncirculated £25
MS9125 Victoria, Sixpence, 1893, old head (ESC 1762; S.3941), toned, good EF
MS9118 Victoria, Sixpence, 1872, second young head type A3, die number 71 £25
(ESC 1726; S.3910), surface marks, nearly EF £50
MS9126 Edward VII (1901-10), matt proof Sixpence, 1902 (ESC 1786; S.3983),
good EF £55
MS9119 Victoria, Sixpence, 1878, second young head type A3, D over B: reads
DRITANNIAR, die number 6 (ESC 1735 R3; S.3910), light bag marks, a really
good EF, very rare £850
Glendining, 1 October 1997, lot 436
MS9127 George V (1910-36), first coinage, Sixpence, 1911 (ESC 1795; S.4014),
light cabinet friction, uncirculated £35
SNC, February 2001, MS0597
MS9120 Victoria, Sixpence, 1881, third young head type A5 (ESC 1740;
S.3912), EF £50
Seaby, May 1981
50 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:20 Page 51
GROATS
MS9128 George V, first coinage, proof Sixpence, 1911 (ESC 1796; S.4014), MS9136 William IV (1830-37), Groat, 1836 (ESC 1918; S.3837), good EF £50
toned, as struck £75
SNC, August 2001, MS2282
MS9129 No lot
MS9137 Victoria (1837-1901), Groat, 1855, young head (ESC 1953; S.3913),
about EF £30
THREEPENCES
MS9130 George V, second coinage, Sixpence, 1925, new rim (ESC 1812;
S.4025), good EF £25
SNC, February 2001, MS0613
MS9138 George III (1760-1820), Threepence, 1762, young head (ESC 2033;
S.3753), colourful tone, uncirculated £85
SNC, June 2003, MS5024
MS9132 George V, fourth coinage, proof Sixpence, 1927 (ESC 1816; S.4040),
cleaned, good EF £35
SNC, August 2002, MS2294 MS9140 Victoria, proof Threepence, 1887, Jubilee head (ESC 2097; S.3931),
toned, as struck £75
Bought Spink
MS9133 George V, fourth coinage, Sixpence, 1928 (ESC 1817; S.4040), MS9141 Victoria, Threepence, 1893, Jubilee head (ESC 2103 R2; S.3931),
uncirculated £22 toned, almost EF, rare £125
MS9134 No lot
MS9142 Victoria, proof Threepence, 1893, old head (ESC 2105; S.3942), toned,
as struck £85
Bought Spink
MS9143 Victoria, Threepence, 1901, old head (ESC 2113; S.3942), good EF £25
MARCH 2010 51
March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:20 Page 52
Irish Coins
IR374 Hiberno-Norse, Phase II, Penny, 1.02g, Group A.3/h, blundered legends,
as Long cross type, cross pattée on neck, cross pommée behind head, rev. no
pellets in angles (DF 23; S.6125), good VF £750
IR375 Hiberno-Norse, Phase II, Penny, 1.25g, Group A.3/c, blundered legends,
as Long cross type, inverted crozier behind neck, rev. pellets in angles (SCBI
BM, 74; DF 23; S.6125A), most attractively toned, almost EF, rare £1,200
Bought Baldwin 2004, Ex VM Brand collection
IR376 Hiberno-Norse, Phase III, Penny, 0.93g, Group A/b, Long cross and
hands type, rev. large pellet in second quarter (SCBI BM, 96-7; DF 24;
S.6132), most attractively toned, EF, rare £750
Bought Baldwin 2004, Ex VM Brand collection
IR372 Hiberno-Norse, Phase II, Penny, 1.06g, Group A.1/a, in name of Sihtric,
as Long cross type, cross behind head, Dublin mint signature, Steng?, SIHTRC IR379 Hiberno-Norse, Phase V, Penny, 0.90g, Group A/b, crude bust, derived
REX DYFL, rev. pellets in angles, SEIIEII O DIILINR (DF 23; S.6122), toned, nearly
from Long cross type, cross on neck, two pellets before face, pellet and wedge
VF £750 behind head, rev. opposed anchor and annulet and pellets in angles (SCBI BM
Bonhams, 24 February 2004, lot 90 157-161; DF 28; S.6138), toned, VF, rare £950
IR373 Hiberno-Norse, Phase II, Penny, 0.69g, Group A.3/e, blundered obverse
legend, as Long cross type, E on neck, pellet in annulet behind head, IR380 Hiberno-Norse, Phase V, Penny, 0.83g, Group A/i, crude bust derived
blundered Worcester mint signature, Wulfric, rev. E in 4th angle, pellets in from Long cross type, rev. derived from Facing bust / small cross type of
others, PVLFRIC ON PIIHN MOIHI (SCBI BM 111; SCBI Ulster 115; DF 23; Edward the Confessor with cross pattée with pellets around (cf. SCBI BM 219;
S.6126 / 6123), toned, nearly EF very rare and interesting £2,250 DF 28/29; S.6148), weakly struck in parts, otherwise toned, nearly VF, very rare
The reverse of this coin is from a die which is imitative of a Phase I coin with a Worcester mint signature, £1,250
see Hildebrand 1603, and articles by Dolley and Butler and Dolley, SNC March 1961and February 1968 SNC February 2005, item IH0516, Ex Glendining, 24 January 1996, lot 74
52 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:20 Page 53
SC0795 Alexander III, Penny, 1.46g, first coinage, type III, ‘Dun’, Walter,
IR381 Hiberno-Norse, Phase V, Penny, 0.78g, Group J/b, abstract ‘Ringerike’ rev. W[ALTE]R ON DVN (SCBI 35, 110 same dies; B 60a, fig 131A, same dies;
style, rev. derived from Long cross type, with annulet, hand and pellets in S.5043), struck off centre, weak in parts otherwise toned, about VF, scarce £275
angles (SCBI BM 211-214; DF 30; S.6182), weakly struck in parts, otherwise
toned, nearly VF, very rare £1,250
Ex Mabbot collection, Schulman, 26-28 May 1970, lot 1137 and Spink sale 191 lot 209
SC0796 Alexander III, Penny, 1.28g, first coinage, type III, Roxburgh, Adam,
rev. ADAM ON RO[KESB] (SCBI 35, 129-30; B 30, fig. 136, same dies; S.5043),
slightly crimped, toned, VF £225
IR382 Hiberno-Norse, Phase VI, Penny, 1.14g, Group A/a, crude bust derived
from Long cross type, crozier in front of bust, rev. opposed sceptres and pellets
in angles (SCBI BM 232-249; DF 32; S.6187), some ghosting, good Fine, rare,
very heavy for issue £600
Bought Baldwin 2003, Ex VM Brand collection
SC0797 Alexander III, cut Halfpenny, 0.65g, first coinage, type III, Dun, Walter
(S.5043), toned, about VF £95
IR383 Hiberno-Norse, Phase VI, Penny, 0.40g, Group A/a, crude bust derived
from Long cross type, crozier in front of bust, rev. opposed sceptres and
trefoils in angles (SCBI BM 241; DF 32; S.6187), a little porous, otherwise dark
tone, about VF, rare £750
DNW 17 March 2004, lot 797
SC0798 Alexander III, Penny, 1.40g, second coinage, class Mb, REX SCOTORVM,
24 points to mullets (S.5052), toned, good VF £150
IR384 Hiberno-Norse, Phase VII, Double Bracteate, 0.83g, Group A/b, SC0799 John Baliol (1292-96), Penny, 1.46g, first ‘rough’ coinage, four mullets
crude bust derived from Long cross type, rev. long cross over quatrefoil of 6 points (B 1ff, fig. 210ff; S.5065), bold VF, good portrait £350
(SCBI BM 252; DF 33; S.6191), light tone, VF, very rare £2,000
SNC February 2005, item IH0162, Ex Chown collection, lot 1150
Scottish Coins
SC0800 John Baliol, Halfpenny, 0.63g, second coinage, mullets in two quarters
(B.1, Fig. 222; S.5074), weak on face otherwise, VF, toned, scarce £350
Ex Murdoch collection, 11 May 1903, lot 41
SC0792 Alexander III (1249-86), Penny, 1.25g, first coinage, type III, Aberdeen,
Ion, rev. ION ON ABER (S.5043), toned, VF £250
SC0801 Robert the Bruce (1306-29), Halfpenny, 0.55g, single pellet after GRA
(Holmes/Stewarby -D; cf. Burns 1, fig. 227; S.5077), attractive tone, good VF
with a handsome portrait, very rare £3,250
Ex G. C. Drabble, part II (1188); A Distinguished Collection of Scottish Coins and Medals, Spink sale 20
(118) and R. MacPherson (3976).
SC0793 Alexander III, Penny, 1.36g, first coinage, type III, Perth, Ion, rev. ION ON
PERTE: (S.5043), almost VF £175
MARCH 2010 53
March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:20 Page 54
SC0809 David II, Halfgroat, 2.22g, second coinage, class A, Aberdeen, (cf. SCBI
35, 401; B 6, fig. 265; S.5112), VF and very rare £800
SC0803 David II, Groat, 4.31g, second coinage, class A4, Edinburgh, pellets in
spandrels (S.5094), full flan, toned, VF, rare £400
SC0810 Robert III (1390-1406), Groat, 2.47g, Heavy coinage, second issue,
Edinburgh, neat bust, trefoils at cusps, pellets and annulets in spandrels
SC0804 David II, Groat, 4.16g, second coinage, class B, Edinburgh, (S.5095), (S.5167), edge split, nearly VF £250
attractive good very fine £400
SC0811 James I (1406-37), ¡ Demy, 3.07g, type II, saltire cross, lis either side,
within a fleured tressure of six arches each with a large open quatrefoil,
m.m. crown (B.8, fig. 454; St.79ii; S.5190), bold VF and rare £2,750
SC0812 James II (1437-60), Groat, 3.30g, second coinage, first issue, Edinburgh,
crowns and three pellets in alternate angles, m.m. cross (S.5231), good Fine
to nearly VF for issue and very rare £650
SC0806 David II, Groat, 3.46g, third coinage, as class D, Edinburgh, large head,
pellet eyes, with star on sceptre, trefoils in arcs (S.5125), nearly VF £250
SC0813 James II, Halfgroat, 1.73g, second coinage, second issue, Edinburgh, lis
to right of crown, rev. three pellets in first and fourth quarters, crown in
second and third quarters, m.m. cross fourchée on obv., crown on rev.
(SCBI 35, -; B 2a, fig.551A; S.5243), two edge splits but VF and
excessively rare £1,350
SC0807 David II, Groat, 3.35g, third coinage, as class D, Edinburgh, large head,
pellets eyes, with star on sceptre, trefoils in arcs (S.5125), toned VF £250
SC0814 James III (1460-88), Groat, 2.24g, light issue of 1482, Edinburgh, small
bust with low crown of five fleurs, reads EDENBEOVRGE m.m. cross fleury,
(S.5280), metal flaw above crown, a handsome VF £650
SC0808 David II, Halfgroat,2.13g, second coinage, class A, Edinburgh (S.5105),
weak in parts, otherwise toned nearly EF and rare thus £475
54 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:20 Page 55
SC0822 James III, Halfgroat, 1.40g, main issue, Edinburgh, m.m. plain cross
SC0815 James III, Groat, 1.88g, base silver issue, Edinburgh, bust half right, (Cf. SCBI 35, 789-90; B 10, fig.648; S.5292), nearly fine and excessively
m.m. cross pattée (SCBI 35, 479ff; B 7, fig.578; S.5270), clear portrait, good rare £380
fine and rare £650 Mauchline (Ayrshire) Hoard 1971
SC0823 James III, Ecclesiastical Farthing, 0.54g, class II, rev. MONEPAVP, cross
with crowns and mullets (SCBI 35, 805; S.5314), flan flaw on obverse,
SC0816 James III, Halfgroat, 0.93g, base silver issue, Edinburgh, bust half right, otherwise about VF and very rare £425
m.m. cross pattée (SCBI 35, 753; B 3, fig. 585; S.5272), about fine and very
rare £850
SC0825 James IV, billon Penny, 0.42g, Edinburgh, first issue, facing crowned
bust, annulets by neck, rev. long cross, pellets in angles (B.2, fig 655;
SC0818 James III, Halfgroat, 1.07g, light issue of 1475, Berwick, crown of S.5357), nearly VF for issue, scarce £160
three tall fleurs, rev. pellets in first and fourth, mullets in second and third
quarters, m.m. cross pattée (SCBI 35, -; B 5, fig.594; S.5278), dark tone,
slightly creased fine and extremely rare £1,100
SC0819 James III, Halfgroat, 1.08g, light issue of c. 1467, Edinburgh, saltires by SC0826 James V (1513-42), ¡ Crown, 3.44g, second coinage, type III, crowned
neck, pellets with extra saltire in second and third quarters, m.m. cross arms, rounded base to shield, rev. cross fleury, thistles in angles, trefoil stops,
(SCBI 35, -; B -; S.5268), ragged edge, about fine, excessively rare - one of only m.m. star / crown (B.6; S.5370), good VF £5,250
two known £1,350
SC0820 No lot
SC0827 James V, Groat, 2.50g, second coinage, type III, Edinburgh, open
mantle, OPPIDV EDINBVRGI (S.5378), attractive portrait, bold VF £575
SC0821 James III, Groat, 2.86g, main issue, Edinburgh, bust half-left, annulet
on inner circle before face, m.m. cross fleury (S.5287), slightly double struck,
otherwise on a full flan, about VF £850
MARCH 2010 55
March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:20 Page 56
SC0834 James VI, after Accession, ¡ Unit, 9.94g, Tenth coinage, Scottish arms
in 1st and 4th quarters, m.m. thistle (St. p. 155, XVI/204; S.5464), graffiti
before Kings face, slightly buckled otherwise about VF and rare £1,750
SC0829 Mary (1542-67), Two-Thirds of Ryal, 20.30g, fourth period with Henry
Darnley, crowned shield, rev. tortoise climbing a palm tree, EXVRGAT legend
(S.5426), sometime cleaned but good very fine and rare thus £1,100
SC0835 James VI, before Accession to English Throne, Twenty Shillings, 14.50g,
1582, Fourth coinage (S.5489), an attractive bold VF and scarce thus £1,450
SC0830 Mary, Testoon, 6.00g, 1558, first period before marriage, type IIIb,
interior of crown above shield hatched, no annulets, m.m. crown on rev. only
(B27; S.5406), good VF £700
SC0836 James VI, before Accession, Balance Half-Merk, 4.34g, 1591, Sixth
coinage (B 1, fig.937; S.5491), toned, VF £675
SC0831 Mary, Bawbee, 1.59g, first period, Stirling (SCBI 58, 450-1; S.5434),
about VF, scarce £275
SC0837 James VI, after Accession, Eightpenny Billon Groat, 2.65g, crowned
shield, rev. crowned thistle, no inner circle (S.5511), good VF or better and rare
thus £195
SC0832 Mary, ‘Nonsunt’ Groat, 1.86g, second period, 1559, left facing dolphin
(SCBI 35, 1106-8; B 8, fig.891; S.5448), nearly VF £200
56 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:20 Page 57
Islamic Coins
I0816 Umayyad, temp. Hisham (724-43), ¡ Dinar, 4.15g, AH111, mintless type
(Damascus) (Walker 231; A.136), EF £425
I0809 Umayyad, temp. al-Walid I (705-15), ¡ Dinar, 4.25g, AH87, mintless
type (Damascus) (A.127), obverse a little dirty, EF £385
I0811 Umayyad, temp. al-Walid I, ¡ Dinar, 4.24g, AH91, mintless type I0818 Spanish Umayyad, Hisham II (first reign 976-1009), ¡ Dinar, 4.02g,
(Damscus), (Walker 202; A.127), small edge nick at top of reverse edge, Al-Andalus, AH393 (Miles, Spain 324e; Album 353.1), about EF,
good VF £325 scarce £2,400
MARCH 2010 57
March Listings:Layout 1 1/3/10 13:20 Page 58
I0831 Iran, Qajar Dynasty, Fath ‘Ali Shah, (1797-1834), ¡ Toman, 4.60g,
Dar el-Ibadat (Abode of Piety) Yazd, AH1233, type W (KM.753), EF £275
I0825 Mughal Empire, Babur (1526-30), Shahrukhi, mintless type, Kabul
(Rahman 60), good F £145
I0832 Iran, Qajar Dynasty, Fath ‘Ali Shah, ¡ Toman, 4.59g, Dar el-Ibadat
I0826 Mughal Empire, Aurangzeb (1658-1707), ¡ Mohur, 10.92g, (Abode of Piety) Yazd, AH1235, type W (KM.753), some peripheral weakness,
Aurangabad, AH1099, ry.31, mint in lower part of reverse (KM.315.11), good VF £265
good F/F £275
I0827 Mughal Empire, Aurangzeb (1658-1707), Rupee, Kabul, ry.34 I0833 Iran, Afsharid, Nadir Shah (1736-47), Rupi, Moqadas Mashhad, AH1155
(KM.300.45), VF £35 (KM.385.7), VF £55
58 NUMISMATIC CIRCULAR
March Cover:Cover 2007 1/3/10 13:12 Page 3
PS1 Victoria (1837-1901), “Una and the Lion” proof set, 1839, Five Pounds -
with 13 leaves to rear hair fillet, dirige legend and lettered edge - to Farthing
including Maundy Set (S.PS3), in somewhat ragged case of issue, some very minor marks
to gold coins and 3d, minor mark on edge of Halfcrown, otherwise as struck with a lovely
matching tone, unavailable to the market for over 70 years, very rare (15) £52,500
March Cover:Cover 2007 1/3/10 13:12 Page 1
NUMISMATIC
CIRCULAR March 2010 • Volume CXVIII • Number 1
Contents
An Official Byzantine Religious Medallion or Amulet? Portraits of Greek Coinage R. J. Eaglen 12
S. Bendall 5 Semiotics of Celtic Coins VIII – Seeing Past
ANCIENT, englISh AND foreign coins Tis a Mad World at Hoddesdon: John Clark’s the Die-Cutters Robert D. Van Arsdell 13
1668 Halfpenny Robert Thompson 6 16
and commemorative medals John Ross of Paisley
Book Reviews
Obituaries
An Unrecorded Token Issuer Mike Shaw 7 David Magnay 17
Symposium in Early Medieval Coinage 9 Ann Elizabeth Johnston 18
LONDON, THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2010 A Hoard of Oval Farthings from Ireland Dr. J. S. “Stoffel” Vogelaar 19
Tim Everson 10