Early Halfpennies
A few Henry I silver halfpennies have been discovered recently. The issue is possibly a pattern or trial, but it is obvious that several specimens entered circulation. The obverse features an uncrowned front-facing bust of the king, with the inscription – King Henry – while the reverse features a cross with the identification of the moneyer – Godwin of Winchester.
Two issues, both struck at the London mint, have been discovered recently. Both are in the short-cross style of King Henry III, produced between 1216 and 1247, and are similar in design to the pennies, but only half the size. The obverse shows a crowned bust of the king holding a sceptre, with the inscription, while the reverse shows a small cross with four pellets in each quarter with the moneyer's inscription – Terry (or Elis) of London.
Read more about this topic: Halfpenny (British Pre-decimal Coin)
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