King John'Lackland' (1199-1216) Short Cross Silver Penny London Mint, Walter, C

  

Near Very Fine, excellent portrait. Facing bust, pearled crown, two curls to either side, sceptre in right hand, hENRICVS REX. Small voided cross with quatrefoils in each angle, beaded circle around, +WALTER ON LVN.

No English coins were made in the name of John, only Irish coins bear. A mere paragraph can not to justice to this larger than life king of England, his coinage doesn't reflect this either. He came to the throne in 1199 after the death of his brother, Richard (the Lionheart). As a young man, he already already had a reputation for treachery.

For example, whilst Richard was away at the Crusades, John attempted to overthrow the appointed regent, presumable to take the throne, but failed. Then, whilst Richard was returning home and he was kidnapped, he offered to pay the kidnappers to keep him imprisoned and away from England for as long as possible!

He was only released when his mother pawned the crown jewels to pay the ransom! In his defence, modern historians have removed the layers of hatred bestowed on him and see him to have been hard working and an able administrator and general, albeit with psychopathic tendencies. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades in between. As struck with no traces of wear. Very slight traces of wear, all parts of legend etc present, visible and clear.

Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief, all parts of legend etc present, but maybe worn. Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible. I have been involved in the antiques business since 1971. My career took a leap forward when I joined Bonhams in 1976. Some five years later I became head of the Decorative Arts department. The item "King John'Lackland' (1199-1216) Short Cross Silver Penny London Mint, Walter, C" is in sale since Friday, March 26, 2021. This item is in the category "Coins\Coins\British\Hammered (Pre-c. The seller is "eric-knowles-the-hoard" and is located in High Wycombe. This item can be shipped worldwide.

1. Country of Origin: Great Britain
2. Modified Item: No
3. Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
4. Metal: Silver