Description
Edward IV (1461-70), First reign, Groat, York mint, light coinage (1464-70), Type XI, crowned facing bust with trefoils at neck and Lombardic E on breast, within tressure of arches, mintmark lis (1467-70), legend surrounds EDWARD DI GRA REX ANGL Z FRANC, trefoils on cusps except above crown. Rev, mintmark lis, long cross pattee, tri-pellets in each inner angle, twin concentric legends and beaded circles surrounding, outer legend reads POSVI DEVM ADIVTORE MEVM, inner legend CIVITAS EBORACI, saltire stops on obverse only, 2.98g (S.2014; N.1570 – York, B&W. XI.4 var).
Slightly clipped a small incision above portrait most probably as a result, well-toned with a more than comprehensive portrait , legends intelligible. A scarce variety with the lack of saltire stops on the reverse. Very fine, scarce in variety if not rare.
An example of this exact type (no reverse stops) went to auction via Spinks on the 26th March 2008, Auction 8006, lot 643, albeit on a rounder flan, arguably with a less pronounced portrait than our example. This coin hammered for £320 [inclusive of premium £397]. An excellent opportunity for the discerning Groat collector to obtain a scarce variety within the light coinage York Issues. The portrait most striking and well centred. (cf., Blunt & Whitton, BNJ Volume 25, ‘The coinages of Edward IV and of Henry VI restored, pp 4-59, C. E. Blunt and C. A. Whitton).
