Description
Henry VI (1422-61), first reign, Groat, Calais mint, annulet issue (1422-30), mintmark incurved pierced cross both sides, facing crowned bust, annulet either side of neck, saltire stops, legend surrounding +HENRIC DI GRA REX ANGL Z FRANC. Rev, long cross fourchee, trefoil of pellets in angles, annulets in two quarters, reads +POSVI DEVM A DIVTOR E MEVM, inner script VIL LA CALI SIE, 3.86g (S.1836; N.1427).
Darkly toned with underlying mint brilliance distributed equally across both sides, impressive portrait showing up especially in the striations of hair. Legends fully legible with the exception of one soft spot, reverse excellent with a clean strike. Struck on a fully rounded flan, much eye appeal. Good very fine for type, some annealing fissures, frequently encountered for the type.
Ex Mayfair coins, bought March 1980