Description
Richard II (1377-99), Groat, Type II, mint mark cross pattée, facing crowned bust within double tressure of nine arcs, fleur on each cusp and on breast, legend surrounding with saltire stops, +RICARD DI GRA RE ANGL Z (retrograde Z ) FRANCIE. Rev, long cross, tri-pellets in each angle, double legends, inner legend reads CIVITAS LONDON, lombardic N’s, both re-entered outer script surrounds, +POSVI DEVM A DIVTOR EM MEV, 4.36g (S.1679; N.1320b : Type II; Potter IIc-2/IId).
Even cabinet toning, a competent example of the type II Groat for the reign, slightly short of flan, well centred. Portrait comprehensive with some wear, still attractive. Reverse, underlying golden toning, clear scripts, pleasing. Near very fine in strike, ample details in place on both obverse and reverse to recognise the type, the retrograde Z in place, very rare.
Purchased Seaby, 1988
Ivan Buck, Spink 176, 30 November 2005, lot 86
SJA 7, 7 February 2008, lot 69
