Edward IV first reign Groat, heavy coinage, London, eye after TAS

Edward IV, first reign (1461-70), silver Groat of Fourpence, heavy coinage (1461-64), type III, London Mint, facing crowned bust, quatrefoil each side of neck, within double tressure of nine arcs, fleur on six cusps, blundered trefoil on breast, legend with inner and outer beaded circles surrounding, saltire stops, initial mark rose (1464-65), EDWARD'x DIx GRAx REX'x AnGL'x Zx FRAnC, rev. long cross pattée, tri-pellets in each inner angle, double concentric legends with beaded inner and outer circles surrounding, inner legend reads CIVI TAS LOn DOnxx, outer legend initial mark rose, POSVI DEVm' A DIVTOR E' mEVm, weight 3.85g (N.1532; S.1973). Attractively toned, with a couple of rim imperfections, broadly struck with a very well-defined portrait, very pleasing, good very fine.

During the first reign of King Edward IV there was another adjustment in the weights of the coinage for both gold and silver in order to increase the bullion supply. The heavier standard only being current for the first three years of the reign, of which there are four classifications of the silver Groat, of which this is type III from the London Mint.

The obverse Latin legend translates as "Edward by the grace of God, King of England and France" and the reverse as "I have made God my helper" in the outer legend and "City of London" on the inner legend.

Provenance:

Ex A Collection of Hammered Coins of England, Scotland and Ireland, Spink Coin Auction 155, 3^rd October 2001, lot 411.

Ex Neil Smith Collection of British Silver Coins, New York Sale XLIX, 15^th January 2020, lot 1247.