Edward IV first reign light coinage silver Penny, York under Bishop Neville

Edward IV, first reign (1461-70), silver long cross Penny, light coinage (1464-70), York Mint, London cut dies, ecclesiastical issue under Archbishop George Neville, facing crowned bust in beaded circle, G to left of neck, key to right, initial mark small lis, legend surrounding, beaded outer border, +EDWARD. DI GRA REX. AnG, rev. long cross pattée, quatrefoil at centre, tri-pellets in each inner angle, beaded circles and legend around, CIVI TAS EBO RACI, weight 0.51g (N.1599; S.2063). Toned, with a lovely clear portrait and symbols, one light scratch across face, otherwise good very fine.

The Latin abbreviated legend translates as "Edward, by the grace of God, King of the England" and on the reverse "City of York."

George Neville (c.1432-8th June 1476) was the youngest son of Richard the 5th Earl of Salisbury and the younger brother of Richard the 16th Earl of Warwick. Educated through Baliol College Oxford and destined for a clerical profession he became Bishop of Exeter in 1458 consecrated on the 3rd December. He became keeper of the Great Seal after the Battle of Northampton at which he was present with his elder brother in July 1460 and was involved in later proclaiming Edward IV King. He also served as Chancellor of the University of Oxford for many years.

George Neville helped with negotiations with Scotland in 1464 and subsequently became Archbishop of York on the 15th March 1465 and was enthroned at Cawood Castle in September of that year. The enthronement was an extravagant large gathering with amongst the guest list, 28 Peers, 59 Knights, 10 Abbots and 7 Bishops in attendance with thousands of meals served.

In subsequent years the Neville Family fell out of favour with Edward IV and he took back the Great Seal in June 1467 for George Neville's obstruction of his Royal plans. In 1469 after a Yorkshire rising the King fell into the hands of Archbishop Neville and was briefly imprisoned before being permitted to escape. Neville's brother Warwick was defeated at Stamford in 1470 and the Archbishop took an oath of allegiance to Edward who shortly had to travel to the Netherlands whilst Henry was restored. Neville acted as Chancellor for Henry VI in his brief restoration but as fortunes turned again and Edward returned it was Neville who helped deliver Henry VI to him, and was even briefly held in the Tower captive with the deposed King. Neville was pardoned in April 1471 but later re-arrested on 25th April 1472 on a charge of Treason and conveyed to France as a prisoner at Hammes Castle near Calais until November of 1474. He then returned to England dying 18 months later on the 8th June 1476.

Provenance:

Ex Mrs M. Delme Radcliffe, Glendining, 17th April 1985, lot 282 part.

Ex David Dupree Collection, purchased by Spink and Son Ltd 1989.

Ex Spink Numismatic Circular, December 1996, item 5967.

Ex Mark Freehill Collection, Noble Numismatics, Auction 122, 19-21st November 2019, lot 2856.