Edward IV Groat, first reign, Heavy coinage, Group I, mm. cross, mascle in legend

Edward IV, first reign (1461-70), silver Groat of Fourpence, heavy coinage (1461-64), type I, London Mint, facing crowned bust, lis on neck, pellet either side of crown, all within double tressure of nine arcs, fleur on seven cusps, legend with inner and outer beaded circles surrounding, no stops apart from apostrophes, initial mark plain cross, +EDWARD' DEI GRA' REX AnGL' Z FRAnC, legend ends with mascle, 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 DOn, outer legend initial mark rose, +POSVI DEVm A DIVTOR E' mEVm, weight 3.69g (N.1529; S.1969). Attractively toned, with just a little weakness in parts, broadly struck with a good portrait, pleasing very fine and a very rare variation with mascle at end of legend.

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 I 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:

With Spink ticket priced by Patrick Finn dating from 1978.