Henry III Penny, long cross, class 3b, York Mint, moneyer Alain

Henry III (1216-72), silver Penny, Phase II (1248-50), voided long cross type, class 3b (c.1248), York Mint, moneyer Alain, neat facing crowned head, legend commences at top with inner and outer beaded border surrounding, initial mark six pointed star, +hENRICVS REX. III, rev. long voided cross pommée, trio of pellets in each angle, legend surrounding with inner and outer beaded border, ALA IN O N EV ERV, weight 1.40g (N.987; S.1363). Toned, well struck with a little excess metal on one part of rim, a bold very fine with a good provenance.

The obverse Latin legend translates as "Henry the Third King" and the reverse as "Alan of York."

In an effort to curtail clipping of the edges if coins, Henry III was the first to introduce a coinage where the reverse cross extended to towards the rim of the coin so any tampering of the edge would be more obvious to the casual observer. The new design having a voided cross pommée with groups of three pellets in each inner angle. The coinage running for a 32 year period from 1247 until 1279 in the reign of Edward I. The London Mint operated with up to 11 moneyers which was one more than the 10 at Canterbury and run through 5 different classes in this reign with multiple sub-classes and varieties, transitioning into two more later classes in the reign of Edward I.

Provenance:
Ex Richard Cyril Lockett, English Part I, Glendining, 6th-9th June 1955, lot 1203 part. (only seven lots after Henry III gold Penny).
Ex Dave Hess, Baton Rouge Louisiana, US based specialist in British coins 1960s and 1970s.
Ex Noble Numismatics Auction 60, Australia, 21st Aril 1999, lot 3626.
Ex Mark Freehill Collection, Noble Numismatics, Auction 122, 19-21st November 2019, lot 2789.