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COIN
Unique ID: SUSS-393F48
Object type certainty: Probably
Workflow
status: Published 
I have examined a coin reported found near Chichester. The coin is a half-groat (2-pence) in the name of Henry VIII, but struck in the early part of Edward VI's reign, 1547-51, at the Southwark mint. Although single coins are not normally eligible for consideration under the terms of the Treasure Act, coins converted into jewellery are so eligible. This coin has been pierced, more or less aligned with the king's portrait on the obverse, and also, it appears, has been gilded.
This coin was issued during the Great Debasement and has a fineness of about a third silver, instead of the traditional sterling level of over 90% silver. Coins of the Debasement were not well regarded and virtually all surviving examples were finally removed from currency by Elizabeth I in 1560-1, although it is possible most of the coinage in Henry VIII's name was eliminated some years earlier. It is a surprise to find such a poorly-regarded coin converted into a piece of jewellery, though perhaps this was done because it was no longer usable as a piece of currency.
On balance, there is enough evidence to suggest that, as a coin of 30% silver that has apparently been converted into a decorative item, this object fulfils the criteria of Treasure, according to the terms of the Act.
Dr Barrie J. Cook
Curator of Medieval and Early Modern Coinage
Department of Coins and Medals
British Museum
London
WC1B 3DG
Notes:
Probably Treasure. Did not realise this was in the finds bag. Need to contact finder. 12.11.14
Evidence of reuse: Pierced for probable use as a pendant.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Donated to museum after being declared Treasure
Treasure details
Treasure case tracking number: 2014T911
Chronology
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Exactly AD 1547
Date to: Exactly AD 1551
Period of reuse: POST MEDIEVAL
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Thickness: 0.56 mm
Weight: 18.94 g
Diameter: 0.96 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Saturday 17th May 2014
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Treasure case number: 2014T911
Materials and construction
Primary material: Silver
Manufacture method: Struck or hammered
Completeness: Complete
Surface Treatment: Gilded
Coin data (numismatics)
Denomination: Halfgroat (silver)
Ruler/issuer: Edward VI of England
Mint or issue place: The Tower of London
Category: English coin early Modern 1489 - 1660
Type: Halfgroat: Edward VI, in the name of Henry VIII, 1547-1551 (N 1877 - 1882)
Obverse description: Three-quarters facing bust of Henry VIII
Obverse inscription: illegible
Reverse description: Long cross dividing the inscription over square shield enclosing royal arms
Reverse inscription: CIVI/[ ]/LON/DON
Degree of wear: Worn: fine
Coin references
No coin references available.
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: West Sussex (County)
District: Chichester (District)
To be known as: Near Chichester
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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