COIN HOARD

Specialist Treasure Report for H.M. Coroner:

A small hoard - purse loss of silver coins

HM Coroner: Mr John Ellery

District: Shropshire

Findspot: Clee Hill, South Shropshire

Date of discovery: July 2015.

Circumstances of discovery: Whilst searching with a metal detector

Overview: A hoard of eight low denomination silver coins dating from the late 16^th Century

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Description / Catalogue:

Silver groat of Mary I (AD 1553-54) Privy Mark: Pomegranate

Obverse: Crowned bust facing left

MARIA D G ANG FRA Z HIB REGINA

Reverse: Long cross fourchee over square royal shield

VERITAS TEMPORIS FILIA

1. Weight: 1.6 grams, Diameter: 12.4mm, Die Axis: 8 o'clock.

Reference: North 1960

Silver Groat of Elizabeth I (AD 1558-1603) First Issue (AD 1558-60) Initial Mark: Lis (AD 1558-60)

Obverse: Crowned bust facing left

ELIZABETH D G ANG FRA Z HIB REGINA

Reverse: Long cross fourchee over square royal shield

POSVI DEV ADIVTOREM MEV

2. Weight: 1.9 grams, Diameter: 22.4mm, Die Axis: 7 o'clock.

Reference: North 1986

Silver Sixpence of Elizabeth I (AD 1558-1603) Second Issue (AD 1561-1582)

Obverse: Crowned bust facing left with rose behind head

ELIZABETH D G ANG FRA Z HIB REGINA

Reverse: Long cross fourchee over square royal shield

POSVI DEV ADIVTOREM MEV

3. Weight: 1.3 grams, Diameter: 26.1mm, Die Axis: 7 o'clock, Initial Mark: Pheon (AD 1561-65)

4. Weight: 3.1 grams, Diameter: 25.8mm, Die Axis: 8 o'clock, Initial Mark: Pheon (AD 1561-65)

5. Weight: 3.0 grams, Diameter: 25.5mm, Die Axis: 12 o'clock, Initial Mark: Coronet (AD 1567-70)

6. Weight: 3.0 grams, Diameter: 26.4mm, Die Axis: 1 o'clock, Initial Mark: Castle (AD 1570-72)

Reference: North 1997

Silver Threepence of Elizabeth I (AD 1558-1603) Second Issue (AD 1561-1582)

Obverse: Crowned Bust facing left with rose

ELIZABETH D G ANG FRA Z HIB REGINA

Reverse: Long cross fourchee over square royal shield

POSVI DEV ADIVTOREM MEV

7. Weight: 1.4 grams, Diameter: 19.3mm, Die Axis: 9 o'clock, Initial Mark: Pheon (AD 1561-65)

8. Weight: 3.1 grams, Diameter: 19.1mm, Die Axis: 8 o'clock, Initial Mark: Pheon (AD 1561-65)

Reference: North 1998

Discussion and Dating:

The eight silver coins described herein were stuck between AD 1553 and 1572 during the reign of the English late Tudor monarchs Mary I (1553-1558) and Elizabeth I (1558-1603). All the coins would have circulated as currency at the same time. The coins were lost / deposited after 1572. The oldest coin (Cat No 1) has demonstrably more wear than that of the later coins; such wear is commensurate with a coin that has been in circulation for almost twenty years. The finder of this group reported these coins as a potential purse loss as they were found relatively close together and they all are of similar condition with similar wear and corroded surface patina.

Metal Content:

The coins have not been tested for their precious metal content; however, all of the coins will consist of silver of the sterling standard, consistent with the currency of the period.

References:

North J.J.: 2000: English Hammered Coinage; Volume II Edward I to Charles II c.1272-1662 Third Edition Spink: London

Author

Peter Reavill

Finds Liaison Officer, Portable Antiquities Scheme

Catalogue Compiled with help of Mr. Henry Nead - PASt explorer volunteer

Museum Resource Centre; Ludlow - July 2016