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COIN
Unique ID: SWYOR-5ADFCD
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A gold-plated counterfeit, imitation or replica hammered coin copying a quarter noble of Richard II (AD 1377 - 1399). Compare North (1991) Volume II, number 1318 on page 62, variant 4. The coin is incomplete.
The obverse shows a shield of England in an 8-arched tressure. The obverse legend reads RIC[ARD D GR]A REX ANGL with double saltires separating each word. The reverse depicts a Lis at the centre of a floriated cross with a lis at the end of each arm and a lion passant guardant in each angle, all within a tressure of eight arches. The reverse legend reads EXALTABIT[VR IN GLOR]IA. Compare WMID-01B815.
The coin is 18.9mm diameter, 0.6mm thick and 0.84g. Die axis: 12o'clock. The striking is not very clear, probably because the gold has been added over a silver or base-metal core. This is visible as a dark grey core where the coin is broken. The gold is quite thick and is probably plating rather than gilding.
Contemporary counterfeits are known. In Mints and Money in Medieval England, page 376, Martin Allen describes how "In 1389 seven counterfeiters were tried and executed at Lincoln for converting a noble into six counterfeit quarter nobles. Surviving counterfeits of a half noble of Richard II [...] were made by covering a base-metal or silver core with a gold or silver-gilt plating, and then striking the resulting blank with false dies." However, this coin could also be a more recent copy.
Find of note status
This is a find of note and has been designated: National importance
Class: counterfeit
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MODERN
Date from: Circa AD 1377
Date to: Circa AD 2015
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Thickness: 0.6 mm
Weight: 0.84 g
Diameter: 18.9 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Thursday 1st January 2015 - Thursday 31st December 2015
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Other reference numbers
Other reference: PAS form number 2927
Materials and construction
Primary material: Silver
Secondary material: Gold
Completeness: Incomplete
Surface Treatment: Gilded
Coin data (numismatics)
Denomination: Quarter noble
Ruler/issuer: Richard II of England
Category: English coin Late Medieval 1377 - 1489
Type: Gold quarter-noble: Richard II (N 1317-1319)
Obverse description: Shield of England in an 8-arched tressure. Nothing above. Double saltire stops
Obverse inscription: RIC[ARD D GR]A REX ANGL
Reverse description: Lis at the centre of a floriated cross with a lis at the end of each arm and a lion passant guardant in each angle, all within a tressure of eight arches.
Reverse inscription: EXALTABIT[VR IN GLOR]IA
Initial mark: cross pattee
Die axis measurement: 12 o'clock
Degree of wear: Worn: fine
Coin references
No coin references available.
Spatial metadata
Region: East Midlands (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Nottinghamshire (County)
District: Newark and Sherwood (District)
Parish or ward: North Clifton (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SK8272
Four figure Latitude: 53.23870693
Four figure longitude: -0.77281331
1:25K map: SK8272
1:10K map: SK87SW
Grid reference source: Centred on field
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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