England AR shilling c. 1551-3 Edward VI, third period, fine silver issue, Tower (London) mint, mintmark tun VF

Edward VI, third period, fine silver issue, AR shilling c. 1551-3 (6.08 g), mintmark tun both sides, his facing crowned bust, rose to left, mark of value to right/quartered arms of France and England superimposed on cross fourchée.

This coin has several marks carefully engraved on both sides - four crosses on the obverse, and lines above the shield on the reverse. This is because these coins were commonly used to play the game of "shove-groat" due to their relatively low relief, and players would mark their pieces so they could recognise them at the conclusion of the game. The practice is referred to twice in Shakespeare (Henry IV pt. II, II.iv.207; Merry Wives of Windsor, I.i.160). Luckily for us this coin was put back into circulation or saved before the portrait was worn flat, as commonly occurred.

Very fine, old cabinet tone, somewhat chased in fields, contemporary graffiti.

Spink 2482; North 1937

 

 

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