Code: 12869
This is a medieval silver halfgroat (two pence) of King Henry VI, minted in Calais between 1422 - 1430 AD. It is from the Annulet issue. Henry became king at eight months old in 1422. The Annulet issue struck until his eighth birthday. This coin depicts the king as a boy, around 5-6 years old, with a mischievous smile!
Obverse: facing crowned bust, within double tressure of nine arcs, fleurs on six cusps, beaded circles and legend surrounding. Legend reads: +HENRICxDIxGRAxREXxANGLxZxFR "Henry, by the grace of God, King of England and France" initial mark pierced cross
Reverse: Long cross pattee, tri-pellets in each inner angle, beaded circles and double concentric legends surrounding, VIL LA CAL IS, outer legend initial mark pierced cross, +POSVI DEVm A DIVTOR E’ mEVm "I have made God my helper" a Psalm from the Bible, with "Town of Calais" on the inner circle.
DENOMINATION: Halfgroat (2d)
CULTURE: Medieval France (Hundred Years War)
MONARCH: Henry VI
DATE: 1422 - 1430 AD
MATERIAL: Silver
SIZE: 21mm diameter
WEIGHT: 1.75 grams
ATTRIBUTION: S-1840
PROVENANCE: Formerly in a private collection, Boston, United Kingdom
