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1 Noble - Henry IV Heavy coinage, Calais mint
| Issuer | England |
|---|---|
| Year | 1399-1412 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Obverse lettering | HENRICxDEIxGRAxREXxANGLxZxFRANCxDxHIBxZxAQT (Translation: Henry by the Grace of God King of England and France Lord of Ireland and Aquitaine) |
| Reverse description | An elaborate floriated cross with arms extending outward to a beaded inner circle, each arm terminating in ornate trefoil or fleur-de-lis finials. The central panel of the cross contains the letter 'H' as a mint or privy mark reference to Henry. Four crowned lions and four lis appear alternately in the quarters formed by the cross arms. Saltire stops punctuate the surrounding legend, which is drawn from the Gospel of Luke. The overall design is a classic example of the English medieval noble reverse type. |
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| Additional information |
Henry IV's heavy coinage nobles were struck at the pre-debasement weight standard inherited from Edward III, a deliberate political choice to project fiscal stability at the outset of a reign built on usurpation. The Calais mint had been established specifically to coin the bullion passing through the staple, and by Henry's reign it was producing nobles in parallel with London and York under tight royal supervision.
The heavy coinage was abandoned after 1412 when the weight was reduced, making this the heavier of the two noble types Henry issued.