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1 Penny - John Short Cross type, class 5a1
| Issuer | England |
|---|---|
| Year | 1204-1205 |
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| Value | Log in to see details |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | 1.5 g |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | ҺЄNRICVS RЄX (Translation: King Henry) |
| Reverse description | A voided short cross extends to the inner beaded circle, with quatrefoils of four pellets occupying each of the four angles between the arms of the cross. This central device is enclosed within an inner beaded circle, beyond which the two-line legend records the moneyer's name and mint, separated by the cross terminals. The design is typical of the class 5a1 Short Cross series, characterised by its crisp geometric ornaments and standardised layout. The inscription reads RAVF ON LVNDE, identifying the moneyer Rauf operating at the London mint. |
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| Additional information |
Class 5a1 marks the opening subdivision of the Short Cross penny's fifth class, distinguished from adjacent dies primarily by the form of the moneyer's lettering — a classification system painstakingly assembled by researchers working from die-link studies rather than any contemporary administrative record. John's reign saw persistent debasement anxiety, and the Short Cross type, introduced under Henry II in 1180, was already showing the chronic clipping and counterfeiting problems that would eventually force the Long Cross reform of 1247. By 1204–1205, England was also absorbing the financial shock of losing Normandy to Philip II the previous year.