Groschen with Castle Tournois and Leopard - Henry of Lancastre

Historical Context: This Groschen, minted between 1347 and 1351 under Henry of Lancastre, Duke of Lancaster, offers a compelling numismatic snapshot of the Hundred Years' War. As King Edward III's Lieutenant in Gascony, Henry held significant authority, including the right to mint coinage from Bergerac, a strategic stronghold. This period saw intense Anglo-French conflict, and the issuance of such coins served as a tangible assertion of English sovereignty and economic control over territories claimed by the English Crown in southwestern France, reflecting the decentralized nature of power during the era.

Artistry: While no specific engraver is recorded, the coin's design adheres to the Anglo-Gallic numismatic style prevalent in Gascony. The obverse features a robust Castle Tournois, a common medieval motif symbolizing urban authority or the mint itself, often depicted with three prominent turrets. The reverse unmistakably displays a leopard, a heraldic beast directly derived from the English royal arms, signifying English suzerainty. The overall artistry prioritizes clear symbolic communication over intricate detail, characteristic of coinage intended for broad circulation in a contested region.

Technical/Grading: This silver groschen, with a weight of 1.72 grams and a diameter of 24 mm, exhibits typical characteristics of medieval coinage. For optimal grading, collectors seek sharp details on the high-points: the distinct rendering of the castle's turrets and masonry on the obverse, and the clear definition of the leopard's head, mane, and paws on the reverse. A strong, well-centered strike is desirable, though minor planchet irregularities or partial weakness in the legends are common due to the manual minting processes of the period.