British Coins

1141 Penny – Empress Matilda - The 1141 Penny of Empress Matilda aka Empress Maude, was one of the claimants to the English throne during the civil war known as the Anarchy. Her 'reign' was 1141-1148.

1205-1207 Penny – John - The 1205 Penny King John. Short Cross coinage started in 1180 with Henry II and continued through Richard, John and Henry III. All the coins carry the name HENRICVS.

1900 Halfcrown – Victoria - The 1900 Silver halfcrown of Queen Victoria. The Reverse, by Thomas Brock, shows a Crowned quartered shield of arms in a collar.

1911 Gold Sovereign Canada - 1911 Gold Sovereign minted at the Canadian Mint. A small ‘C’ just above the date indicates the sovereign was produced at the Ottawa Mint.

1687 Crown – Second Bust – James II - 1687 Crown (5 shillings) of King James II minted at the Tower Mint, London. The Reverse is four crowned shields. Date divided.

1900 Gold Sovereign Melbourne - 1900 Gold Sovereign Melbourne Mint, shows Queen Victoria’s Old head (also known as the Widow head or Veiled head), designed by Thomas Brock RA.

2008 Silver Britannia BU - The 2008 Silver Britannia (£2) BU/Unc shows Britannia standing with a trident and a shield. Britannia's dress artistically transforms into a wave.

1544 Groat Henry VIII Second head Laker bust - The 1544 Silver Groat of King Henry VIII, showing the Second head Laker bust. Second Coinage. Canterbury.

1344-1351 Edward III Penny London Mint – Third Coinage - The 1344-1351 Edward III Silver Penny. Third Coinage, minted at the London Mint. "CVI TAS LON DON" meaning "City of London" is a bit of a giveaway!

1905 Gold Sovereign – London – Edward VII - The Obverse shows a portrait of King Edward VII. The engravers initials (just below the head) are "De S" denoting George William De Saulles (1862-1903).