Date: 1472-78 ?

Edward IV, Second Reign, Groat, Light cross & pellets coinage, Waterford, m.m. pierced cross double fitchy

Description:

Edward IV, Light Cross and Pellets coinage, Groat, Waterford mint, m.m. pierced cross double fitchy, crowned bust facing, G on breast, rev. cross and pellets with an additional saltire in the first and third quarter. Some peripheral striking softness, nonetheless toned, good fine or better for issue.

• Weight: 1.97 g
• References: S 6349

Obverse:

• Facing bust, “G” below bust, cinquefoils by neck; all within tressure of arches
  • The “G” stands for Germyn Lynch, Master of the Mint
  • Germyn Lynch, who flourished in the mid-late 15th century, is recorded as having served as a shipmaster, goldsmith, freeman and alderman of London
  • He was also the Master of the Irish mints – a post from which he was dismissed five times on account of making lightweight coins, such as the issue above
• mm. pierced cross double fitchy
• Legend:
  • “EDWARDVS DEI GRA DNS HYBER”
    • Translates as: “Edward, King by the Grace of God, Lord of Ireland“

Reverse:

• Long cross pattée, with cross and pellets with an additional saltire in the first and third quarter
  • Inner Legend: “CIVI  TASW  ATER  FORD”
    • Translates as: “City of Waterford”
  • Outer Legend: “POSVI DEUM ADIVTOREM MEUM”
    • Translates as: “I have made God my helper”

Category:

• Anglo-Norman
  • House of York
• Edward IV (1471-1483)
  • Second period of rule (11th April 1471 – 9th April 1483)
    • War of the Roses
• Hammered

Other coins in this Series:

• Checklist: Anglo-Norman Coinage

Further Reading:

• Blog Post: Edward IV issues Irish coins of the English standard (1463)
• Blog Post: Edward IV issues Irish coins of a lower standard (1467)