REVIEW: COINS AND HISTORICAL MEDALS: 27 JANUARY

Two gold nobles from the earliest period of the first reign of Henry VI (1422-1461) proved to be the star lots in this auction, one struck at Calais, the other in London.

Both were of the annulet issue (1422-30), the better of the two being the coin struck in Calais. It had been consigned after being brought in for appraisal at Noonans’ monthly valuation day in Norwich.

Henry is the only English monarch to have been crowned King of France and this fine coin with an excellent portrait was distinguished by the flag at the stern of the ship behind the right shoulder of the king. The telltale annulets can be seen by the king’s wrist and at spandrel at 1 o’clock on the reverse. It had been straightened at some point, and this had resulted in some irregularity to the edge, but otherwise it was in better than very fine condition with an excellent portrait and full flan. Estimated at £3,000-3,600, it sold for £3,800.

The Noble struck in London also had the annulet by king’s wrist and in the spandrel at 1 o’clock to the reverse. It was a trifle crimped, with the edge rubbed between 11 and 1 o’clock, but was otherwise full and complete with a strong portrait of the king, and very fine and toned. Estimated at £2,000-2,600, it took £3,400.