John (1199-1216), Short Cross coinage, Penny, 1.53g, class 5aí1, Canterbury, Samuel, neat bust with sceptre left, hair composed of two pairs of curls either side, initial cross pattée, reversed S in legend, rev. +samvelonca, short cross voided with quatrefoil in each angle (cf N.968/4; S.1350A), the reverse struck slightly off-centre, darkly toned, very fine on a full flan (N.968/4; S.1350A; Stewartby Va1A), very rare.
:ex S N Lane, ex P WoodheadAn old ticket accompanies this coin describing it as an imitation. A few details such as the early style h and the e for c in the obverse legend, or the small curves in place of the normal large curls with pellets for the hair raise questions, but the similarities with the Mass coins SCBI 56/1227 and 1236 coupled with this moneyers use of similar styles on both earlier and later coins indicate an official issue.
Estimate: £400.00 - £600.00