PLANTAGENET. Edward I. 1272-1307. AR Groat (29mm, 5.39 g, 10h). New coinage, variety b. Tower (London) mint. Struck circa 1279. Crowned facing bust within triple (plain and beaded) quadrilobe, cinquefoils flanking; flowers in spandrels / Long cross pattée; triple pellets in quarters. SCBI 39 (North), 6; North 1008; SCBC 1379B. Toned, corroded surfaces, scratch, gouge, bent flan. Good Fine. Rare.
From the Arthur M. Fitts III Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 49 (17 March 1999), lot 2246.
In 1279 Edward I undertook a major recoinage that 'set the pattern for English silver coinage for the next two centuries until nearly the end of the reign of Henry VII.' The Penny was redesigned and the Halfpenny and Farthing were introduced. A heavy Groat of fourpence, weighing 90 grains, was the most novel and short lived feature of the new coinage. 'Its introduction was probably suggested by one or other of the foreign moneyers in charge of the recoinage... since they would have been accustomed to such denominations. The beautiful lettering points to a French or Italian model.' Greirson, p.118-19