Medieval English Hammered Farthings: Richard II Farthing

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The shortage of small change - both farthings and halfpence - was a continuing problem throughout the Middle Ages. The farthing played an essential part of London life - particularly among the poor and in small everyday transactions.

A farthing paid for: the toll for a laden horse to cross Holborn Bridge; the price of half a gallon of best ale; the cost of two red herrings; or the charge imposed by the city for every laden horse passing through the city gates¹.

Farthings of Richard II are rare, but they have a reputation for being rarer than they actually are - though a single variety with a small rose in each reverse quarter is extremely rare.
From a numismatic point of view, there are several features of note on the farthings of Richard II.

The die used for the king's head is the same as that used at the end of Edward III's reign.

As with the earlier Edward III Post-Treaty farthings, the diameter of the inner circle is only 5.5mm.

A recent study of 30 Richard II farthings found 12 obverse dies.

Spink groups the Richard II farthings into broad types: large head; small head; with neck; without neck; and with either pellets or roses on the reverse.

Withers has gone into more detail and listed a number of spelling and punctuation varieties - though further varieties are bound to appear as more examples come to light. Somewhat surprisingly, the latter do not consider with or without a neck as separate types!

This listing treats a head with a neck and a head without a neck as different classes.

Some examples appear to be missing the "spearheads" in the
crown:

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST with NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm (i.c.d.o: 5mm)
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RICΛRDVS:REX:AnGL'
Small neat head (same punches as used by Edward III, type 9
& 10). Crown with spearheads between side fleurs.
Bust with neck. Every example seen has the inner circle branch into
three parts to the right of the crown giving the appearance that it
has been double-struck. (Unlike the obvserse, the reverse of this
coin has actually been double-struck)
Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with three pellets in each quarter.

Reference(s):
W. RII 1a
S.1701
N.1333a
Purvey²: Series 1
Scarcity: Very Rare

Guide Price:
£110 (Fine)
£475 (Very Fine)

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST with NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm (i.c.d.o: 5mm)
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RICΛRDVS:REX:ΛnGL:
Small neat head (same punches as used by Edward III, type 9
& 10). Crown with spearheads between side fleurs.
Bust with neck.
Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with three pellets in each quarter.

Reference(s) *:
W. RII 1b
S.1701
N.1333a
Purvey²: Series 1
Scarcity: Very Rare

Guide Price:
£110 (Fine)
£475 (Very Fine)

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST with NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm (i.c.d.o: 5mm)
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RICΛRD:REX:ΛnGL
Small neat head (same punches as used by Edward III, type 9
& 10). Crown with spearheads between side fleurs.
Bust with neck.
Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with three pellets in each quarter.

Reference(s) *:
W. RII 1c
S.1701
N.1333b
Purvey²: Series 2
Scarcity: Very Rare

Guide Price:
£110 (Fine)
£475 (Very Fine)

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST with NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm (i.c.d.o: 5mm)
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RICΛRD:REX:ΛnGL:
Small neat head (same punches as used by Edward III, type 9
& 10). Crown with spearheads between side fleurs.
Bust with neck.
Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with three pellets in each quarter.

Reference(s) *:
W. RII 1d
S.1701
N.1333b
Purvey²: Series 1
Notes:
This variety, with the colon (more accurately double pellet) stops is
the most common of this Type. Nevertheless, this is still a very rare
coin.

Scarcity: Very Rare

Guide Price:
£110 (Fine)
£475 (Very Fine)

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST with NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm (i.c.d.o: 5mm)
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RICΛRDxREXxΛnGL
Small neat head (same punches as used by Edward III, type 9
& 10). Crown with spearheads between side fleurs.
Bust with neck.
Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with three pellets in each quarter.

Reference(s):
W. RII 1e
S.1701
N.1333b
Purvey²: Series 2
Scarcity: Very Rare

Guide Price:
£110 (Fine)
£475 (Very Fine)

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST with NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm (i.c.d.o: 5mm)
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RICΛRD:REX:ΛnGLIE
Small neat head (same punches as used by Edward III, type 9
& 10). Crown with spearheads between side fleurs.
Bust with neck.
Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with three pellets in each quarter.

Reference(s):
W. RII 1f
S.1701
N.-
Purvey²: Series 2
Scarcity: Very Rare

Guide Price:
£110 (Fine)
£475 (Very Fine)

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST with NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm (i.c.d.o: 5mm)
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RIEARD:REX:ΛnGLIE
Small neat head (same punches as used by Edward III, type 9
& 10). Crown with spearheads between side fleurs.
Bust with neck.
Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with three pellets in each quarter.

Reference(s):
W. RII 1g
S.-
N.-
Purvey²: Series 2 var
Scarcity: Very Rare

Guide Price:
£125 (Fine)
£550 (Very Fine)

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST with NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm (i.c.d.o: 5mm)
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RICΛRDxREXxΛnGL
Small neat head (same punches as used by Edward III, type 9
& 10). Crown with spearheads between side fleurs.
Bust with neck.
Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with roses in each quarter. Only 3 examples with
roses are known.

Reference(s) *:
W. RII 1h
S.1704
N.1335
Purvey²: Series 3
Scarcity: Extremely Rare

Guide Price:
£150 (Fine)
£575 (Very Fine)

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST with NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm (i.c.d.o: 5mm)
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RICΛRD·REX·ΛnGL
Small neat head (same punches as used by Edward III, type 9
& 10). Crown with spearheads between side fleurs.
Bust with neck. The X is composed of a pellet and dashes.
Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with roses in each quarter. Only 3 examples with
roses are known.

Reference(s) *:
W. RII 1i
S.1704
N.1335
Purvey²: Series 3
Scarcity: Extremely Rare

Guide Price:
£150 (Fine)
£575 (Very Fine)

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST with NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm (i.c.d.o: 5mm)
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RICΛRD·REX·ΛnGL
Small neat head (same punches as used by Edward III, type 9
& 10). Crown with spearheads between side fleurs.
Bust with neck.
Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with three pellets in each quarter.

Reference(s):
W. RII 1l
S.1701
N.1333a
Purvey²: Series 2
Scarcity: Very Rare

Guide Price:
£110 (Fine)
£475 (Very Fine)

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST with NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm (i.c.d.o: 5mm)
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RICΛRDVS:REX:ΛnGL
Small neat head (same punches as used by Edward III, type 9
& 10). Crown with spearheads between side fleurs.
Bust with neck.
Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with three pellets in each quarter.

Reference(s) *:
W. RII 1m
S.1701
N.1333a
Purvey²: Series 1
Scarcity: Very Rare

Guide Price:
£110 (Fine)
£475 (Very Fine)

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST with NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm (i.c.d.o: 5mm)
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RICΛRDxREXxΛnGL
Crown like type 1, but with a new larger face and long straighter
hair. Crown with spearheads between side fleurs. Bust
with neck. No initial cross! Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with three pellets in each quarter.

Reference(s) *:
W. RII 2
S.1704A
N.1334
Purvey²: Series 2
Scarcity: Very Rare

Guide Price:
£225 (Fine)
£900 (Very Fine)

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST without NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm (i.c.d.o: 5mm)
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RICΛRDVS:REX:ΛnGL'
Small neat head (same punches as used by Edward III, type 9
& 10). Crown with spearheads between side fleurs.
Bust with no neck.
Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with three pellets in each quarter.

Reference(s):
W. RII 1a
S.1703
N.1333a
Purvey²: Series 1
Scarcity: Very Rare

Guide Price:
£110 (Fine)
£475 (Very Fine)

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST without NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm (i.c.d.o: 5mm)
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RICΛRDVS:REX:ΛnGL:
Small neat head (same punches as used by Edward III, type 9
& 10). Crown with spearheads between side fleurs.
Bust with no neck.
Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with three pellets in each quarter.

Reference(s):
W. RII 1b
S.1703
N.1333a
Purvey²: Series 1
Scarcity: Very Rare

Guide Price:
£110 (Fine)
£475 (Very Fine)

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST without NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm (i.c.d.o: 5mm)
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RICΛRD:REX:ΛnGL
Small neat head (same punches as used by Edward III, type 9
& 10). Crown with spearheads between side fleurs.
Bust with no neck.
Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with three pellets in each quarter.

Reference(s):
W. RII 1c
S.1703
N.1333b
Purvey²: Series 2
Scarcity: Very Rare

Guide Price:
£110 (Fine)
£475 (Very Fine)

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST without NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm (i.c.d.o: 5mm)
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RICΛRD:REX:ΛnGL:
Small neat head (same punches as used by Edward III, type 9
& 10). Crown with spearheads between side fleurs.
Bust with no neck.
Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with three pellets in each quarter.

Reference(s):
W. RII 1d
S.1703
N.1333b
Purvey²: Series 2
Notes:
This variety, with the colon (more accurately double pellet) stops is
the most common of this Type. Nevertheless, this is still a very rare
coin.

Scarcity: Very Rare

Guide Price:
£110 (Fine)
£475 (Very Fine)

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST without NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm (i.c.d.o: 5mm)
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RICΛRDxREXxΛnGL
Small neat head (same punches as used by Edward III, type 9
& 10). Crown with spearheads between side fleurs.
Bust with no neck.
Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with three pellets in each quarter.

Reference(s):
W. RII 1e
S.1703
N.1333b
Purvey²: Series 2
Scarcity: Very Rare

Guide Price:
£110 (Fine)
£475 (Very Fine)

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST without NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm (i.c.d.o: 5mm)
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RICΛRD:REX:ΛnGLIE
Small neat head (same punches as used by Edward III, type 9
& 10). Crown with spearheads between side fleurs.
Bust with no neck.
Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with three pellets in each quarter.

Reference(s):
W. RII 1f
S.1703
N.-
Purvey²: Series 2
Scarcity: Very Rare

Guide Price:
£110 (Fine)
£475 (Very Fine)

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST without NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm (i.c.d.o: 5mm)
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RIEARD:REX:ΛnGLIE
Small neat head (same punches as used by Edward III, type 9
& 10). Crown with spearheads between side fleurs.
Bust with no neck.
Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with three pellets in each quarter.

Reference(s):
W. RII 1g
S.-
N.-
Purvey²: Series 2 var
Scarcity: Very Rare

Guide Price:
£125 (Fine)
£550 (Very Fine)

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST without NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm (i.c.d.o: 5mm)
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RICΛRDxREXxΛnGL
Small neat head (same punches as used by Edward III, type 9
& 10). Crown with spearheads between side fleurs.
Bust with no neck.
Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with roses in each quarter. Only 2 examples with
roses are known.

Reference(s) *:
W. RII 1h
S.1704
N.1335
Purvey²: Series 3
Scarcity: Extremely Rare

Guide Price:
£150 (Fine)
£575 (Very Fine)

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST without NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm (i.c.d.o: 5mm)
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RICΛRD·REX·ΛnGL
Small neat head (same punches as used by Edward III, type 9
& 10). Crown with spearheads between side fleurs.
Bust with no neck. The X is composed of a pellet and dashes.
Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with roses in each quarter. Only 2 examples with
roses are known.

Reference(s) *:
W. RII 1i
S.1704
N.1335
Purvey²: Series 3
Scarcity: Extremely Rare

Guide Price:
£150 (Fine)
£575 (Very Fine)

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST without NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm (i.c.d.o: 5mm)
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RICΛRD·REX·ΛnGL
Small neat head (same punches as used by Edward III, type 9
& 10). Crown with spearheads between side fleurs.
Bust without neck. Obverse: Type 1i.
Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with three pellets in each quarter.
Reverse: Normal - 3 pellets not roses in quarters.

Reference(s):
W. RII 1l
S.1701
N.1333a
Purvey²: Series 2
Scarcity: Very Rare

Guide Price:
£110 (Fine)
£475 (Very Fine)

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST without NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm (i.c.d.o: 5mm)
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RICΛRDVS:REX:ΛnGL
Small neat head (same punches as used by Edward III, type 9
& 10). Crown with spearheads between side fleurs.
Bust without neck.
Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with three pellets in each quarter.

Reference(s):
W. RII 1m
S.1701
N.1333a
Purvey²: Series 1
Scarcity: Very Rare

Guide Price:
£110 (Fine)
£475 (Very Fine)

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST without NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RICΛRDxREXxΛnGL
Crown like type 1, but with a new larger face and long straighter hair.
Crown with spearheads between side fleurs. Bust with no
neck. No initial cross!
Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with three pellets in each quarter.

Reference(s):
W. RII 2
S.1704A
N.1334
Purvey²: Series 2
Scarcity: Very Rare

Guide Price:
£225 (Fine)
£900 (Very Fine)

Date: 1377-1399
Mint: London
Type: BUST without NECK

Diameter: 10-11mm
Weight: 0.20-0.35g (4½grains³)

Obverse: RICΛRDxREXxΛnGLIE
Crown like type 1, but with a new larger face and long straighter hair.
Crown with spearheads between side fleurs. Bust with no
neck.
Reverse: CIVI TAS LOn DOn
"Long Cross" with three pellets in each quarter.

Reference(s) *:
W. RII 2 variant
S.1704A
N.1334
Purvey²: Series 2
Scarcity: Very Rare

Guide Price:
£225 (Fine)
£900 (Very Fine)

Medieval English Hammered Farthings - Richard II