King Edward I Of England - Silver Penny - Type 10cf2 - 3rdCoinage - Canterbury Mint - S.1411 (c.1306-1307)

Struck at the Canterbury mint between 1306–1307 AD, during the Third Coinage of Edward I, this penny represents the final phase of a long and influential reign.

Obverse: “EDW R ANGL DNS HYB”

Translation: “Edward, King of England, Lord of Ireland”

Crowned bust facing forward, with bifoliate crown and pellet-in-annulet details. The 10cf2 crown has a spread, well formed, low central fleur, side-fleurs with a bilobed appearance, and vestigial ornaments.

Reverse: “CIVITAS CANTOR”

Translation: “City of Canterbury”

Long cross dividing the legend, with three pellets in each quarter.

Type reference: Spink 1411 (Edward I, Third Coinage, Canterbury Mint, Class 10cf2)

Weight: 1.3 g

Diameter: ~ 18mm x 17mm 

Composition: Silver

Fineness: ~.925

Method: Hammered

Condition:

The coin presents a well-centred strike with a largely complete flan. The obverse portrait is bold for the type, with clear facial definition, including some visible eye and nose detail. The crown structure is well formed, and much of the surrounding legend remains legible. There is some expected softness to the high points and small areas of scratching, consistent with hammered coinage of this period. There is a small hairline crack visible towards the edge of the flan, however the coin remains completely stable. 

The reverse is sharp and evenly struck, with a clear long cross and well-defined pellets in each quarter. The Canterbury mint signature is mostly readable. Minor edge irregularities and light wear are present, but these do not significantly detract from the overall eye appeal, which remains strong for a coin of this issue.

Historical Context:

Edward I, often referred to as “Longshanks,” was one of the most formidable rulers of medieval England. His reign saw extensive legal reform, military campaigns in Wales, and ongoing conflict with Scotland. By the time this coin was struck (1306–1307), Edward was in the final year of his life, still actively campaigning against Scottish resistance.

This period coincides with the rise of Robert the Bruce, who had been crowned King of Scots in 1306 and was leading the struggle for Scottish independence. Edward I’s relentless campaigns earned him the nickname “Hammer of the Scots,” though his death in 1307 marked a turning point in the conflict.

Coins such as this circulated during a time of political tension, warfare, and economic development across medieval Britain. As such, they offer a direct link to the closing chapter of Edward I’s reign and the turbulent history surrounding the Wars of Scottish Independence.