Noble: Richard II Standing on Ship with Shield of Arms (obverse); Ornamental Cross with Lis Terminals (reverse) England, Richard II, 1377-1399

Noble: Richard II Standing on Ship with Shield of Arms (obverse); Ornamental Cross with Lis Terminals (reverse)

1377–1399

England, Richard II, 1377-1399

Diameter: 3.4 cm (1 5/16 in.)
Weight: 7.683 g (0.27 oz.)

The Norweb Collection 1969.162

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Did You Know?

Richard II was king of England from 1377 until 1399 and was the subject of a play by William Shakespeare.

Description

This type of coin is very similar to that of the last right but a flag or pennant has appeared on the stern-castle of the ship. This signifies that the piece was struck in the Calais mint, then, and for 180 years to come, an English possession. There are three other points of interest in the Nobles of this period. First some of the early pieces of the reign were struck from the dies of the previous king, Edward III. Secondly, a symbol, such as a lion, trefoil or crescent was sometimes placed on the ship's rudder. Fours such marks were used, their purpose being to distinguish different issues. Finally, four styles of lettering were used.