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TYRANT COLLECTION
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GOLD NOBLE (1351-1352)
Edward III, Plantagenet King, 1327-1377
Fourth coinage, Pre-Treaty period of 1351-1361. During this reign, gold was regularly minted for money
for the first time since the seventh century, in large part in order to facilitate the flourishing wool trade
with the Continent. The earliest coins, such as the Double-leopard in this collection, were almost all
melted in favor of sizes and denominations easily exchanged abroad. The first Nobles and their fractions
also disappeared soon after being issued, as they contained too much gold for their stated values. By
1351, weights consistent with easy exchange emerged from the mint. Each new noble showed an image
of the king standing in a ship, crowned and wearing armor, and facing the viewer. The king held a sword
and a large shield, identifying him as English. The reverse side displayed a central cross with elaborate
royal symbols. The legends on each side became long sets of abbreviations of royal titles and religious
sayings taken from the Bible, intended to inspire loyalty and faith.
S-1486. N-1144. PCGS-graded AU58.
41
GOLD QUARTER-NOBLE (1356-1361)
Edward III, Plantagenet King, 1327-1377
Minted at London. Fourth coinage, Pre-Treaty period of 1351-1361. Cross 3. This smallest gold de-
nomination did not provide enough space to spell out all the royal titles, so abbreviations are common
to all of these.
S-1498. N-1146. PCGS-graded MS62.
39
GOLD QUARTER-NOBLE (1346-1351)
Edward III, Plantagenet King, 1327-1377
Third period of the third coinage. Cross pattée. Rare.
S-1483. N-1112. PCGS-graded MS62.