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TYRANT COLLECTION
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GOLD ANGEL (1483-1485)
Richard III, Yorkist King, 1483-1485
London. “R” and rose by mast. Mintmarks Boar’s Head over Sun & Rose (obverse) and Halved Sun &
Rose (reverse).One of the first coins struck by the former Richard of Gloucester, and very rare. Crowned
on July 6, 1483, Richard almost immediately faced rebellions by nobles still loyal to his brother, Edward
IV, and to his son, the murdered Edward V. Among Richard’s opponents was a Welshman named Henry
Tudor, who eventually won the decisive Battle of Bosworth Field on August 22, 1485, famously killing
Richard. This Angel was one of the last coins made during the English Middle Ages, which ended with
Richard III’s death. Struck on a broad flan with full legends and the king’s name clear; choice surfaces
and lovely old-gold color.
S-2151. N-1676. PCGS-graded XF45.
66
GOLD ANGEL (1483)
Edward V, Yorkist King, 1483
London. Mintmarks Boars Head (obverse, softly struck but well outlined) and Halved Sun & Rose (re-
verse). Extremely rare. This boy-king’s fate at the hands of his infamous uncle, Richard of Gloucester,
became one of the greatest mysteries of English history. At age 12, on April 9, he succeeded his father,
Edward IV, but disappeared (along with his younger brother) on June 25, presumably dying as a prisoner
in the Tower of London late in the year. The throne was left to his uncle, who reigned briefly as Richard
III. Coinage in the year 1483, some in the name of Edward IV, was meager. This is a great rarity. With
much detail on a fairly broad flan with most of the letters of the legends showing clearly. Evenly worn
but unmarred.
S-2144A. N-1670. PCGS-graded VF35.