PAUL SIEVEKING unearths rare currency, a pair of prehistoric monsters and a Liliputian Bible
COIN FINDS
One of the great rarities of English numismatics was unearthed in Hemyock, Devon, in September 2021, by an unnamed man on his first metal detecting search in 10 years. This was a Henry III gold penny from 1257, depicting the king enthroned. When the new coin (valued at 20 silver pennies) was found to be worth more as bullion, it was quickly withdrawn. Only eight other examples are known to exist, the last discovered 260 years ago. One was sold at auction in Dallas, Texas, a year ago and made $720,000 (£526,000). Until these coins were minted, the only denomination in England was the silver penny. Western Europe had been without a gold, known as ‘bezants’, passed as currency. Regular gold coinage in England commenced with Edward III in 1344. 2.
