Edward I AD 1272-1307 Silver Penny, Newcastle mint

Edward I AD 1272-1307 Silver Penny

Long Cross Coinage

Newcastle mint

S1428; 1.50g, 17mm

This coins comes with an old collection label

Edward was one of the great warrior kings of the Middle Ages. Also known as Longshanks on account of his height, and as the Hammer of the Scots he initially rebelled against his father, Henry III, but was loyal during the Barons war. Captured by the barons he quickly escaped and defeated and killed the baron’s leader Simon de Montfort at the Battle of Evesham in AD 1265. Effectively acting as Regent for the remainder of Henry’s reign Edward away on a Crusade when Henry died in AD 1272. During the early part of his reign he campaigned against the Welsh eventually conquering the country and installing his son, Edward II, as Prince of Wales. Many of the castles in Wales and the borders were built by Edward to help garrison the country.
Initially Edwards relations with Scotland were amical however after the death of Alexander III there was a crisis of succession. When John Balliol was eventually chosen to succeed his refusal accept Edward as overlord or to provide troops for Edwards campaign against France resulted in Edward’s invasion of Scotland in AD 1296. He beat the Scots at the Battle of Dunbar and captured Berwick upon Tweed. John Balliol was deposed and Edward also removed Scottish Coronation stone from Scone and took it back to Westminster.
The following year the Scots under William Wallace defeated the English. Edward returned to Scotland and eventually succeeded in capturing Wallace who was transported back to London where he was hung, drawn and quartered. The Scots then rallied under Robert the Bruce. Edward was on his way back to Scotland when he died near Carlisle.
Edward was instrumental in the establishment of Parliament and also for carrying out various Legal reforms. He also is known for his persecution of the English Jews and their eventual expulsion in AD 1290 following a long running dispute with the church.
During Edwards reign the great recoinage of AD 1279 saw Short Cross pennies being replaced by the Long Cross Penny in an attempt to prevent coins from being clipped. Silver Halfpennies and Farthings were introduced for the first time as well as a Silver Groat although in the case the groat the issue was soon withdrawn. There were also coin issues minted in Ireland whilst Edward was king and also Lord of Ireland prior to his accession. In the Anglo Gallic series coins in Edwards name were issued in both Aquitaine and Ponthieu.