england-1247-1279-henry-iii-long-cross-coinage-period-item
DenominationPenny
Country / EmpireEngland
Obverse DesignCrowned bust of King Henry III facing forward, often with a scepter. Legend typically 'HENRICUS REX III' or similar.
Reverse DesignVoided long cross extending to the edge, with three pellets in each quarter. The legend usually contains the moneyer's name and mint town.
Historical Context
The Long Cross coinage was introduced by King Henry III in 1247 as a major reform to address the widespread clipping of the previous Short Cross coinage. The design featured a cross extending to the edge of the coin to make clipping more obvious. The 'voided' type refers to the central lines of the cross being hollowed out. This coinage was a significant part of English medieval monetary history.
