Quarter florin

Coin issued by King Edward III of England

The quarter florin or helm was an attempt by English King Edward III to produce a gold coinage suitable for use in Europe as well as in England (see also double leopard and leopard).^[1] The Helm, based on contemporary European gold coins had a value of one shilling and sixpence. However, the gold used to strike the coins was overvalued, resulting in the coins being unacceptable to the public, and the coins were withdrawn after only seven months in circulation, and eventually demonetised in August 1344, to be melted down to produce the more popular gold Noble.

The obverse of the coin shows the royal helmet surmounted by a lion and cap; the legend is EDWR R ANGL Z FRANC D HIB (Edward King of England and France Lord of Ireland). The reverse of the coin shows a floriated cross with a quatrefoil in the centre; the legend is EXALTABITUR IN GLORIA ("He shall be exalted in glory", Psalm 112:9).

In 2015, an example was found in Colyton, Devon.^[2] It was sold for £50,000.^[3]

References

^ Clancy, Kevin. "Gold Coins and Medals," Interdisciplinary Science Reviews, Volume 17, Number 4, December 1992 , pp. 332-338
^ Museum, The British; Street, Great Russell; T: +4420 73238618, London WC1B 3DG. "Record ID: FASAM-638757 - MEDIEVAL coin". The Portable Antiquities Scheme. Retrieved 2022-02-12.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
^ "Spink To Sell Incredible Leopard Coinage This September". www.spink.com. Retrieved 2022-02-12.