MEDIEVAL BROOCH

1251

A silver annular brooch made from a voided longcross penny of Henry III, class 5a, the brooch probably made around the same period the coin was issued, c. AD 1251-1272.The brooch has been made by removing the centre of the coin, the portion bearing the portrait, but retaining the outer ring that bears the inscription. The obverse inscription reads: hENRICVS REX III, with the portrait also bearing a sceptre. The reverse inscription reads: WIL/LEM/ON C/ANT. The distinctive R and X on the obverse identify the penny as a class 5a (North no 991/3).The inscription was perforated through the second I of the III on the obverse and the 12 o'clock position on the revers, leaving a small bar across the inside of the cut coin to take the pin hinge.The pin was cast solid, with a tapering shaft, with a thin rectangular base, and a rectangular tab that has been bent to form the hinge. In section, the pin shaft is D-shaped.