Continental sterling of Thomas de Bourlemont

Steven Simmons said this coin was found one inch below the surface of a pasture field that he had searched a hundred times. It’s amazing that some fields have had clubs going backwards and forwards over them for years and yet good finds still keep turning up.

At first sight Steven’s find looks like a penny of Edward I or II. However, it is actually a Continental sterling. On the obverse there is a shield at the start of the legend, which is followed by ThOMAS DEI GRACIA. On the reverse the legend reads EPS TVL LEN SIS.

This sterling was struck for Thomas de Bourlemont when he was Bishop of Toul, which is situated in modern-day France. Thomas was bishop from 1330 up to his death in 1353. This coin proves that Continental sterlings were still coming into England when King Edward III was on the throne.

Valuation

Steven’s find is much scarcer than many other sterlings that arrived in England. Unfortunately, it is not in good condition, as the obverse would grade only Fair and the reverse about Fine at best. However, as it is a rarity my price range would be £40 to £50.

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