Cut farthing of Prince Henry

The finder of this coin asked for a valuation on it. It’s a cut farthing and with only a quarter of the detail still visible they can be awkward or impossible to pin down.

Fortunately, this coin has been cut in such a way that it can be fully identified. On the obverse what remains of the legend reads CI:C and on the reverse we have WI. Part of a crown is visible on the obverse and on the reverse there is a cross.

If the full legend on the obverse could be seen then it would read N: ENCI: CON and on the reverse it would be WILELM (followed by the mint signature). Therefore, this cut farthing is a coin of Prince Henry of Scotland. In Coins of Scotland, Ireland and the Islands the type is listed under Period D as number 5013.

Prince Henry (born in 1114) was the son of King David I of Scotland. Besides being heir to the throne of Scotland, Henry was Earl of Huntingdon and Earl of Northumberland. However, he died in 1152 so when King David died in 1153 Henry’s 12 year old son became King Malcolm IV of Scotland.     

Valuation

Coins of Prince Henry rarely turn up as detecting finds and the few that have done have not been in good condition. This cut farthing is an exceptional specimen and I would not be surprised if it turned out to be the finest known specimen. Cut halfpennies and farthings are worth far less in cash terms than whole pennies. However, this example is in very good condition and has great eye appeal so my price range wouldn’t be any less than £500-600.

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