Penny of Queen Mary

The finder of this penny of Queen Mary wished to remain anonymous. It’s one of the many small hammered silver coins that are not as rare as they used to be due to the number of examples found by detectorists.

On the obverse is an attractive profile portrait of Queen Mary and a legend that reads P Z M DG ROSA SIN SPINE, so it was struck after Mary was married to Philip of Spain. On the reverse the shield of arms is divided into four quarter by a long cross with splayed ends and the legend on this side reads CIVI TAS LON DON. The mint mark on both sides is a fleur de lis.

The coin is in close to VF condition and is well centred but appears to have a crease mark across the obverse and there is slight edge loss at the top of the obverse. Sadly, the coin has been pierced at 8 o’clock and this will have a significant impact on its possible commercial value.

   

Valuation

Even though detectorists have managed to dilute the rarity of Philip and Mary pennies they are still very rare. Without the hole a pre-sale auction estimate could be in the region of £1,200 – £1,500. However, with the hole my estimate would be no higher than £300 – £350.

Valuation Service

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