Henry VI – Part One
Groats, Half Groats and Pennies
Prior to 1430 there was a very small issue of groats and halfgroats from the York mint; Calais initially issued the same denominations in much greater numbers but far fewer after 1432 and none after 1443. London struck groats and halfgroats during the entire reign. Pennies were struck at London, Calais (none after 1436), York and Durham. Those from the last two mints were for the profit of the archbishop and the bishop. Pennies, halfpennies and farthings were at one time or another struck at all four mints. The latter denomination used to be extremely rare but the improvement in metal-detecting technology has led over recent years to several specimens being found.
Anglo-Gallic coins
In the Anglo-Gallic series gold saluts and angelots (these are very rare) were struck in the name of Henry VI at several different mints. The silver and billon series was more extensive and, as with the gold coins, many mints were in operation. Early in the reign pennies were struck in Ireland at the mint situated in Dublin. Today they are of great rarity but a couple of examples have turned up as detecting finds.