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Class 1a - Continental Imitation Weight: xxx Obv: hEN[RICVS} REX Rev: [BLO/ME]/NBE/RIC.
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A rare continental imitation of a class 1a penny, with a Blomberg mint signature, found in Leicestershire by a metal detectorist. It is not surprising that this continental imitation from Westphalia has been found in Leicestershire as the county had flourishing cloth and wool industries in the first half of the 13th century, and would have been involved in trade with the continent; both the import of woad and the export of finished cloth as well as wool. | |
| Both the earlier short cross pennies as well as the long cross pennies of Henry III were imitated on the continent owing to the reputation of the high quality of the English coins in comparison to many coins issued in 13th century N.W. Europe. | ||||