Lot 1565

Description

William I the conquerer (1066-1087), lead, customs token from the dies of the penny of profile right type (S.1256) (BMC VII), EDPI ON LV reverse legend (Edwi of London), struck in lead as a customs token or ticket (see M.M.Archibald, London and Middlesex Archaeological Society Special Paper 12 [1991] pp. 326-346). Legends partially visible otherwise fine and very rare.

Ex William J. Conte Collection. A similar example was in the W.J. Noble Collection, Sale 61B (lot 166) and realised $520 Archibald reports several finds from Billinsgate which look like medieval coins struck in lead and not in silver. Several have been found by metal-detectors from dump sites in Essex. She lists some 61 pieces in her publication running from issues of Aethelred II to Stephen. The majority are of William I (32) with some 17 examples of this type BMC VII of William I most with sufficient detail to be named as Edwi of London. She identifies the pieces from careful research as customs receipts. A copy of the paper can be made available to the successful buyer of this lot.