1272–1327 England "Longshanks" Edward I Silver Long Cross Penny Circulated

Longshank’s Long Cross Penny

Despite his depiction in Mel Gibson’s 1995 film Braveheart as an evil scheming despot, England’s King Edward I was actually an able ruler who could count among his accomplishments the establishment of Parliament as a permanent institution. Besides being one of Europe’s greatest kings, he also stood out for his height. At six foot two inches tall, he towered over most men of his time, hence the nickname “Longshanks.” After conquering and subjugating Wales, he turned his attention to Scotland where King Alexander III had died in 1286 without a male heir. Edward seized on this golden opportunity to expand is kingdom and at the invitation of Scottish nobles declared himself to be the Lord Paramount of Scotland. In the wars that followed he acquired another nickname: “Hammer of the Scots.”

The First War of Scottish Independence began with Edward’s invasion of Scotland in 1296 and was waged off and on until the restoration of Scottish independence in 1328. During this time, Edward decided that the coins of his realm needed some improvement both in quality and appearance. The new coins quickly became the envy of Europe and helped strengthen England’s economy. Struck more than 650 years ago from 1272-1327 during Edward’s reign, these Silver Long Cross Pennies featured the front-facing bust of the king along with the legend EDW REX ANGL DNS HYB (Edward King of England Lord of Ireland). The reverse features the coin’s namesake; a long cross going to the edge of the coin.

The Edward I Silver Long Cross Pennies available in this offer all come in Circulated condition and were individually struck by hand meaning no two are exactly alike. Each will be also come beautifully displayed in a presentation box and accompanied by a fact-filled storycard and a Certificate of Authenticity. Don’t pass up the rich medieval history embodied by this fabulous coin! If you’re a fan of Braveheart or English history, this coin is for you!