Richard II Noble
Rare coin in exceptionally good condition.
The nobles of Richard II are all rare and this is a particularly good example.
Much of peoples posthumous views of Richard II have been shaped by Shakespeare’s play of the same name and whilst embellished is not entirely untrue.
Richard II gained the throne from his Grandfather Edward II in 1377. He was only 10 years old so much of the decision making was made on his behalf by a small group of advisers. This ultimately led too much discontent from a group of aristocrats who led a revolt and gained control in 1387. By 1389 Richard had regained control and bidded his time and ruled in relative harmony until 1397 when he took his revenge in a period known as Richards “Tyranny”.
One of the members of the rebellion who was spared was Richard’s cousin Henry Bolingbroke. They were childhood friends and Henry’s father, John of Gaunt, had been a key adviser to the King in his early years. In 1398 Henry ended up in a quarrel with the Duke of Norfolk and Richard called for a duel - but before the duel could take place Richard banished both of them to save the bloodshed. This was satisfactory until John of Gaunt died and Richard decreed that his land and titles would not pass to his son Henry. This enraged Henry who raised a small army and returned from his exile in France. It is said Henry only ever returned for what was rightfully his but the support was so great he ended up overthrowing Richard and taking the crown for himself as Henry IV.
Richard died from starvation in prison - whether this was his choice or not is a mystery never to be solved!
£9,500
Country: England
Monarch: Richard II (1377 - 1399)
Denomination/metal: Gold Noble 1385 AD
Type: Hammered Gold
Condition: GVF to EF - Good Very Fine to Extremely Fine, well struck, facial features of king clear.
Obv. King in ship holding shield of Royal Arms and sword, trefoil above sail, with French title, 'RICARD D G REX ANGL Z FRANC D hIB Z AQT
Rev. Cross fleuree with 'R' in centre and crowned lions passant in angles, double saltire stops, 'IhC AVTEM TRANSIENS PER MEDIV ILLORV IBAT'.
34mm, 76.7g
Ref. Schneider 126ff; N 1302; S 1654
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