1327-1377 Edward III Hold Noble

Edward III Gold Hold Noble (1327–1377)

A Majestic Coin from the Reign of England’s Warrior King

The Edward III Gold Hold Noble is one of the most prestigious and celebrated coins of medieval England, representing the height of Edward III's monetary reforms and his reputation as a warrior king. Struck between 1327 and 1377, during the reign of Edward III, this coin is a remarkable testament to England's military prowess, economic growth, and the increasing importance of gold in medieval European currency.

🔹 Historical Background

Edward III was crowned king of England at the tender age of 14 after the deposition of his father, Edward II. His reign, which lasted for over 50 years, is noted for its military successes in the Hundred Years’ War, the stability of the English kingdom, and the expansion of the English economy.

During the early part of his reign, Edward III initiated a significant reform in English coinage, especially with the introduction of gold nobles. The noble, originally introduced in the reign of Edward I, was redefined under Edward III, and the Hold Noble was part of a series of gold coins aimed at stabilizing the economy and promoting royal power, especially in the face of France's growing dominance.

The Hold Noble is also known as the "double" noble or "great noble", as it weighed significantly more than the standard noble coin. This coin was primarily used for larger transactions, royal payments, and as a symbol of royal prestige and authority.

🔸 Design Features

• Obverse: The obverse of the coin features a crowned and cuirassed figure of King Edward III standing in a ship, holding a sword in his right hand and a shield in his left. The legend around the figure reads "EDWARD D GRA REX ANGL Z FRANC DnS HYB," which translates to "Edward, by the Grace of God, King of England and France, Lord of Ireland" 
• Reverse: The reverse side depicts a large floriate cross with an "E" at the center, surrounded by crowned lions in the angles, all within a polylobe with trefoils in the spandrels. The legend reads "+IHC TRAnSIENS PER mEDIVm ILLORVm IBAT," translating to "But Jesus passing through their midst went His way"
• Composition: The Gold Noble was struck in gold, with a standard weight of approximately 8.07 grams

🔹 Specifications

• Denomination: Hold Noble

• Value: 6 Shillings (or equivalent to one pound in earlier issues)

• Metal: Gold (often .925 fine or slightly less)

• Weight: Approx. 7.6–8.0 grams (depending on specific minting)

• Diameter: ~25–28 mm

• Strike: Hammered

• Mint: Primarily London and other key English mints of the period

• Coin Condition:-Very Fine

🔸 Collectability

• Rarity: The Edward III Hold Noble is relatively rare, especially in good condition. Due to its high gold content and relatively large size, many were melted down over the centuries, and those that have survived are often in lower grades.

• Historical Importance: The coin represents a key period of medieval English history, encapsulating both the military ambition of Edward III and the economic reforms that underpinned his reign.

• Desirability: The Hold Noble is highly sought after by collectors of medieval English coinage and those with a specific interest in the Hundred Years' War and Edwardian England.

🏛️ Conclusion

The Edward III Gold Hold Noble is an outstanding piece of English numismatic history. Its striking design, historical context, and impressive gold content make it a cornerstone coin for collectors of medieval England. Whether viewed for its artistic craftsmanship, its role in England's monetary system, or its connection to one of England's most famous monarchs, the Hold Noble remains a coveted treasure from a time of political and military transformation.