Edward IV (1461-1483), First Cross and Pellets coinage, Drogheda, mm. not visible, bust A, no marks on obv., rev. rose in centre, 0.57g/12h (Burns Dr-3H; S 6312). Nearly very fine, dark tone £150-200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Irish Pennies of Edward IV, Edward V and Richard III from the Collection of O. Mac Conamhna.

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The Drogheda mint is exceptional in that no documentation survives which authorises its operation until the 1467 Doubles coinage. Among the possible reasons given by Mac Conamhna is that the records, if they existed, may have perished in the Courts fire of 1922. However, the obverse die is an official product of the Tower mint and shares a bust punch with Dublin. Mac Conamhna speculates that the unusual Drogheda reverse dies with central rose may be of Dublin or Drogheda manufacture, which have been muled with a Tower obverse