Richard III, Yorkist King 1483-1485

London. “R” and rose by mast. Mintmarks Boar’s Head over Sun & Rose (obverse) and Halved Sun & Rose (reverse).One of the first coins struck by the former Richard of Gloucester, and very rare. Crowned on July 6, 1483, Richard almost immediately faced rebellions by nobles still loyal to his brother, Edward IV, and to his son, the murdered Edward V. Among Richard’s opponents was a Welshman named Henry Tudor, who eventually won the decisive Battle of Bosworth Field on August 22, 1485, famously killing Richard. This Angel was one of the last coins made during the English Middle Ages, which ended with Richard III’s death.

Struck on a broad flan with full legends and the king’s name clear; choice surfaces and lovely old-gold color.