Origin
The coin was introduced during the second coinage (1344-1346) of King Edward III, when the coin weighed 138.5 grains (9.0 grams); during the king's third coinage (1346-1351) the weight of the coin was reduced to 128.5 grains (8.3 grams), while in his fourth coinage (1351-1377) it became even lighter, at 120 grains (7.8 grams). The diameter of the Noble was 33-35 mm, Half Noble 25-26 mm and Quarter Noble 19-21 mm.
Edward III Second Coinage obverse legend: (Edward by the grace of God King of England and France Lord of Ireland). Design: The king, holding a sword and shield in a ship. Reverse legend: (But Jesus passing through their midst went His way). Design: 'L' in centre of a cross.
The Third Coinage design is the same as the Second Coinage, except for having an 'E' in the centre of the cross on the reverse.
During the Fourth Coinage, politics required changes in the inscriptions. Initially Edward retained his claim on the throne of France, but following the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360 this claim was dropped, and coins instead claim Aquitaine. In 1369 the treaty broke down and the claim on the throne of France was reinstated.
Pre-Treaty legend (obverse): (Edward by the grace of God King of England and France Lord of the Irish). Reverse legend: (But Jesus passing through their midst went His way).
Transitional period (1361) and Treaty period (1361-1369) (obverse): (Edward by the grace of God King of England Lord of Ireland and Aquitaine). Reverse legend: (But Jesus passing through their midst went His way).
Post-Treaty period (1369-1377) (obverse): (Edward by the grace of God King of England and France Lord of Ireland and Aquitaine). Reverse legend: (But Jesus passing through their midst went His way).
Read more about this topic: Noble (English Coin)
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