A rare Richard III coin has been discovered near the site of the Battle of Bosworth
A rare Richard III coin that was recently discovered near the site of the famous Battle of Bosworth Field is to sell as part of a December 4-5 Ancient, English and Foreign Coins auction in London.
The coin, which is in remarkable condition given its age, will auction with a 10,000-15,000 ($16,000-24,000)estimate, and is expected to cause much excitement when it goes under the hammer.
The Battle of Bosworth ended the 300 year reign of the House of Plantagenet
The Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485was the last major battle of the War of the Roses and one that proved decisive. After nine years of conflict, Henry Tudor became the first king of the Tudor dynasty, with his rival Richard III killed in the battle.
The battlefield has since produced a host of badges, sword mounts, cannonballs and other rare coins. However, the gold coin in the present sale is particularly rare, bearing the personal emblem of Richard III. It is in pristine condition, suggesting that it was struck shortly before being taken to the battle.
Dating to 1484, the coin has survived well over five centuries untouched by weather or human hands.
The auction house's William Mackay commented: "It is incredible that just as we are having all the publicity about the discovery of Richard III's tomb in Leicester, this coin, which was found so close to where he met his death, should be brought into our offices.
"It's a remarkable find and shows little sign of wear and tear, making this very likely a coin lost at the time of the Battle of Bosworth and Richard III's death."
Paul Fraser Collectibles has another spectacular war-time British coin for sale. Our example is an emergency English civil war issue shilling that was struck in the besieged town of Carlisle.
