John 'Lackland' coin value guide
John · 1199–1216 · Penny
Denominations
Penny
Reign
1199–1216
What a coin is worth depends on its exact type, mint, grade and provenance — the type tables and value factors below explain what drives each one.
About these coins
King John — of Magna Carta fame — struck English pennies that, like Richard's, belong to the Short Cross series and still bear the name 'hENRICVS'. His own name appears instead on his extensive Irish coinage, where he is titled as Lord and then King of Ireland. English issues are attributed by class.
John's English Short Cross pennies are among the more available of the series, but well-struck coins of scarcer classes and mints command more. His Irish coins are a distinct and popular area. Class, mint, grade and provenance set the value.
Value by type
English Short Cross silver pennies of John's reign, bearing Henry II's frozen name. Typically 1.3–1.45g of silver.
| Type | Rarity |
|---|---|
Short Cross (John's classes) 1199–1216 Continuing the Short Cross series; attributed by class and moneyer, not the royal name. | Among the more available Short Cross issues |
What drives the value
Type & rarity
Within a single reign, common types in collectable grade sit far below the scarce and rare types. Identifying the exact type is the first step in any valuation.
Mint & moneyer
Coins of rare mints, or with sought-after moneyer or privy-mark signatures, carry a clear premium over the common major-mint issues.
Grade & surfaces
A full, sharp strike with a clear portrait or design and legible legends commands the most. Weak striking, chips, cracks and corrosion all reduce value.
Provenance
A pedigree to a named cabinet or a recorded hoard adds both value and confidence in authenticity, especially for scarcer and higher-grade pieces.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a King John penny worth?
His English Short Cross pennies are among the more available of the series, with scarcer classes, rare mints and high grade commanding more. Value rests on class, mint, grade and provenance — use the valuation tool for a figure based on realised prices for comparable coins.
Do King John's coins carry his name?
His English pennies still bear Henry II's frozen name 'hENRICVS' as part of the Short Cross series. John's own name appears on his Irish coinage.
Did King John strike Irish coins?
Yes — an extensive Irish coinage in his own name, as Lord and later King of Ireland. These are a distinct and popular collecting area.