Richard I 'the Lionheart' coin value guide
Richard I · 1189–1199 · Penny
Denominations
Penny
Reign
1189–1199
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
Richard I — the Lionheart — is one of England's most famous kings, but his English coinage is easily misunderstood: his pennies belong to the Short Cross series and still carry the immobilised name 'hENRICVS', not his own. They are identified by class rather than by the royal name. He also struck distinctive coinage in his French possessions such as Poitou and Aquitaine.
English Short Cross pennies of Richard's classes are collectable but reward careful attribution; demand is boosted by his fame. The Anglo-Gallic coins are a separate, popular collecting area. Class, mint, grade and provenance set the value.
Value by type
English Short Cross silver pennies struck during Richard's reign, bearing Henry II's frozen name. Typically 1.3–1.45g of silver.
| Type | Rarity |
|---|---|
Short Cross (Richard's classes) 1189–1199 Part of the continuing Short Cross series; identified by class and moneyer rather than by the royal name. | Available — attribution by class |
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 Richard the Lionheart penny worth?
His English Short Cross pennies are collectable, with value resting on class, mint, grade and provenance, and demand lifted by his fame. Use the valuation tool for an estimate based on realised prices for comparable coins.
Why don't Richard I's coins have his name?
English pennies of his reign belong to the Short Cross series, which kept Henry II's name 'hENRICVS' frozen on the coins. Richard's issues are identified by their class, not by the royal name.
Did Richard I strike coins with his own name?
Yes — but on his Continental coinage, in territories such as Poitou and Aquitaine, rather than on the English pennies. These Anglo-Gallic coins are a popular separate collecting area.