English coin Quarter Florin or Helm
|
|
The Quarter Florin or Helm was an attempt by English king Edward III to produce a gold coinage suitable for use in Europe as well as in England (see also Florin or Double Leopard and Half Florin or Leopard). The quarter florin, based on contemporary European gold coins had a value of one shilling and sixpence. Unfortunately the gold used to strike the coins was overvalued, resulting in the coins being unacceptable to the public, and the coins were withdrawn after only a few months in circulation, in August 1344, to be melted down to produce the more popular gold Noble.
The obverse of the coin shows the royal helmet surmounted by a lion and cap; the legend is EDWR R ANGL Z FRANC D HIB (Edward King of England and France Lord of Ireland). The reverse of the coin shows a floriated cross with a quatrefoil in the centre; the legend is EXALTABITUR IN GLORIA (He shall be exalted in glory).