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Title: The Galley Halfpenny ! Post by: Stig(The) on August 28, 2009, 06:40:07 PM Was reading up on the "Galley-Halfpenny" & wondered if anyone had ever found one & had a pic?
If you are unsure what this coin is or looks like,below is a short description & a pic of the most common found in Britain. From the late 14th to the 16th century, small silver coins known as ‘galley halfpennies’ circulated widely, but illegally, in England. They were, in fact, Italian soldini, principally those struck for the city-state of Venice under the authority of the ruling doge(Leader-chief Magistrate). They were brought to England by ‘galley men’ trading wine and other goods, and their name may derive from Galley Quay in Thames Street, London, which was reputedly the centre for their distribution. The English coinage at the beginning of this period was undervalued in relation to foreign currency, and consequently found its way to the continent, where it was profitably melted down. This depletion of the supply of bullion and the resulting shortage of coins, particularly small change, caused real difficulty for many people, and created a demand that was filled by the soldini. In 1402 the Commons petitioned the king to provide halfpennies and farthings for the poor people, but little was done to alleviate the shortage. However, the concern of the authorities regarding the circulation of galley halfpence can be judged by the fact that they were prohibited by statute five times during the 15th century, and finally in 1519/20. There is evidence, however, that they continued to circulate until at least the 1530’s, by which time it is possible that their value had reduced to a farthing. Title: Re: The Galley Halfpenny ! Post by: Neil on August 28, 2009, 06:44:27 PM Benny I think found one at the Rooksbridge rally. Also known as a venetian Soldino
Title: Re: The Galley Halfpenny ! Post by: vitallius (Dave) on August 28, 2009, 06:57:57 PM Very interesting Guys, must admit not heard of it but now I know, nice little coin and history of it thanks ;D.....Dave
Title: Re: The Galley Halfpenny ! Post by: The Doc on August 28, 2009, 07:05:00 PM Thanks for this Stig. Here's my only one so far:
http://www.ukdfd.co.uk/ukdfddata/showrecords.php?product=8307&cat=17 (http://www.ukdfd.co.uk/ukdfddata/showrecords.php?product=8307&cat=17) Title: Re: The Galley Halfpenny ! Post by: Stig(The) on August 28, 2009, 07:10:00 PM Nice pics Neil & Peterh,these coins must be scarse & it`s great that atleast 2 have been found by DW.Members! ;) do you know their value ???
Title: Re: The Galley Halfpenny ! Post by: StumbledUpon on August 28, 2009, 08:07:30 PM Have found part of one. :)
Title: Re: The Galley Halfpenny ! Post by: Gadget(Ian) on August 29, 2009, 09:43:17 AM A very interesting post you started stig.nice one mate. ;) ;D
Title: Re: The Galley Halfpenny ! Post by: hedgehog on August 29, 2009, 10:00:49 AM I have found about 5 Stig, always feel a little cheated when I do though because I cannot find a Henry VIII coin, they are of little value!
Title: Re: The Galley Halfpenny ! Post by: benny on August 31, 2009, 07:10:48 PM yep sure did find one at rooksbridge,managed to straighten that nasty little fold out too using tweezers and the gas hob! Will post up a pic shortly.
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