BNPS_SuperRareGoldCoin_01.jpg
BNPS.co.uk (01202 558833)
Pic: Heritage/BNPS
Henry III sits on his throne.
The first ever English gold coin that had to be scrapped after a banking blunder meant is was worth less than its weight in gold is now tipped to sell for £500,000.
Some 52,000 of the King Henry III gold pennies were struck nearly 800 years ago before it was realised they were too heavy.
The basic mistake meant the gold it was made from was worth more than the coin itself.
This made the coins financially unviable as the holders could get more money from melting them down for gold rather than using them as currency.
Henry III sits on his throne.
The first ever English gold coin that had to be scrapped after a banking blunder meant is was worth less than its weight in gold is now tipped to sell for £500,000.
Some 52,000 of the King Henry III gold pennies were struck nearly 800 years ago before it was realised they were too heavy.
The basic mistake meant the gold it was made from was worth more than the coin itself.
This made the coins financially unviable as the holders could get more money from melting them down for gold rather than using them as currency.
©Heritage 22 Dec 2017 1464x1347 / 639.3KB