These are replicas of the penny of Henry III, struck in lead-free pewter. This general style of coin was in use from 1247 through 1279, and this replica best represents the style used in the first decade of this type. Slight stylistic changes occurred in later types, but the general form is the same.
The dies for these coins were made by hand by me, using medieval tools and methods. Details and photographs of the process can be seen in this pdf file.
Each coin is hand struck on blanks punched from pewter sheet that is as close to the correct thickness as the medium allows. The sterling silver original pennies were ~0.5mm thick, and these coins are ~0.65mm thick. They are about 19mm in diameter; slightly larger than a US cent.
On the obverse, these coins feature a crowned and bearded facing portrait of King Henry III, made up of geometric punchwork. The obverse inscription reads: "+hENRICUS REX 'III"
On the reverse, these coins feature a voided long cross, which provides a handy set of guide lines for making halfpennies and farthings. In the inner border of pellets lie three sets of three dots, and my makers mark, an ermine tail. The reverse inscription reads: "DERIAN ON S BUN" for Derian, from the College of Saint Bunstable (my old SCA branch.) This coin type was one of the last on which the moneyer's name was recorded.
I have 40 well-struck pennies available for immediate sale. $1 each plus shipping. Buy the entire lot and I'll throw in the off-strikes as well (two).
Thank you,
Derian le Breton