Coin, English, silver, issued by Henry III, moneyer, Nicole, at Winchester, Hampshire, 1247 to 1272.

Silver long cross penny of Henry III

Plantagenet, struck in the period 1247-1272

The long cross coinage was introduced in 1247 in an effort to solve the problem of coin clipping. This practice, whereby dishonest individuals would clip silver from the edges for profit, resulted in underweight coins circulating and public disatisfaction with the coinage. Long cross coins were similar to the preceding short cross coinage but had a long cross on the reverse that extended to the edge of the coin, breaking the legend. This helped to reduce clipping because for the first time the public knew how big the coin should be. This example was struck by the moneyer Nicole at the Winchester mint.