Anglo-Gallic, Edward II Obole au Leopard, MB below ground

Anglo-Gallic, Edward II (1307-27), Black coinage, Obole au leopard, with Aquitaine title both sides, leopard passant left on groundline, mB' in exergue, all within beaded circle with legend surrounding, + ЄD' : DVX : AQITANIЄ, rev. short cross pattée; crown and pellet in upper right quarter, beaded circle with legend surrounding, + DVX : AQITAnIЄ, weight 0.49g (AGC 27B R3; Elias 110c RR; S.8029). Toned with some scuffing, otherwise very fine for issue, very rare.

The legend says on obverse "Edward, Duke of Aquitaine" and on the reverse merely "Duke of Aquitaine."

Withers and Ford in Anglo Gallic Coins note on page 37 and suggest that on the Denier and Oboles the MB might stand for "Moneta Burdegale" and that hoard evidence now makes it clear to attribute the pieces to Edward II rather than later (as Elias had). The Sauternes Hoard buried c.1330 contained Deniers, and an example of one of these Oboles was in the Saint Pierre des Cuisines de Toulouse Hoard dating to 1311-22 period. Therefore they categorise this issue before the Ellesfield coinage of 1319. Finally they note the Mint was operated by the Italian banking Society of the Frescobaldi at this time, in repayment of debts owed by Edward II accounting for a revision in design.

Provenance:
Ex Monnaies d'Antan, France, Auction 9, 12^th May 2011, lot 852.

Ex Michael Joffre Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XVIII, 6^th January 2015, lot 1795.