Obverse:

HENRC DI GRA REX ANG, Facing king, enthroned holding orb and sceptre. Throne with two pillars, no crozier.

Reverse:

CIVTAS DIRHAM. Cross fourchee over royal shield. D S to sides, crozier above.

A small edge nick otherwise very fine, toned and scarce in this condition. Allen 193 (type 1ii).

Allen suggests that all Bishop John Shirwood pennies were struck between 1489 and 1492 using one supply of dies, though production may have continued until the bishop’s death in 1494. Shirwood became bishop during the reign of Richard III, and it has been suggested that he was aware of the situation with the Princes in the Tower but took no action on their behalf.