The Ilger moneyer was active during the reign of King John of England (1199–1216) and worked at the London Mint. He produced Short Cross pennies, a series of coins that were minted between 1180 and 1247. These pennies were part of the Short Cross coinage system, so named because the cross on the reverse of the coin does not extend to the edge.
The specific coin in question is from Class 6a1, one of the subdivisions of the Short Cross series. Class 6a1 coins are associated with the later part of King John’s reign, around 1210–1213. These coins display a portrait of the king on the obverse, and on the reverse, they bear the name of the moneyer and mint. In this case, the coin is marked with “ILGER ON LVND”, indicating that it was minted by Ilger in London.
Class 6a1 pennies are notable for their fine detail and are sought after by collectors due to their historical significance and connection to King John’s turbulent reign, particularly during a period marked by tension with the barons and the lead-up to the Magna Carta.
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