Aberystwyth groats

[pokal02]

I know 3 different busts were used for these.  I can't trace any info as to whether they were consecutive or concurrent, and if the former, can any of them be narrowed down more specifically than 1638-42 for an issue date?   

[Rob]

Morrieson took the view that as they were issued as a result of the indenture dated 22nd Feb 1637-8 and have an inner circle, this means the inner circle can be taken to have been adopted around this date. (The early coins had no inner circle as per the group E shillings at the tower mint which were struck during tun).

Morrieson was unable to allocate the two lace collar busts to a specific period, and confessed to finding it odd that the two appeared to be concurrent. So it would appear to be for a 2 year period from around the beginning of 1638 to the turn of 1640, but possibly a bit later. 

Based on the style of bands/plumes, he believed the small bust paired with a reverse similar to his sixpence no.3 was issued around Christmas 1639.

The legend reading MAG he concluded was produced around the same time as the corresponding shilling, i.e.1639-40.

The armoured bust is known paired with the Oxford reverse, so must have been last. Morrieson dates this 1640 to September 1642 when the mint moved away.

The whole issue would probably benefit from a review of the evidence. There are images of groats in spades thanks to the internet, so it might be possible to corroborate or refute Morrieson's assertions with relative ease because hi-res images allow you to see punch degradation and die wear. With £13069 face produced at Aberystwyth over the 4 years, there should be no shortage of research material. 

[pokal02]

Thanks Rob.  A bit confusing that Spink puts the last bust in the middle!