Casgliadau Arlein

Obverse. King Henry III seated on a low throne, wearing a crown of three crosses or fleurs-de-lis, a short-sleeved over-dress reaching beyond his knees and belted; his arms extended, the right hand holding a long sword almost erect, the left hand an orb surmounted by a tall floriated stem topped by a cross moline; the throne is ornamented with foliage and carved with two leopards’ heads in circular countersunk niches in the lower panel, and two wyverns’ heads similarly in the upper panel beneath the long cushion; the king’s feet rest upon two small lions, dext. dormant, sin. couchant guardant, all on a projecting foot-board. (Much of the detail is lost on this impression). Wyon points out that the title, ‘Dominus Hybernie’, in the legend reminds us that Henry claimed to be supreme ruler of Ireland, but was not crowned as such. In the legends is seen a transition from Roman to Lombardic Capital script.

WA_SC 17.1