Sterling - John the Blind

This undated esterlin is part of the imitations of English pieces, struck under Jean the Blind who was known as an illustrious forger. They were imported massively into England, and caused great harm.
"Of low weight and alloy, the John the Blind esterlins ended up seriously threatening the economy of England" (Weiller, p. 23). "The people (English) soon referred to them as "lushbournes" or "lussenburgers" (BV, p. 100)

Of the 36 pieces listed by Weiller, 17 are in medal cabinets in England (8 in Luxembourg). 13 coins found during treasure discoveries, including 12 in England.

John the Blind dominated a small part of Poland (Silesia) and claimed the title of King of Poland.
The reason why he calls himself King of Poland P O˘L˘O on the piece of this sheet. The true King of Poland, Casimir III the Great, paid him on August 24th, 1333, a considerable sum of 20,000 marks of silver, solely to obtain from him that he cease to adorn himself with that title. It is therefore certain that this type was struck before that date (BV, p. 94)

Average weight of 32 pieces: 1.33 g. ( Weiller, p. 26)
Extreme weight: 1.01 g. (personal measurement) and 1.55 g. ( BV, p. 111 )

Variants of the legend and punctuation:
Obverse (6):
a. +IOhANnES DEI GRA' (e closed, sometimes И instead of N)
b. +IOhANnES DEI GRA (e open)
c. +IOnAИnES DEI GRA' (e open)
d. +IOhANnES: DEI: GRA' (e closed)
e. +⋮IOhAИnES DEI GRA (e closed)
f. +IOhAnNE: S⋮ DEI⋮ GRA' (e open)

Reverse (5):
a. REX BO˘E ETP O˘L˘O (e closed)
b. REX BOE ETP OLŌ (e closed)
c. REX BO˘E ETP O˘L˘O (e open)
d. REX BOˆE ETP OˆLˆO (e closed)
e. REX BOE ETP OLO (e open)

Nine different combinations identified.

Some sales:
 

• Aurea Auc. 50 l.530
   
• Auktionen Meister & Sonntag Auc. 11 l.379